TSOURLAKIS-BIRLIRAKIS AEXTE, proprietor of THEARTEMIS PALACE hotel on Markou Portaliou Street in Rethymno, Crete, has not only left an indelible mark on the island’s tourism sector but has done so with a steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility. The company has opted for a path that not only refrains from burdening the environment but actively safeguards it. This dedication extends beyond mere conservation, with a deliberate effort to champion culture, the intrinsic beauty of nature, and the overall well-being of our community members and valued partners.
The overarching goal remains resolute – to host our guests in an environment that seamlessly blends pleasure and safety within a modern and upscale setting. This adherence to excellence extends beyond the confines of our hotel as we aspire to be a catalyst for sustainable development on all fronts – ecological, societal, or economic. In this pursuit, TSOURLAKIS-BIRLIRAKIS AEXTE not only meets but exceeds high standards, fostering a culture of responsibility that actively involves our dedicated employees.
In 2008, THEARTEMIS PALACE hotel made pioneering strides in Greece’s hospitality sector by being one of the country’s first hotels to secure the esteemed international environmental label GREEN KEY. This accolade, established under the auspices of the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature, recognised the hotel’s dedication to environmental responsibility. The award signifies adherence to high standards and serves as a seal of approval for the environmental and social practices championed by the company. Since 2016, THEARTEMIS PALACE hotel has continued to exemplify its dedication to excellence by obtaining the Greek Breakfast certification. This certification attests to serving traditional and locally sourced products during breakfast, promoting authentic Greek culinary delights.
Recognising the pivotal role that a robust environmental and social policy plays in shaping the hotel’s identity, the management has taken proactive measures. A dedicated Safety and Quality Manager has been appointed to oversee compliance with these standards, ensuring alignment with partners who share our commitment. This individual not only coordinates with environmental groups but also spearheads initiatives such as organising seminars featuring external consultants and agencies. In the realm of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), TSOURLAKIS-BIRLIRAKIS AEXTE doesn’t merely embrace responsibility; it fosters positive change within our community. Financial support is extended to social services, ensuring their technological infrastructure remains up-to-date. We actively engage in and support a myriad of social initiatives led by the Municipality and Prefecture, as well as participate wholeheartedly in local sports and cultural events that enrich and showcase the vibrancy of our region.
As part of our philanthropic endeavours, we go beyond monetary contributions. TSOURLAKIS-BIRLIRAKIS AEXTE spearheads collections of funds, clothing, and essential items, distributing them to fellow citizens in need, hospitals, schools, and charitable institutions across Crete. The company also participates in the “KAPAKI NA KRATAS” initiative, where we’ve contributed wheelchairs for disabled individuals. Remarkably, these wheelchairs are a product of our collective effort in collecting plastic bottle caps at our hotel, reflecting our dedication to sustainability while making a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need. THEARTEMIS PALACE hotel, established in 1985, has been committed to environmental respect since its inception. The hotel, designed to blend seamlessly with Rethymno’s traditional architecture, reflects this mindset in various aspects of its construction and operations.
Using primarily natural materials such as stone, bricks, wood, marble, and tiles sourced locally, the hotel was built with thorough consideration for the environment. From the beginning, hygrothermal insulation was prioritised, and high-quality materials were selected for plumbing and electrical installations to prevent leaks and minimise environmental impact. The hotel is also connected to the city’s water and sewerage network. Throughout the years, renovations have further enhanced the hotel’s sustainability efforts. Upgrades include heat-insulating and sound-insulating frames, ecological construction materials, and the replacement of old wooden surfaces with glass. The commitment to energy efficiency is evident in the use of LED lamps, motion sensors in shared toilets, automatic lifts, and state-of-the-art air conditioners and refrigeration chambers with ecological freon.
