Climate Change Data

VARNIKOS S.A. (NJV Athens Plaza Hotel)

Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2020-2022, 2023)

Reporting Period: 2020-2022

Environmental Metrics

ESG Focus Areas

  • Environmental Sustainability
  • Social Responsibility
  • Governance

Environmental Achievements

  • Reduced total annual primary energy consumption by 11.35% in 2022 compared to 2019.
  • Reduced total water use per night by 11% in 2022 compared to 2021 and 5.8% compared to 2020.
  • Improved waste management and increased recycling rates in 2022 compared to previous years.
  • Reduced total greenhouse gas emissions by 22.6% in 2020 and by 3.07% in 2021 compared to 2019.

Social Achievements

  • Secured all jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Provided extensive training to staff on CSR, sustainability, GDPR, workplace safety, and first aid.
  • Offered ongoing social actions such as providing food to disadvantaged families and supporting homeless individuals.
  • Supported students studying tourism and participated in charity sporting events.

Governance Achievements

  • Established a Sustainability or Green Committee to develop and implement sustainable policies.
  • Implemented a code of ethics emphasizing transparency, personal responsibility, continuous learning, and customization of work.
  • Published annual Corporate Responsibility Reports since 2018, adhering to GRI standards and UN SDGs.

Climate Goals & Targets

Long-term Goals:
  • Net-zero emissions (implied by alignment with Race to Zero COP26)
Medium-term Goals:
  • Achieve sustainable development, high-quality processes, and gas emission reduction by 2030, aligning with the European Green Deal.

Environmental Challenges

  • COVID-19 pandemic impacting operations and bookings.
  • Energy crisis in 2022 due to the Ukrainian conflict, leading to increased operating costs.
  • Last-minute bookings in 2022 due to the ongoing pandemic.
Mitigation Strategies
  • Maintained hotel operations during the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Implemented a sustainability strategy to manage increased operating costs and maintain profitability.
  • Maintained quality of services with a satisfied and compact workforce.

Supply Chain Management

Responsible Procurement
  • Partners/suppliers are accredited according to ISO 14001 or apply environmentally conscious procedures.

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: GRI

Certifications: EARTHCHECK Evaluate Plus, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 50001, ISO 22000, Greek Breakfast

Awards & Recognition

  • PREFERRED HOTELS & RESORTS, 1st International Sustainability Award 2020
  • GIFTTS (Great Initiatives for Today's [Tomorrows] Society) Pineapple Award 2020
  • HELLENIC RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS AWARD 2021/ Gold Award
  • CSR LOYALTY AWARD 2020, BEST CSR Loyalty Award 2020/Silver Award
  • BEST GREEK BUSINESS CITY HOTEL 2020 / Silver Award
  • Excellence in Community Service
  • Excellence in Philanthropy
  • Bravo (Society)
  • Hospitality Awards (Best Greek Sustainable Hotel)
  • Tourism Awards (Community)
  • CSR Awards

Reporting Period: 2023

Environmental Metrics

Total Carbon Emissions:834,596,297 kg (Scope 1 & 2)
Total Energy Consumption:3,810,168.41 kWh (Electricity and Natural Gas)
Water Consumption:23,533.00 m³
Waste Generated:77,930 KG (excluding other waste categories like lamps, paper, metals etc.)

ESG Focus Areas

  • Environmental
  • Social
  • Governance

Environmental Achievements

  • Implemented energy efficiency measures contributing to carbon footprint reduction
  • Improved water conservation practices, including installation of water conservation equipment
  • Implemented waste reduction and recycling programs minimizing environmental impact
  • Installed an integrated system for monitoring and improving environmental performance

Social Achievements

  • Successfully implemented programs for the voluntary exit of staff, financially supporting workers nearing retirement
  • Developed targeted training programs for younger staff to integrate them into the organization's culture
  • Provided food donations to institutions and families in need
  • Provided goods to the homeless, elderly, and refugees through recognized NGOs
  • Offered help and opportunities to tourism students

Governance Achievements

  • Obtained ISO 14001 (environmental management), ISO 45001 (occupational health and safety), and ISO 50001 (energy management) certifications
  • Working towards obtaining GSTC Certification
  • Renovated 50 rooms to minimize environmental footprint and create smart rooms

Climate Goals & Targets

Long-term Goals:
  • Net-zero emissions by 2050
Medium-term Goals:
  • 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030

Environmental Challenges

  • Pressure on bookings due to the war in Israel in October 2023
Mitigation Strategies
  • Maintained quality of services with a satisfied and solid human force due to sustainability strategy

Supply Chain Management

Responsible Procurement
  • Cooperation with local suppliers

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: GRI

Certifications: ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 50001, ISO 22000, Greek Breakfast, EARTHCHECK Evaluate Plus