Cyprus Presidential Palace Receives "Zero Waste" Certification

The Presidential Palace of the Republic of Cyprus has received "zero waste to landfill" certification, making it the first government building on the island to achieve this standard.

The certificate was awarded during a ceremony held in the Presidential Palace garden on Tuesday, July 2nd.

Philippa Karsera, the First Lady of Cyprus, highlighted that the initiative began at the Presidential Palace last year. Starting with replacing bottled water with dispensers, the building and its grounds have achieved the goal of zero waste to landfill.

"We have managed to reduce waste by over 90% and recycle it fully. If we can do it, others can too. Cyprus and the presidency are changing—they are becoming greener and more friendly," noted the First Lady.

As part of the project, recycling bins and a large non-industrial composting facility, the largest of its kind, have been installed in a designated "eco corner" on the palace grounds.

The area, including the garden, has undergone eco-friendly renovations. Flower beds and wildflower zones have been established to attract bees, supporting the "population of bees, wild pollinators, and the insect fauna of the area."

Additionally, artificial water sources and nests for birds, including owls and bats, have been installed. The garden also features local flowers such as roses, jasmine, geraniums, and various herbs to fill the air with the fragrances of Cyprus.

"Today, we are proud to be the first government building with zero waste, following the impressive examples set by other countries. Our goal is to make the presidency a model for transitioning to a circular economy and to encourage awareness-raising actions," said the First Lady.