The hotel has embraced eco-friendly practices in its daily operations. Solar panels contribute to water heating, and LPG is used for kitchen and pastry shop appliances. Professional refrigerators and ovens in preparation rooms feature thermal insulation walls, while extractor hoods and dishwashers incorporate low-consumption motors and modern technology for energy and water savings. The kitchen boasts a state-of-the-art blast chiller, facilitating economic, rapid freezing for the safe and efficient cooling and preservation of food. In the latest renovation, the hotel undertook measures to enhance safety and environmental sustainability by reducing the depth of its swimming pools in alignment with modern standards. This promotes water conservation and minimises the need for excessive chlorine and chemicals during maintenance. The chlorination and desalination processes for the circulating water are regulated to prevent any misuse that could harm the environment and compromise the well-being of facility users. The pools have water recycling filters and an automated temperature recovery system.
Furthermore, the maintenance team conducts daily inspections of the network, pools, and all installed equipment to identify and address any damages or leaks promptly. Collaborating with department heads, they maintain detailed temperatures, damages, and chemical usage records. Additionally, comprehensive logs of the hotel’s electricity, water, gas, and oil consumption measurements are kept for effective resource management. In our guest rooms, we’ve implemented a digital system utilising key cards to disconnect the energy supply automatically when guests are absent. Additionally, sensors have been integrated to halt air conditioner operation when windows are opened, promoting energy efficiency. In 2018, we embraced a “smart hotel” motion sensor system that intelligently adjusts air conditioner temperatures based on guest presence, optimising comfort and energy conservation, especially during periods of inactivity such as sleep.
Furthermore, we’ve upgraded bathroom faucets, with 70% of our rooms featuring low and high-flow buttons for water conservation. We exclusively use branded, certified mattresses, pillows, and white goods crafted from natural materials, ensuring they are hypoallergenic and environmentally friendly. Our room refrigerators adhere to legal standards, consuming no more than 1 kWh per day, and are automatically switched off when rooms are unoccupied. In shared spaces and preparation rooms, lights and air conditioning are turned off when not in use, contributing to energy conservation. Notably, our cleaning practices have been revamped with the adoption of microfiber cloths and towels, which require less water during usage and replace traditional equipment like mops and dusters, aligning with our dedication to sustainable and eco-friendly operations.
To enhance customer awareness of environmental conservation during their stay, we provide informative materials in rooms and various areas of the hotel. We recommend local bicycle rental companies and walking routes in Rethymno’s hinterland, encouraging guests to explore and appreciate the region’s natural beauty. Our adherence to water and energy conservation is reflected in suggested practices, such as reusing linens to reduce daily changes. Recycling initiatives are prominently featured, with information on recycling points for packaging, batteries, and electrical gadgets conveniently accessible to guests.
We’ve established partnerships to dispose of different materials responsibly in managing waste. A contracted private company collects glass, while other packaging and general hotel operational waste is appropriately sorted and deposited in municipal bins. AFIS handles batteries, and electrical devices and lamps find their way to ANAKIKLOSI S.A. for proper processing. Industrial oils, greases, and large transformer batteries are entrusted to an approved company that collects and transports hazardous materials. Used kitchen oils are directed to a recycling company. Unused medications from department first aid kits and those left by departing guests are thoughtfully collected. Usable items are donated to the Community Clinic, while the rest are safely disposed of through collaboration with a local pharmacy.
Ink and toner cartridges from printers and photocopiers undergo a sustainable cycle – refilled and ultimately recycled. Old or worn-out metal equipment finds a second life through responsible disposal with a reputable scrap company. At THEARTEMIS PALACE hotel, we prioritise prevention over treatment, fostering seamless communication between departments through email instead of traditional memos. Our electronic reservation system, ALEXANDROS, streamlines room bookings and significantly reduces paper usage during check-in. We’ve also implemented a POS system to organise food departments, supply distribution, and order receipts, eliminating the need for paper pads in the restaurant and bar and extensive paperwork in warehouse management and inventories.
