Get to know our team! Interview #8 Green Evolution
A few words about Green Evolution...
- Green Evolution (GE) was created in 2009 by a group of environmental, engineering, financial and legal experts who are specialists in environment, energy and carbon finance. Through innovative technical & financial services, Green Evolution’s vision is to help create a sustainable and secure future based on a carbon-neutral model. GE offers integrated environmental services, specialized technical-economic services related to sustainability, carbon finance, projects that exploit flexible mechanisms, renewable energy, energy conservation and energy efficiency and covers all needs with respect to energy inspection, carbon accounting and carbon/energy management. Its mission is to facilitate and assist all levels of government, private sector companies in their efforts to effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions, mitigate climate change, act responsible and transform the business model towards cyclic economy and sustainability.
- GE is participating as a Partner in National and EU co-founder projects : Holistic energy-efficient retrofitting of residential buildings (HERB) (HORIZON / 2011-2015), Boost sustainable tourism development and capacity of tourism SMEs through transnational cooperation and knowledge transfer (EU ECO-TANDEM) (COSME / 2020-2023), boost managerial, innovative, blue, green and digital skills of tourism WestMed SMEs but ultimately public and private stakeholders in charge of the promotion of EU and West European coastal and maritime destinations through specialized capacity building programme, knowledge and tech transfer, preparing the transfer of good practices and multiplying the results (ECO-CRUISING FU_TURISM) (COSME / 2022-2025).
Question 1
Tell us something about yourself and your role in the organization.
I am Ioannis PAPPAS, CEO & Co-Founder of GREEN EVOLUTION SA, and Director for Mediterranean Region of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). I am Mechanical Engineer, with PhD in Applied Mechanics, with over 30 years’ experience in several fields of science, focusing on Sustainability for Tourism, Energy and Environmental Efficiency in Infrastructure and Buildings, Advising in standardization of companies and technological implementation of climate adaptation and mitigation methodologies. Also, i have a role as Lead GSTC Assessor for Destinations, Auditor / Assessor for Sustainable Tourism Certification Standards, focusing on Hotels, Tour Operators and Destinations, Lead Trainer and Assessor for GSTC in Southeast Europe Region. I have participated in several groups of experts and peer committees on the Sustainable Tourism and Green Transition, while i am an experience trainer on Sustainability, Energy, Buildings and Tourism in Private and Public Universities around the globe. Finlly, I have participated as Senior Researcher in a large number of National and EU-Funded Projects on Sustainability.
Question 2
In which ways is your organisation committed to sustainability?
Green Evolution and its collaborators have worked in a number of applied research and technological development projects, demonstration and/or commercial application projects, energy policy studies, development of energy information systems and energy modelling, for Nearly Zero Energy Buildings (nZEB) and Passive House Standard, investment feasibility studies, techno-economic feasibility studies, environmental impact assessments, market research as well as activities for the promotion and dissemination of RES in Sustainable Buildings. Examples of RES applications are related with Wind, Solar, Biomass and Geothermal Energy, especially for off-grid or isolated areas. Green Evolution Staff and Partners have certifications in Energy Design and Consulting, like Certified Passive House Designer, Certified Passive House Consultant, LEED Consultant, European Energy Manager (EuReM) and more.
Question 3
Which are your personal motivations to join the team of EU ECO-TANDEM?
The GREEN EVOLUTION network participates in initiatives to raise awareness of all the stakeholders directly or indirectly about the importance of sustainable tourism and to assist them in local or regional decision-making in the areas of sustainable development policy. As a Sustainability Advisor of GREEN EVOLUTION and an SME owner, joining the team of EU ECO-TANDEM was in perfect alignment with the training solutions and advisory we offer as a company and a good opportunity for international cooperation and networking with SMEs in the field of sustainable travel and tourism.
Question 4
Why do you think sustainability represents a big potential for the tourism industry?
The tourism industry contributes significantly to the total energy consumption and the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Europe. Also, the growth of the tourism industry is exponential during the last decade, making the need for change in regard to sustainability ever greater. Specifically, the hotel industry alone needs to reduce its carbon emissions by 66 per cent per room by 2030, and by 90 per cent per room by 2050 to ensure that the growth forecast for the industry does not lead to a corresponding increase in carbon emissions. The industry will need to go even further to help limit warming to 1.5oC and avoid the very worst impacts of climate change
Question 5
Why should a tourism SME join the EU ECO-TANDEM programme?
- First of all, for the education and training provided since it focuses a wide range of topics in regard to sustainable tourism and circular economy, as well as industry specific skills improvement around the standards for sustainability in travel and tourism.
- For the great opportunity to be part of a worldwide network of companies and achieve transnational cooperation while building powerful connections in the tourism industry for boosting sustainable innovations.
Question 6
Describe the EU ECO-TANDEM programme in three words.
- Awareness
- Networking
- Capacity building
Question 7
A last question! Which is your favorite type of sustainable vacation?
My favorite type of sustainable vacation would be on an island, out of the 20 top destinations, in a small sustainable boutique hotel surrounded by nature. Of course this includes good local gastronomy and local excursions and activities.
THE EU ECO-TANDEM PROGRAMME
info@eu-ecotandem.eu
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