GreenHost Project Launches with Virtual Kickoff Meeting
The GreenHost project officially launched on December 12, 2024, with a dynamic virtual kickoff meeting hosted by PAIZ Konsulting. This Erasmus+ initiative brings together experts from five countries to revolutionize sustainability in the European lodging sector. By combining gamification, practical toolkits, and cross-border collaboration, GreenHost aims to inspire SMEs to adopt eco-friendly practices and drive meaningful change. Stay tuned as we embark on this transformative journey toward a greener hospitality industry!
On December 12, 2024, the GreenHost project officially launched with a virtual kickoff meeting hosted by PAIZ Konsulting. This marks the beginning of an ambitious Erasmus+ initiative that aims to inspire and support sustainability transformations in the European lodging sector. Through innovative approaches such as gamification, practical toolkits, and cross-border collaboration, the project seeks to empower SMEs and their staff to adopt eco-friendly practices.
The kickoff meeting brought together a diverse consortium of experts from five countries, representing organizations with deep expertise in sustainability, vocational education, and the lodging industry. These include PAIZ Konsulting (Poland), Fachhochschule des Mittelstands (Germany), Fondazione Toscana Sostenibile (Italy), YCCI Yambol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Bulgaria), and the Austrian Institute of Ecology (Austria). This diversity reflects GreenHost’s holistic and interdisciplinary approach to fostering green practices.
The day began with a warm welcome and introductions led by Artur Mazurek from PAIZ. Each partner shared their organizational background and outlined their motivations for participating in the project, emphasizing their shared commitment to creating impactful, sustainable changes. This was followed by an presentation which highlighted GreenHost's objectives and provided an overview of the project’s roadmap. Key goals include developing a gamified app to promote sustainable habits, creating a comprehensive toolkit for SME leaders, and fostering environmental awareness across the lodging sector.
The meeting continued with an in-depth discussion of the project’s work packages. Artur Mazurek presented the framework for analyzing current practices and expectations within the industry, setting the foundation for the project's practical outputs. Subsequent sessions delved into plans for awareness-building activities and the development of innovative tools to facilitate the green transformation of SMEs.
The day concluded with actionable next steps. Partners committed to launching the first research activity to assess sustainability practices and barriers within the lodging industry. Plans were also made for an upcoming workshop in Italy, which will coincide with the Skillman Conference in July 2025. This workshop aims to deepen collaboration and refine the project’s methodologies.
GreenHost’s mission is ambitious: to empower SMEs with practical tools, engage staff through gamified learning, and inspire long-term behavioral changes toward sustainability. The kickoff meeting showcased not only the consortium’s expertise but also their shared enthusiasm and commitment to making a meaningful impact.
With the groundwork laid and a clear vision in place, GreenHost is poised to transform the lodging industry’s approach to sustainability. Follow the project as it progresses and watch as it inspires greener practices across Europe!
