OR Energy and Climate Crisisalong with the growing need for sustainable developmentthey rapidly remodel the Greek tourist landscape. Both large hotel chains and smaller accommodation are now forced to review their operational strategy. OR Reduction of environmental footprint And the adoption of smart, energy efficient technologies are now a priority.

The benefits, however, are not limited to environmental protection or improving energy efficiency. The substantive Reduce operating costsupgrading infrastructure and attracting travelers with ecological consciousness, are shaping a new, more durable economic model for the tourism industry. This model does not depend solely on mass arrivals, but enhances stability in times of crisis or energy fluctuations.

Notable is the contribution of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and the team of building environment, studying and promoting ways to upgrade existing tourist buildings to “green”, economical and energy -efficient infrastructure.

According to the researcher of the NRC, Dr. Vasilis Douros, a naturally structured environment, the transition of tourism to green practices is also an opportunity to modernize: “Today, technology allows us to reduce energy consumption at a 72%hotel, reaching 120 kilowatts per square meter per year, according to the passive building (from 430 kWhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Such a change involves saving around € 30 per square meter per year, an amount particularly important for large tourist units.

Focuses on interventions in cooling and lighting

Data from scientific research shows that most of the carbon footprint in hotels is due to cooling and lighting. There and the first interventions must focus. Replacing LED lamps, using sensors and smart lighting programming quickly produce results at low cost. However, for cooling and heating, which accounts for almost 50% of energy consumption, more substantial structural changes are required, such as the reinforcement of the shell with thermal insulation and the avoidance of thermal bridges.

Priority Green Transition for Greek Hotels

OR environmental protection It is now a strategic goal for the country’s hotel industry. As Konstantinos Marinakos, Vice President of Pox and Associate Professor of the Department of Tourism Management of PADA, points out, in 2024 total investments in Greek hotels exceeded 1 billion euros – with 20% involving energy upgrades such as photovoltaic and photovoltaic projects. Nevertheless, only 32% of hotels systematically monitor water consumption, while only 25% apply recycling policy. Climate crisis and lack of resources, especially in the islands, make it viability imperative.

An important step is the imminent New hotel ranking system Based on environmental performance, planned by the Hotel Chamber of Greece, in collaboration with the TEE and the Ministry of Tourism.

The example of the EKPA Student House and the research

The NCSR is not limited to theoretical knowledge, but applies innovative practices, as in the European project Progetone. Under the scientific supervision of Professor Margarita Niki Asimakopoulou, she is proceeding with the radical energy and anti -seismic upgrading of the student home. As Dr. Duros, “Energy consumption after renovation is almost zero, while combining functionality, architectural integrity and social inclusion”.

Mrs Asimakopoulou adds that “Upgrading the building stock is a dual challenge for the research and training of young scientists. Rational use of energy and environmental consciousness are crucial factors, not only for new constructions but also for existing units, which are called upon to adapt to the regulations and train their users. “.

Climate Change: Reality and Tourism Adaptation

OR climate change It is now a reality that directly affects the Greek tourism industry. In many areas, increasing temperatures and frequent heatwaves can hurt the attractiveness of traditional summer destinations. In some cases, however, the extension of the warm season can increase the duration of the tourist season, especially for mountain resorts. The ‘Diptych of the Sun-Sea’ It is now facing new challenges, such as rising sea levels and movements to adapt tourist infrastructure.

Many existing hotels, especially in the warmer areas, are characterized by low energy efficiency and high operating costs. However, this image is changing: The Ministry of Environment and Energy’s annual report shows that in the new or radically renovated temporary residence buildings, energy consumption has decreased by up to 50%, while the contribution of solar energy already reaches 35%.

Acceleration of change is necessary. European goals for reducing emissions by 2030 and climate neutrality by 2050 leave no room for complacency. As Dr. Duros, “Every time of delay increases costs and reduces the durability and competitiveness of Greek tourism”. The financial tools available by the Ministries of Tourism and the Environment, as well as the EU, provide support both the extension of the tourist season and to reduce the energy footprint of accommodation. The challenge is great, but the solutions exist – as long as we act immediately.