The Duke Boutique Hotel is the only Eco Certified Hotel in Gozo complying with all the requirements of the Malta Tourism Authority eco certification scheme which was launched in 2002 with the intention of creating more awareness and promoting good environmental practice amongst hotel operators. Ten years later the scheme evolved from a purely environmental scheme to one that promotes sustainability. The shift came about as a result of changing trends and the need to have a more holistic scheme which covers not just environmental good practice but also socioeconomic and cultural sustainability. This change also led to international recognition by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.

The main themes are effective sustainability planning, waste management, supporting local produce, maximizing social and economic benefits for the local community, conserving water and energy, quality health and safety, enhancing cultural heritage and reducing negative impacts to the environment.

If we all work together, we can make a difference!

Our approach to business is guided by commitments to the following principles: Leadership, Inclusivity, Transparency, Integrity and Continuous Improvement.

Our business faces daily challenges and opportunities.

We have made improvements to our structure and invested in machinery and equipment in order to minimize our impact on the environment.

• Our rooms are thermally insulated and sound proofed.

• All external windows and doors are double glazed with argon gas.

• Rooms have a rooms management system (REMS) with sensors to switch off air conditioning units and lights when no one is present in the room.

• Also, all bedroom doors and windows have sensors so energy is used efficiently.

• We use second class water for flushing toilets

• Toilets also have dual flush system

• We have a water reservoir for water collection

• All Bulbs in rooms and common areas are LEDs

• TV and all electronic equipment are energy saving

• Corridor lights are timer controlled

• Bedroom curtains have black out lining to reduce excess heat in the room

• Awnings are installed on south facing glass room doors to also reduce heat in the rooms

• Bathroom taps have filter system and are checked daily for dripping

• All rooms are non-smoking

• We monitor energy consumption on a daily basis

• We monitor water consumption on a daily basis

• We seperate waste

• We re-use papers at reception for in-house printing

• Printing paper is eco-sustainable

• We use refillable toners for printing

• We use eco-sustainable toilet paper

• Room amenity bottles are recycled and recycable

• Complimentary water bottles given on arrival are also recycled and recycable

• Single use plastic is not used

• We encourage the re use of towels and linen by our guests

• Local produce is used in the kitchen

• We grow our own herbs

• Local artists are promoted in rooms (local photography, local blown glass and leather products)

• Local artisan products (local foods, local blown glass and leather products) are sold at reception

• Local services are promoted on social media and website

We support

• On a monthly basis we host Café Sci meetings
• We sponsor local activities – operas, musicals, events and activities
• We promote local activities and events on our social media
• We support various local foundations such as: The Oasi Foundation, Marigold Foundation, Victoria Scouts Group, ALS Foundation
• We support local secondary and higher secondary schools with educational training including school visits and career exposure opportunities for school children.