Sustainability and Energy Use in Small Scale Greek Hotels: Energy Saving Strategiesand Environmental Policies

In the era of climate change, with global interest focused more and more on renewable energy sources and environmental protection, this paperfocuses on a building type with increased energy use: hotels. Initially, global tourism facts and international case studies are presented, illustrating sustainable strategies employed in hotel design to reduce energy consumption. Several decisions/actions taken are presented, illustrating the benefits of a more sustainable tourist product throughout the world, and the effect that has on the guest and the environment. The paper then focuses on Greece, where tourism is the most important industry of the country's economy. Through the presentation of successful case studies, the research presents a list of strategies that are often used in Greek hotels. By discussing compatible and environmentally conscious alternatives, the need for an increased use of Renewable Energy Technologies (RET) combined with sustainable design is emphasized. This work concludes with tables of available strategies per category for new and existing buildings, which can be used by environmental engineers, designersas well as hotel owners in order to draw a plan of actions towards energy conservation and thus the upgrading of the tourist product.The aim of this research is to illustrate that following an energy audit, every hotel owner can decide upon a series of actions with a short payback period, resulting in financial savings and an attractive and, most importantly, sustainable tourist product.