Ikos Resorts has announced its new “Ikos Green” program, detailing the brand’s commitment to sustainability and the local community in line with the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As Ikos Resorts starts to welcome guests back to its luxury all-inclusive resorts this season, the commitment to sustainability remains a key focus, it says.
“Ikos Green” is built around four pillars: The commitment to greener operations; developing eco-learning programs for children and teenagers; the commitment to local products, including partnerships with local restaurants; and the commitment to the environment and communities beyond the hotel grounds.
In 2020, Ikos Resorts aims reduce reducing water and energy consumption by a further 5 percent, reducing the use of plastic even further, increasing recycling rates, extending the zero-waste program and aligning its sustainability programs with all the U.N.’s SDGs.
Supporting Local Producers and Restaurants
Ikos Dassia
Ikos Resorts says it aims to use locally sourced products where possible and wants to increase this in 2020. Over half of the products currently used at the resorts are sourced locally or domestically from individual farmers, small businesses and cooperatives in Greece. The Ikos olive oil, honey and wine product range guests can enjoy at the resorts are all a sample of this.
A partner of the Thought for Food initiative by The Bodossaki Foundation, Ikos Resorts also financially supports four local producers in Halkidiki, equipping them to grow and reach larger markets with a focus on beekeeping, olive products, tsipouro (a Greek un-aged brandy) and cheese production.
The group also supports restaurants near each resort through the Dine Out program, which allows guests to enjoy restaurants outside of the resorts as part of their all-inclusive stay, helping boost the local economy.
Eco-Learning Programs at the Kids Clubs
Guests staying at the resorts can partake in a variety of environmental experiences. Eco-adventures in the local area are available for guests of all ages, including birdwatching and hiking. Two dedicated eco-learning programs at its Mini Clubs, for children ages four to 11, and Teen Clubs, for 12-plus, will have children explore the biodiversity of each resort and learn about local customs by becoming marine scientists or explorers for the day.
Greener Operations
Ikos Andalusia
Ikos Resorts says it invests in a wide range of sustainability initiatives to achieve greener operations and plans to increase this further in 2020. Last year, the group recycled more than 440 tons of materials and implemented a zero-waste initiative at Ikos Dassia in Corfu, converting over 270 tons of organic waste through a wastewater treatment facility.
Sustainable practices in place include the elimination of U.N.-banned single-use plastic, a three-stage wastewater treatment plant for recycling water, training all staff in energy and carbon management, and using systems such as KNX and BMS and 99 percent LED lighting.
Ikos Olivia opened for the 2020 season on July 1. The new Ikos Andalusia in Spain will open its doors for the first time on September 1, 2020. Opening dates for Ikos Oceania, Ikos Dassia and Ikos Aria will be announced in the coming weeks.
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