Sustainable Tourism Policies 2025

1. About the Report

Due to its location surrounded by natural and cultural richness, Birun Hotel has adopted sustainable tourism as a fundamental principle. Since the first day of its operations, the facility has been committed to minimizing environmental impacts, using natural resources efficiently, and making a positive contribution to society.

Start of Sustainability Efforts

Birun Hotel’s sustainability initiatives began with the goal of becoming an environmentally friendly hotel. In the initial phase, projects were developed in key areas such as energy and water conservation, waste management, and reduction of carbon footprint.

• Efforts to utilize renewable energy sources have been initiated, and LED lighting systems have been widely adopted to reduce electricity consumption.
• Water-saving policies have been implemented, and low-flow faucets and showerheads have been installed in guest rooms.
• Waste management and recycling practices have been established to ensure proper separation of waste generated within the hotel.

Energy Management

• Automatic sensor lighting systems are used in guest rooms and common areas to prevent unnecessary energy consumption.

Reduction of Chemical Use

• Environmentally friendly and biodegradable cleaning and hygiene products are preferred.

Employee and Guest Awareness Programs

• Sustainability trainings are provided to employees to raise environmental awareness within the hotel.
• Green accommodation guides will be prepared for guests, encouraging them to make eco-friendly choices during their stay.

Our Sustainability Mission and Vision

As Birun Hotel, we adopt an environmentally sensitive, socially responsible, and economically sustainable tourism approach to leave a more livable world for future generations.

✅ Our Mission:

• To establish a business model that minimizes environmental impacts while protecting natural resources.
• To raise awareness about sustainability among our employees, guests, and business partners.
• To protect the natural and cultural heritage of our region and work in cooperation with the local community.

✅ Our Vision:

• To become one of Türkiye’s leading sustainable tourism destinations.
• To obtain international environmental certifications through eco-friendly practices.
• To be among the most environmentally friendly hotels in the sector with a low carbon footprint, zero waste policy, and use of renewable energy.

Birun Hotel views sustainable tourism not as a trend but as a responsibility and continues to develop new projects each year in line with this vision.

2. Facility Introduction and Features

Birun Hotel is a five-star hotel located on Democracy and Freedoms Island (formerly Yassıada) in Istanbul. Situated in the middle of the Marmara Sea with a unique view of the Princes’ Islands, the island has witnessed one of the most significant turning points in Türkiye’s democratic history. Following the 27 May 1960 coup, trials held on the island left deep marks on Turkish political history, making it one of the symbolic locations of democracy.

In line with the decision taken in 2013, the island was redeveloped as “Democracy and Freedoms Island,” and museums, monuments, and exhibition areas were established to preserve its historical heritage. The Adnan Menderes Museum, Democracy Lighthouse, and Open-Air Exhibition Areas are among the venues presenting significant events of recent history to visitors.

Located at the heart of this historic atmosphere, Birun Hotel offers a unique accommodation experience that blends modern comfort with cultural memory. During their stay, guests can explore the island’s historical heritage and witness important milestones of Turkish democracy. The hotel provides exhibition halls, museum visits, access to historical monuments, and guided historical tours offering in-depth insights into the island’s past.

The facility has a total of 123 rooms with a capacity of 324 beds. It also features restaurants, outdoor dining areas, a patisserie, vitamin bar, observation terraces, exhibition halls, multi-purpose meeting and conference rooms, an indoor swimming pool, Turkish bath, sauna, steam room, massage units, fully equipped gym, men’s and women’s hairdressers, a helipad, and staff accommodation.

Transportation is provided daily via sea routes from Bostancı Mavi Marmara Pier. Birun Hotel offers not only a luxurious and comfortable stay but also an experience deeply intertwined with history, culture, and democratic values.

3. Sustainability Team
   
   

4. Reduction of Environmental Impacts

Birun Hotel implements sustainable environmental management strategies to achieve its goals under the headings of Waste Management, Energy Management, Water and Wastewater Management, Chemical Management, and Compliance with Legal Obligations.

Waste Management:

• Aims to reduce plastic waste by 2%.
• To reduce food waste by 20%, portion-controlled service is encouraged and leftover food will be donated.

