Best Practices in Greece
It’s a Greek NGO that has received awards for its work, was established in 2010 as a citizens’ initiative. Its objective is to bring about transformative change in society, with a focus on fairness and resilience, as outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
This is accomplished through active involvement with local governing bodies, higher levels of government, civil society, grassroots communities, philanthropic foundations, the private sector, and academic institutions.
Its primary focus lies in advocating for nature-based solutions that contribute to climate-neutral and inclusive urban environments. These solutions include the creation of pocket parks, urban forests, community gardens, and green roofs, as well as the implementation of development programs targeting marginalized social groups.
For more than a decade, Organization Earth has been managing the Center of the Earth, an educational center dedicated to cultivating green skills. Through this hub, they provide interactive learning programs and community-driven initiatives.
It’s a sustainable public space open to all, where everyone has free access and can participate in a multitude of cultural, educational, athletic, environmental and recreational activities and events.
How does the SNFCC contribute to environmental sustainability?
Water: The green spaces are irrigated; special systems are implemented for non-potable water and for the seawater used in the Canal.
Energy: The energy efficiency initiatives of the SNFCC lead to a 40% reduction of energy compared to what a similar building complex would consume without their implementation. The smart heating, air conditioning, lighting systems are designed to save energy.
Energy canopy: The canopy, with a dimension of 100×100 meters, occupies ten acres. The canopy is covered by 5,700 solar panels and can produce up to 2.2 gigawatt hours (GWh) per year, contributing substantially to meeting the energy needs of the SNFCC, as well as to minimizing CO2 emissions. In certain periods of time, the production of the shelter can even cover 100% of the SNFCC’s energy needs.
Sustainable mobility: For the SNFCC, sustainable mobility is a constant goal with the main vehicle being the cultivation of a cycling culture and the use of bicycles as a means of transportation, exercise and entertainment.
Recycling: It has developed procedures that encourage recycling both by the people who work in it and by those who visit it.
Environmental Unit: For a more effective environmental management, a special Environmental Unit has been established, while all employees participate substantially in ensuring the sustainability of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre.
Private distinctions: The SNFCC is the first large-scale cultural project to achieve LEED Platinum certification in Europe. Its certification was the result of its innovative architecture and the integration of active and passive technologies that make it one of the most environmentally sustainable buildings in the world.
Source: https://www.snfcc.org/en