Title - Name
Montanema Handmade Village
Scope / Sector / Industry
Agro-tourism accommodation facility
Country / Region
Greece, Mouzaki, Karditsa
Why is it good practice?
Montanema Handmade Village is an agritourism accommodation provider that operates according to a business model directly linked to sustainable development. Recognising the importance of environmental protection for the sustainable development of tourism, the company has implemented an innovative environmental management system that demonstrates its commitment to developing a sustainable tourist destination, with regard to both the environment and the local community.
How is it applied?
Montanema Handmade Village is situated in Mouzaki, Karditsa, in the Agrafa mountains, and is a traditional hospitality “village” offering a variety of traditional accommodation options (houses, villas, maisonettes and mansions). The owners“ business objective was to create a ”village’ that would operate in harmony with the natural environment and local traditions, based on the principles of sustainability. The way in which the business operates and ensures its sustainable development can be summarised as follows:
1. Strengthening the local economy: The company chooses to work with local suppliers, both for construction and repair work and for the purchase of products. It works with many local food producers, thereby strengthening the local economy and promoting Greek cuisine.
2. Energy efficiency: In order to reduce energy consumption, it implements the following measures:
- All buildings have been designed in accordance with the principles of bioclimatic architecture and sustainable building. The accommodation units are highly insulated to ensure lower energy consumption. The energy used by the heating system comes from renewable sources, and digital thermostats have been installed so that the heating can be programmed and regulated. The fireplaces are also energy-efficient, and guests can minimise heat loss by keeping the windows closed and using the wood sparingly.
- Installation of an energy recovery system utilising air conditioning and ventilation from internal communal areas for the purpose of heating or cooling domestic water.
- Ensuring a supply of hot water from solar panels.
- Installation of an energy recovery system utilising air conditioning and ventilation from internal communal areas for the purpose of heating or cooling domestic water.
- Replacement of electricity with gas in all kitchens and main laundry facilities. At the same time, many kitchens use wood for cooking.
- Replacement of incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs.
- Installation of energy-efficient electrical equipment (A+++ systems).
3. Reduction of water consumption and liquid waste management: The hotel is situated in a location that allows it to draw its water supply directly from natural sources without treatment. However, due to the hotel’s proximity to an ecosystem protected under the Natura Directive, the hotel not only endeavours to reduce water consumption but also to treat liquid waste effectively. Measures relating to water and waste management include:
- Reduction in the use of surfactants and their replacement with handmade soaps and detergents containing lower concentrations of phosphorus, alongside the reuse of used oils.
- Automated watering of the hotel’s green spaces at night to prevent the morning sun from causing water loss through evaporation.
- Implementation of drip irrigation systems.
- Implementation of the “Wash on Demand” policy. In particular, guests’ towels are only replaced if they have been left on the floor, and bed linen only when it bears the special marking.
- Cleaning the pool by hand and avoiding frequent water changes.
- Staff training in water-saving techniques.
4. Food Disposal Policy: Food that has been cooked but not eaten at the buffet is offered to restaurant staff, whilst surplus food is composted on the hotel premises.
5. Reduce paper consumption: Reduce paper consumption by removing most printed materials (e.g. welcome cards, room lists, notepads, envelopes, etc.) and use environmentally friendly paper for all printing.
6. Reducing Plastic: Minimising the use of plastic and recycling it.
7. Sustainable landscape management: The company makes use of what nature provides without placing pressure on natural capital. In particular, it utilised local stone and timber from the area, and employed “Kurasani” – a traditional, strong and eco-friendly building material – whilst the floors are made of fired clay, a 100% natural, recyclable material. Both in the construction of the road and in the initial design of the project, the estate’s flora was taken into account and intervention was kept to a minimum. At the same time, a large number of local trees and shrubs were planted, ensuring that the surrounding area blends harmoniously with nature.
8. Protection of Biodiversity: In line with the principles of the EU Council, the company employs methods of organic production and the recycling of organic materials (composting).
9. Employees: The company employs a local workforce, who are trained to protect local biodiversity and minimise waste.
10. Visitors: Visitors have the opportunity to take part in environmental initiatives, in order to help protect the environment and strengthen the local community.
In addition to the hotel’s sustainable management, particular emphasis is placed on creating authentic rural experiences, rooted in local tradition and culture. In this context, it offers homemade delicacies made with ingredients from its own vegetable garden or sourced from local producers, such as fresh, homemade bread baked in the lodge’s wood-fired oven, local cheeses, traditional pies, free-range meats, traditional dishes and local homemade sweets that bring visitors closer to the flavours of the mountains. The meals are accompanied by tsipouro distilled on the premises, wine supplied by a small local winery, and herbal teas gathered from the Agrafa mountains. The ingredients used depend on what the season has to offer, so the menu changes with the seasons.
The company also places great importance on developing activities that bring visitors closer to nature and the countryside. In particular, it organises picnics in various parts of the forest, guided hikes along local trails (six hiking trails are recommended), and fruit and mushroom foraging, led by a guide who explains their beneficial properties. It also offers courses in archery, handmade cosmetics and natural soap made from mountain ingredients, cheese-making and traditional cooking led by local women, and organises themed wine evenings and other events. Finally, it suggests alternative activities at Lake Plastira and in the wider area (e.g. horse riding, canoeing, pedalos, fishing, hang-gliding, paragliding) in collaboration with local companies.
Where is it applied?
Montanema Handmade Village is aimed at anyone who wants to enjoy a “slow” experience, in complete harmony with nature and engaging all their senses.
When did it apply?
Montanema Handmade Village began operating in 2014.
Other information
Montanema Handmade Village has set up the Greet Team, which is responsible for sorting rubbish for recycling, watering the lawn and vegetable garden properly in the early morning, cleaning and maintaining the paths, looking after and feeding the farm animals with organic kitchen waste, carrying out regular checks on the cars to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and cultivating raw materials.
The official website of Montanema Handmade Village is: https://www.montanema.gr/el/