Energy Management:

• Total energy consumption of the facility will be reduced by 1%.
• Motion-sensor lighting and energy-efficient bulbs will be used.
• Investments in renewable energy sources are planned to reduce the carbon footprint by 2%.

Water and Wastewater Management:

• Low-flow faucets and water-saving devices are widely used to reduce water consumption by 3%.
• The use of greywater systems for irrigation is planned by increasing wastewater recovery rates.

Chemical Management:

• The use of environmentally certified cleaning and hygiene products will be increased to minimize chemical consumption.
• Waste batteries and accumulators will be managed in compliance with regulations.

Compliance with Legal Obligations:

• The facility aims full compliance with all environmental regulations, including Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Environmental Permit and License Regulation, Zero Waste Regulation, Water Pollution Control Regulation, and Waste Management Regulation.
• Compliance is continuously monitored through regular internal and external audits.

Birun Hotel supports sustainable tourism through these targets and offers guests an environmentally friendly accommodation experience by minimizing environmental impacts.

Greenhouse gas emission calculations for 2024 and 2025 have been completed.

• Total greenhouse gas emissions from natural gas consumption in 2025: 176,027.4 kg CO₂e
• Total greenhouse gas emissions from electricity consumption in 2025: 1,325.2 tons CO₂e

5. Employees and Working Life

Birun Hotel places great importance on improving employee competencies, ensuring fair working conditions, and supporting local employment to promote sustainable tourism.

Employee Competencies and Training:

• All employees receive regular training on sustainable tourism, environmental awareness, waste management, energy efficiency, and guest satisfaction.
• The majority of employees have completed basic occupational health, safety, and hygiene training.
• Sustainability training is planned to be provided to all employees by the end of 2025.

Roles and Contributions within Sustainability Scope:

• Housekeeping teams apply water and energy-saving procedures and contribute to waste separation.
• Kitchen teams participate in portion control and recycling processes to prevent food waste.
• Technical services teams take an active role in renewable energy systems and water recovery projects.
• The management team is responsible for implementing and monitoring all sustainability policies.

6. Social Initiatives

Birun Hotel develops social responsibility projects in cooperation with the local community and contributes to society.

Environmental Awareness Activities:

• Sustainability and environmental awareness trainings are provided to hotel employees.
• Cooperation is planned in projects aimed at protecting the local ecosystem.

Cooperation and Support for Local Community:

• Supporting local employment by prioritizing local residents in recruitment processes.
• Collaborating with local producers by sourcing a large portion of food products from them.
• Supporting local artists and artisans by displaying and selling their products in the hotel.
• Cooperating with women’s cooperatives, especially in textiles, food production, and handicrafts, to support women entrepreneurship.

Education and Awareness Activities:

• Social responsibility trainings are organized for employees.
• Seminars and workshops on environmental awareness and sustainable tourism are planned in cooperation with local schools.
• Internship programs and experience-sharing opportunities are offered to university students studying tourism and hospitality.
• Accessibility arrangements are made to support guests with disabilities.

Volunteer Work and Community Participation:

• Employee volunteer programs encourage participation in environmental cleanups, social aid projects, and educational activities.
• Sponsorships are provided to local social projects, contributing to cultural and artistic events.

The spa center, previously closed for service, has been renovated and reopened. An accessible pool lift has been installed to allow guests with disabilities to use the spa facilities comfortably.

7. Cultural Activities

Birun Hotel organizes various activities to preserve and promote local culture and traditional values.

• Local Architecture and Decoration: Cultural elements reflecting regional heritage are used in interior and exterior design.
• Gastronomy Initiatives:
• Local and organic products are used in the restaurant, offering regional dishes to guests.
• Collaboration with local chefs helps preserve traditional recipes.

Cultural Activities Related to Democracy and Freedoms Island:

• Informative presentations are organized to raise awareness about the island’s history.
• Special cultural tours are organized, and the island is open to guests four days a week for touristic visits with guided museum tours.

Support and Promotion of Local Culture:

• Traditional elements are reflected in hotel architecture and decoration.
• Regional dishes are prominently featured on menus to preserve and promote local flavors.
• Local music events are organized to introduce traditional arts to guests.

Birun Hotel aims to offer an authentic and unforgettable experience by embracing the history, cultural heritage, and traditional values of its region.