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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.

Airbnb Unveils Reserve Now, Pay Later Option For U.S. Guests

Introduction

Airbnb has introduced an innovative payment solution designed to enhance user flexibility for U.S. travellers. The new “Reserve Now, Pay Later” feature enables users to secure a booking without an upfront payment, offering a streamlined cancellation process should plans change.

Flexible Payment Terms

This new option applies to listings that feature either flexible or moderate cancellation policies. Under a flexible policy, guests can cancel their reservation up to 24 hours before check-in, while a moderate policy offers no-fee cancellations until five days prior to arrival.

Payment Timing and Reminders

Regardless of the cancellation window, guests are obligated to complete the full payment before the expiration of the free cancellation period. Airbnb ensures a smooth experience by sending timely payment reminders to avoid any last-minute issues.

Evolution of Airbnb’s Payment Solutions

This initiative builds on Airbnb’s previous forays into flexible payment structures. In 2018, the company offered a partial upfront payment model, and more recently, a collaboration with Klarna enabled guests to pay in four installments over six weeks. Such strategic advancements demonstrate Airbnb’s commitment to adapting and refining its payment solutions to meet evolving consumer demands.

Consumer Insight Driving Innovation

Airbnb’s decision to launch the “Reserve Now, Pay Later” feature reflects robust consumer demand, with recent surveys indicating that 55% of respondents prefer flexible payment options. Additionally, 42% noted missed opportunities due to payment complexities when coordinating with travel companions, underlining the need for simplified financial arrangements.

Conclusion

By enhancing payment flexibility, Airbnb not only broadens its appeal but also addresses critical customer pain points, reinforcing its position as a leader in the evolving travel market. This initiative exemplifies how strategic innovation can drive customer satisfaction in an increasingly competitive landscape.

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