Environmental consciousness extends to our water and beverage practices. With three water filters strategically placed (kitchen, main restaurant, and staff restaurant) and two post-mix machines for beverages in the bar and restaurant, we’ve substantially reduced reliance on plastic and glass bottles. Cloth towels replace paper counterparts during lunch and dinner; paper towel usage is restricted to breakfast. Tables are adorned with washable tablecloths or placemats. Our restaurant tables feature multi-purpose serving items, and we’ve made a concerted effort to reduce individual plastic packaging. In the pool area, multi-purpose plastics are utilised, and we’ve transitioned to biodegradable straws and glasses where necessary.
As part of our annual tradition, we actively engage our friends and customers on social media every July, promoting the “PLASTIC FREE JULY” trend. We encourage them to “skip the straw” and avoid other small plastic items, fostering a global collective effort toward sustainability. All hotel clothing is laundered and ironed on-site using LPG-powered machines, a conscious effort to save natural resources. We also use environmentally friendly detergents dispensed through automatic systems, ensuring worker safety and preventing misuse that could harm water resources—all in compliance with the safety standards of the European Union.
During their stay, guests at THEARTEMIS PALACE hotel enjoy an immersive cultural experience through our menu, which predominantly features a diverse array of fresh, local products, dishes, and wines sourced from domestic suppliers and small producers. This not only promotes the rich offerings of our country but also minimises the energy footprint associated with the transportation of raw materials, contributing to the strength of the local economy. Our breakfast buffet proudly carries the Greek Breakfast certification, affirming the quality and locality of the items offered. The adherence to the ISO 22000 standard across all food departments ensures the safe, correct, and comprehensive management of raw materials, reducing damage and unnecessary waste during meal preparation and service.
The hotel’s surrounding areas have local, climate-resistant plants with minimal water requirements. Electronic sprinklers (injectors) are employed for efficient watering, while areas without installations are tended to with watering cans. Coffee filter residue from restaurant machines is often utilised instead of traditional fertilisers, and our garden care machines incorporate catalysts for sustainability. A dedicated garden corner is cultivated with Cretan herbs and plants, complemented by a QR CODE board. This innovative feature allows visitors to scan with their mobile phones, unveiling the names and properties of the herbs—an interactive experience that further enriches their stay at THEARTEMIS PALACE hotel.
In strict adherence to Greek and international legislation, THEARTEMIS PALACE diligently upholds all required operating licenses for its facilities and departments, ensuring the highest hygiene and safety standards for employees and customers. Notably, our health-centric facilities have been certified with ISO 22000 by TUV Austria since 2007. The comprehensive supervision of the entire hotel unit, covering technical aspects and matters of safety, management, and risk management, is entrusted to ERGOPROLIPSIS.
We believe in the proactive empowerment of our staff, conducting annual seminars that cover a spectrum of crucial topics, including food safety, proper use of equipment and chemicals, sustainable development, emergency and natural disaster safety measures, pandemic response, and first aid. Practical training sessions on rescue techniques and building evacuation further enhance our team’s skill set. Acknowledging our responsibility to the broader community, we address matters of social interest, such as domestic violence and sexual harassment, through thorough information dissemination, fostering awareness and ensuring a safe environment within and outside the hotel.
In a notable initiative, we established a Blood Bank for our employees through coordinated voluntary blood donation events at the hotel from 2007 to 2017, underscoring our commitment to their health and well-being. Regarding employment practices, we prioritise local hires and actively support individuals with special needs and those facing social difficulties. Our commitment to diversity and inclusivity is unwavering, as we do not discriminate based on gender, sexual orientation, nationality, or religious beliefs.
Our employees enjoy all the benefits and wages mandated by Greek legislation, and our Personnel Office serves as a conduit for open dialogue and cooperation with the Administration and Management. This ensures the immediate resolution of any disputes related to professional attrition and provides moral and material assistance when needed. As a testament to our appreciation for our team’s dedication, the management annually rewards the top five employees from various departments at the end of each season, complemented by financing their well-deserved excursions.