Neocleous Tower in Limassol is a groundbreaking green office space that aims to achieve LEED certification. With its innovative design, advanced energy systems, and ecofriendly location, it offers a sustainable and healthy workplace that promotes employee wellbeing and reduces operational costs.
The Phini Chair initiative in Cyprus, led by the Dio Dio Collective, aims to revive the traditional chairmaking industry in the village of Phini. It focuses on preserving this craft through skill transmission, research, and documentation, highlighting cultural resilience and the importance of sustainable practices in artisanal craftsmanship. The Dio Dio Collective, founded by Konstantina Achilleos and Tuomas Venalainen, utilizes reclaimed materials and recycled silver to create unique pieces of handicraft, including the Phini Chair. Through their research and education efforts, they aim to inspire others to embrace and innovate upon these timehonored techniques, while also seeking tangible cultural policy support to sustain the island’s heritage.
This year, a campaign for adopting potted Christmas trees has been launched, promoting a more ecofriendly approach to holiday decor. These sustainable trees can be replanted after Christmas and come with care tips such as balanced light positioning, avoiding heat sources, and regular fertilization.
The Turkish Cypriot police in the North have implemented a zerotolerance policy towards violence against women, with a specialized branch established in 2018 and extended across the region by 2021. With 831 complaints already registered this year, the police are committed to immediate evaluation and sensitive investigation of all reports, emphasizing their zerotolerance stance and rapid legal action. Meanwhile, the government has invested in 40 electric vehicles, setting an example for sustainability and future green technology adoption.
Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, has joined the ranks of innovative European cities with its “Development of Smart City Infrastructure and Systems” initiative. With €6.5 million in funding, the city is implementing digital reforms and smart solutions such as smart parking, lighting, and dog management to enhance urban living and pave the way for a green and digital future.
The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KeveI) has extended the deadline for the ISTARS grant scheme, offering up to €5,600 per tourism company to support sustainable practices. The aim of the program is to attract quality tourists, reduce environmental impact, and provide financial and expert support to enhance sustainability in the tourism industry.
The European winemaking industry is embracing sustainability by repurposing emissions and residues. Innovations include capturing CO2 from fermentation to cultivate nutrientdense algae for animal feed and cosmetics, reducing emissions by 30% through the REDWine project, and turning grape pomace into natural health products through the NeoGiANT initiative. These projects not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also offer economic benefits and healthier alternatives to antibiotics, showcasing the industry’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.
The Cyprus Theological School has quickly established itself as a highly respected academic and scientific institution, contributing significantly to higher education and research in Cyprus. The school’s commitment to societal engagement is evident through its services for the elderly, collaborations with the Red Cross, and support for addiction centers. Additionally, the school offers innovative training programs for prison guards and prisoners, conducts research in environmental sustainability, and promotes volunteerism. President Christodoulides praised the school’s accomplishments and emphasized its role in upholding universal principles, Christian values, and providing humanitarian aid.
