Sustainable Vision
Jasna Chalet Resort
For a considerable period, Jasna Chalet Resort has been implementing various measures to rationalize and optimize its operations. This includes integrating environmental awareness and striving to incorporate it as much as possible into our business practices. In the second half of 2020, we decided to obtain the Travelife sustainability certification, which encompasses an environmentally conscious policy and a business approach based on continuous monitoring of environmental impact factors.
At the beginning of 2021, we prepared a status analysis in individual areas related to environmental protection and proposed objectives and measures.
Waste Management
At JCH, we have been separating waste for several years using separate bins in areas where employees work: the bar, kitchen, reception, and apartments.
We also encourage guests to separate waste: by separating breakfast leftovers and using separate bins throughout the building and its surroundings. The current assessment indicates that progress could be made in this area with greater incentives for guests.
Our short-term goals will focus on regularly inspecting the waste area and checking if we can also achieve financial savings by reducing the volume of mixed municipal waste bins, given that waste is consistently separated.
Electricity
LED lighting is present in most fixtures. The installation of LED lights and on/off sensors in hallways has significantly reduced electricity consumption, and in the long run, we will save considerably on the purchase of consumables – light bulbs.
Potential for energy savings lies in preparing a plan and consistently implementing the turning off and proper handling of air conditioning units (closing windows). Additionally, providing guests with further reminders would help reduce electricity consumption.
In optimizing heating, we implemented some measures during the low season, such as turning off radiators in certain areas of the building, thereby optimizing heating. There are still opportunities for further heating optimization through consistent implementation of heating regulation by cleaning staff and checks during reception rounds of the building.
Guests are the biggest water consumers at JCH, which is why we have implemented measures in the past to ensure more economical water flow from taps.
For economical management of energy sources, water, and proper waste handling, a thorough understanding of these areas by employees, external collaborators, and suppliers is crucial. Therefore, we regularly informed department heads about measures and instructions for proper handling. Bins were equipped with written, recognizable guidelines for waste separation. In the future, we will need to dedicate more attention to additional reminders regarding water and electricity conservation.
In early March, we actively began reviewing the criteria for obtaining the Travelife certification. We presented to all employees the areas covered by operating in accordance with the aforementioned sustainability certificate. Based on this, I prepared tasks for department heads and the necessary instructions and measures specifically related to their respective areas. We have started incorporating their findings into the draft sustainability strategy for JCH. As we have already noted in individual areas related to environmental protection, much has been done at JCH in previous years. However, procedures and measures were often not consistently implemented. The main problem lay in the tools for monitoring the implementation of instructions and, consequently, the consistent tracking of economical energy and water consumption. In 2022, with the help of the Travelife system for ensuring sustainability at the property, we will prepare:
- monthly monitoring of water and energy consumption, and management of all types of waste
- monthly monitoring of costs per guest night (preparation of calculation criteria)
- regulate the area of hazardous substance management (mostly cleaning agents) and hazardous waste
- continue the procurement policy of acquiring energy-efficient appliances, recycled office paper, toilet paper, a large proportion of ecological cleaning products…
- A greater leap will be necessary in the area of direct communication with employees and guests, and in encouraging guests towards more responsible sustainable practices.
- Monthly monitoring of electricity consumption
- Optimizing the use of sanitary and toiletry materials
- Encouraging employees to commute by bicycle or e-scooter (minimizing environmental pollution)
- Cooling apartments without air conditioning. (We cool ourselves with fresh mountain air.)
As of December 2022, we can report the following progress:
- Installation of additional filters to regulate the discharge of stormwater into Lake Jasna.
- Installation of gas heaters for additional air heating in the Alpine Igloos. This reduced the load on eco-inverters, allowing us to seamlessly automate the defrosting intervals of outdoor units.
- With the aim of revitalizing air and environmental purification, we established a thistle sanctuary behind the building, as thistles are proven to purify the air and environment. Following a review by a local landscaper in November, we will preserve almost 40% of the thistles and plant them in November 2023.
- The Green Embrace project, where we planted local fruit shrubs and added new indigenous plants during the renovation of the parking lot embankment.
