At a glance
We are setting the island of Astypalea as an example in green energy in the entire Mediterranean region. Through our Circular Economy in Action educational initiative, we promote environmental awareness among schoolchildren on the island. True to our commitment to make Astypalea the 1st smart, sustainable island in the Mediterranean, we are funding AstyBus, a new on-demand electric city bus service, and are offering Alpha Green Solutions – Electromobility, a personal loan with favourable terms.
Hosting educational workshops in Astypalea schools
Our Circular Economy in Action programme included a series of educational workshops in the schools of Astypalea. The programme has been approved by the Greek Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs, and is jointly offered by Alpha Bank and NGO SciCo (Science Communication).With guidance from the programme educational team, primary school students collected and reused plastic bottles in the context of building the first smart, sustainable greenhouse at their school yard. The greenhouse is equipped with temperature and humidity sensors, as well as soil moisture sensors, all powered by solar panels. This means that it is energy-autonomous, and it also has a composting container to reuse organic waste.
Introducing electromobility to the island’s transport network
As Major Sponsor, we are funding AstyBus, a new on-demand public transport service using electric vans. The service is offered at reduced prices and makes it easier for locals and tourists alike to move around the island, as schedules adapt to the passengers’ needs. The AstyBus programme was implemented by the government, in partnership with the Volkswagen Group. Alpha Bank is also participating in the e-Astypalea initiative with the Alpha Green Solutions – Electromobility personal loan. The initiative subsidises up to €12,000 for permanent residents of the island who wish to buy an electric vehicle. This loan belongs to our popular Alpha Green Solutions range of financing products.
Turning our values into action
Our Circular Economy in Action workshops teach the principles of circular economy to Astypalea’s youth. Primary school students got the chance to attend a series of workshops on natural resource availability, alternative methods to preserve natural resources and the use of technology to make the most of them.
Being the only bank that operates on the island, we have supported the local community and economy by making the most of sophisticated banking tools. We aim to provide personalised services of high added value for all.
“Alpha Bank actively participates in this great initiative to make Astypalea the example of a successful green transition.”
Vassilios Psaltis, Alpha Bank Group CEO