Opens in a new tab

Breaking news

Hellenic Bank Awarded Dual Environmental Certifications for Sustainability Efforts

Hellenic Bank has received dual environmental certifications this year, affirming its ongoing commitment to environmental protection and energy management.

The bank successfully completed the certification process for its Environmental Management System in line with the international ISO 14001 standard, as well as its Energy Management System under the ISO 50001 standard.

“With these two distinctions, Hellenic Bank has become the largest bank in Cyprus to achieve ISO 14001 certification, and remains the only bank in the country certified under ISO 50001 for all of its operations and activities across its buildings nationwide,” the bank said.

“These international standards, issued by the International Organisation for Standardisation, are recognised tools for effectively managing environmental impacts and for the continuous improvement of an organisation’s environmental performance.”

The announcement also mentioned that Hellenic Bank has held ISO 50001 certification since 2015, becoming the first organisation in Cyprus to receive it from the Cyprus Certification Company.

The Energy Management System provides a structured approach for the continuous improvement of energy performance, usage, and consumption.

The goal of this management approach is to reduce total greenhouse gas emissions by 45 per cent by the year 2030.

MOREOVER, the bank mentioned that the ISO 14001 certification “reinforces Hellenic Bank’s longstanding commitment to environmental protection, reducing its environmental footprint, and complying with relevant laws, regulations, and high environmental standards”.

“Hellenic Bank’s environmental strategy forms a central pillar of its corporate responsibility and is an integral part of its broader business strategy,” it added.

The dual certification now serves as a guide for adopting a holistic approach to managing environmental issues,” the announcement concluded.

€50 Million Luxury Resort Planned For Ayia Napa

Ayia Napa could strengthen its position in the premium tourism market with a proposed €50 million mixed-use resort combining a hotel, serviced apartments, luxury bungalows and a beach club.

Aesara Investments Ltd has submitted an information form to the Department of Environment for a development to operate under the name Atlantica Wavemaster Hospitality. The project is planned for the Limnara area of Ayia Napa, along the coast south of Kryou Nerou Avenue, between the town centre and Cape Greco.

Hotel, Apartments And Luxury Bungalows

The proposed resort will include a 324-room hotel with capacity for 648 guests, alongside a condo-hotel building containing 20 one- and two-bedroom apartments. Facilities are planned to include restaurants, bars, cafés, a spa with an indoor pool, a gym, shops, a multipurpose hall, a children’s club and a cinema.

A further 33 three-level luxury bungalows, each designed for two guests and featuring a private swimming pool, are planned for the southern part of the site. A beach club with a restaurant and an outdoor pool complex covering more than 6,300 square metres will also form part of the development.

The project includes 321 parking spaces, including 12 for people with disabilities, and 14,196 square metres of landscaped green space featuring local plant species.

Seasonal Hotel Operations And Year-Round Residences

The hotel is expected to operate from March to November, with peak occupancy during the summer season. The condo-hotel apartments, meanwhile, will be available for sale or long-term rental and intended for year-round residence. Owners and tenants will also have access to the resort’s facilities, including its pools, restaurants and fitness areas.

Construction is expected to take 24 months once the required permits are secured. At the busiest stage, the project could employ around 100 workers per day.

Environmental Restrictions Near Cape Greco

The site’s proximity to protected Natura 2000 areas has prompted strict environmental requirements. The Cape Greco Special Protection Area borders the site to the south, while a Special Area of Conservation lies approximately 50 metres away.

Conditions imposed by the Department of Environment include a maximum building height of five floors, or 18.5 metres, and restrictions on permanent structures near the coastline. The project must also use spider-web type glazing and low-intensity lighting to minimise disturbance to local birdlife.

According to the project’s consultants, the design has been prepared to comply with the environmental conditions and the final report on cumulative impacts for the Cape Greco Special Protection Area. The hotel and apartment building are positioned in the central and northern parts of the plot, away from the shoreline.

Within the designated no-build zone, located 40 metres from the boundary of the beach protection zone, only swimming pools are planned. The consultants state that these are not expected to affect protected species in the area.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties
Aretilaw firm
eCredo
Uol

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter