Santo Mine in Santorini earns LEED Gold Certification

SANTORINI, GREECE – Santo Mine Oia Suites, the sustainably-minded luxury hotel in Oia, Santorini, has been awarded LEED Gold. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is the most widely used green building rating system in the world and an international symbol of excellence.

“Sustainable development is one of the foundations upon which our company was built, and we are thrilled to receive such prestigious recognition for Santo Mine from the U. S. Green Building Council,” said Serafim Karouzakis, General Manager of Santo Collection Resorts & Villas, whose three properties on Santorini also include Santo Pure and The Villas by Santo Collection. “Achieving Gold recognition, one of the highest scores in LEED certification, is a significant milestone and a testament to our property’s unwavering commitment to sustainability.”

(Photo: Santo Collection)

Santo Mine achieved its LEED certification in January 2025 for implementing practical and measurable strategies and solutions within its building design. The LEED Gold certification of Santo Mine can be credited to eco-conscious considerations made during construction of the hotel. Key factors contributing to the certification include energy efficiency, sustainable site development, indoor environmental quality, water conservation, responsible material sourcing, and thoughtful location and transportation planning.

Through partnerships with local producers, the brand prioritizes organic regenerative farming practices that enhance soil health, conserve water, and eliminate reliance on chemical inputs, ensuring a sustainable food supply chain. The dedication to sustainability extends to the brand’s sourcing of eco-friendly materials and collaboration with ethical vendors to minimize environmental impact. Additionally, the hotel’s restaurant partners with a bioenergy company to convert organic waste into biogas, while on-site composting initiatives produce high-quality organic fertilizer for the hotel gardens. Other efforts include reducing energy and water consumption, improving water quality, preserving local biodiversity with “green roofs” and sustainable farming, as well as promoting social contributions.

(Photo: Santo Collection)

Noted Peter Templeton, President and CEO of USGBC: “Santo Mine’s LEED certification demonstrates tremendous green building leadership. LEED was created to make the world a better place and revolutionize our buildings and communities by providing everyone with access to healthy, green and high-performing buildings. Santo Mine is a prime example of how the innovative work of project teams can create local solutions that contribute to making a global difference.”

The article Santo Mine in Santorini earns LEED Gold Certification first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.