- We renovated the Alpine herb garden and continued cultivating field maples for a natural fence;
- In the restaurant, we use custom-made bread rolls produced by young bakers with special needs at the Janez Levec Institute; we have expanded this to include two types;
- We are in the process of reducing electricity consumption; we divided the connection point into two units, reduced the power of connections, and consequently optimized costs;
- The Young Hopes project was successfully implemented, and we are submitting it to the HMR Golden Thread 2022 competition.
- Added two new positions for student internships.
- Arranged accommodation for employees in a house in Rateče.
- In a joint project with the Municipality of Kranjska Gora, led by the Institute for Balneology and Climatology of the University of Maribor, we successfully obtained an Expert Opinion for the destination, which
confirms that the air in the Upper Sava Valley meets the conditions for an Alpine climatic health resort;
For 2023, we plan:
- Continuation of activities to obtain all permits for the green all-season garden in Jasna and service activities;
- Promotion of the Young talents of Jasna project, which we intend to contribute to the SRIPT for Tourism activities to prepare a handbook for all stakeholders;
- Active work on raising awareness among the Jasna team about sustainable values and Jasna's sustainable offerings;
- Active involvement in the Vrhunsko local brand project.
- Reduce orders for food, cleaning supplies, and consumables from larger, less frequent orders to weekly ones, thereby controlling consumption and waste;
- Find a local farm for the supply of milk and dairy products;
- Find a farm to take surplus food for animal feed;
- Continue with targeted food consumption for guest breakfasts, including in summer; pajama breakfast;
- Install a Finnish sauna with the option for all apartment guests to use it;
- Arrange the parking area; new reinforcement after the winter season;
- Charging station for electric cars of apartment guests;
- Establish an eco-garden behind the building;
- Arrange a space for accommodation guests for morning grounding (earthing);
Year 2023 – Overview of Activities:
We continued with activities to obtain all permits for the green winter-summer garden in Jasna and accompanying service activities. We successfully obtained confirmed location information from the municipal council of the Municipality of Kranjska Gora.
- We promoted the project Young talents of Jasna, which we included in SRIPT activities for tourism, with the aim of preparing a handbook for stakeholders.
- We actively raised awareness among the Jasna team about sustainable values and the development of sustainable offerings.
- We joined the local brand project Vrhunsko, by presenting our "breakfast with a view".
- We reduced the volume of larger orders for food, cleaning supplies, and consumables, and switched to weekly ordering, thereby improving consumption control and reducing waste.
- We established cooperation with a local farm for the supply of milk and dairy products (under consideration: Hlebajna farm).
- We partnered with Marjana Klinar's farm for the collection of food waste intended for animal feed.
- We continued with targeted and responsible food consumption during guest breakfasts, including in the summer months (the "breakfast in pajamas" concept).
- We installed a Finnish sauna, accessible to all apartment guests.
- We improved the parking area (new reinforcement after the winter season).
- The charging station for electric vehicles has not yet been installed.
- The eco-garden behind the building is not yet fully completed.
- The space for morning grounding is partially set up.
Achievement: We received the title Best Ski Chalet of Slovenia 2023
Year 2024 – Key Achievements
- We obtained the local brand certificate Vrhunsko for our accommodation.
- We were once again chosen as Best Ski Chalet of Slovenia 2024.
- We carried out energy insulation for the outdoor restaurant.
- We obtained a building permit for the extension in Jasna.
- We built a winter fairy tale village from local wood.
- We continued and expanded the project Young talents of Jasna, including to the reception area. • We participated in the projects First Mile and BOJA.
- As part of the competition Best of Slovenia we received awards for:
- Most Romantic Location
- Best Family Destination
Year 2025 – Planned Activities
- We are planning the establishment of an Alpine botanical garden.
- We are continuing with the greening of the terraces.
- We are arranging plant landscaping as part of the Green Embrace project.
- In Jasna, we will establish a free water fountain.
- We will introduce a new sustainable menu of three countries.
- We are working on improving the energy balance of the facility.
- We will apply for the LAS project together with VGSŠT Bled, focusing on Rikli's heritage. • We will conduct team training on sustainability.
- We are preparing a plan for the construction of a sustainable extension.
- We are continuing our participation in the BOJA project, with an emphasis on local food production and procurement.
Kranjska Gora 15.12.2024
Dominik S. Černjak Director
