Sustainable Development and Corporate Social Responsibility

Energy 1/2

Energy Efficiency
We reduce energy consumption through planned renovations, equipment upgrades, and more efficient management of our facilities. Among other measures, we:

• introduce energy consumption standards for individual facilities;
• improve the insulation of façades, roofs and windows during renovations;
• install heat pumps and LED lighting;
• replace outdated equipment with more energy-efficient alternatives;
• make maximum use of natural light;
• adapt the operation of our facilities to their occupancy levels;
• reduce energy consumption and CO₂ emissions through energy-efficient renovations;

The energy renovation of Grand Hotel Bernardin, for example, reduced our consumption of heating oil and the associated CO₂ emissions.

Energy 2/2

Renewable and Low-Carbon Energy Sources
Where natural conditions allow, we use geothermal energy and increase our own generation of electricity from renewable sources.

• At Terme 3000 – Moravske Toplice, Terme Ptuj and Health Resort Zdravilišče Radenci, we also use hot geothermal water for heating.
• At Sava Hotels Bled, we also use geothermal water for cooling.
• We are installing solar power plants for our own electricity generation at Health Resort Zdravilišče Radenci, St. Bernardin Resort Portorož and Terme 3000 – Moravske Toplice.
• We have calculated our carbon footprint and put in place an emissions monitoring system.

Water

Water is one of our most precious natural resources and an important part of the Sava Hotels & Resorts offering. We therefore use it carefully and responsibly.

• At Terme 3000 – Moravske Toplice, we have constructed a reinjection well through which we return some of the geothermal water we use back underground.
• By using geothermal water, we reduce the need for drinking water and surface water that would otherwise be required for certain activities.
• We consistently comply with the requirements and restrictions set out in our water permits.
• We regularly monitor bathing water quality in accordance with legislation and our internal standards.
• We dechlorinate seawater from our pools before returning it to the sea. After treatment, it is returned to the marine environment through the stormwater drainage system.
• After suitable treatment, we return most of the thermal water we use to watercourses.
• We use tap aerators, flow restrictors and water-saving flush systems.
• We reduce water consumption through a range of measures.
• We encourage guests to drink tap water where it is appropriate and safe to do so.

Waste and Resource Circularity

We consistently sort waste and seek ways to prevent its generation and increase the reuse and recovery of materials.

• We sort plastic, paper, glass, metals, wood, hazardous waste, oils and other types of waste separately.
• A significant proportion of separately collected materials is recycled.
• At some locations, we process organic kitchen waste in specialised equipment that dehydrates it, reducing its weight and volume.
• Organic waste treated in this way can be used to produce biogas at biogas plants.
• Waste that is not recycled is transferred to authorised waste management contractors.
• Where possible and safe, we reuse or appropriately process surplus food.

Packaging and Plastic Use Reduction

We are gradually reducing our use of packaging and single-use plastics.

• We are replacing miniature toiletry containers with dispensers.
• At Green Key-certified hotels, we have eliminated plastic bottles wherever feasible.
• We are gradually removing drinks in plastic packaging from our offering.
• We have eliminated single-use plastic cutlery, straws and cups.
• We are increasing our use of paper packaging and suitable biodegradable materials.
• Waste-sorting stations are available to guests and employees.

Reuse and Maintenance

We extend the service life of equipment and materials through regular maintenance, repairs and reuse.

• We regularly maintain and repair equipment and furniture.
• We train employees in the proper use and cleaning of equipment.
• We reuse transport packaging wherever possible.

Sustainable Mobility

We encourage guests, employees and business partners to choose transport means with a lower environmental impact.

• We are installing electric vehicle charging points at our locations.
• We encourage cycling, walking and the use of public transport.
• We use public transport for business travel wherever feasible.
• We hold some business meetings by videoconference.

Biodiversity and Green Spaces

When managing our grounds, we take account of local natural characteristics and support plant and animal species.

• We mow the grass less frequently in some areas, creating better conditions for pollinators.
• We plant native species and trees.
• When landscaping, we opt for melliferous (pollinator-friendly) and drought-resistant plants.
• We work with local communities to maintain paths, embankments and other public spaces.

Employees 1/3

Our employees are the foundation of high-quality hospitality. We therefore provide a safe, inclusive and supportive working environment.

Caring for Employees

• Where possible, we employ people from the local area.
• We have raised pay for key positions above the minimum wage and have also increased pay for other employees.
• For several years, we have paid one of the highest annual holiday allowances in the industry.
• We provide equal opportunities for promotion and appointment to management positions, regardless of gender, age, or other personal circumstances.
• We reward high-performing employees and encourage above-average performance.

Employees 2/3

Supportive and Safe Working Environment

• We offer various flexible working arrangements where the nature of the position allows.
• We adapt work schedules and workplaces to employee needs and work processes.
• We provide additional benefits and leave for employees who are parents.
• We continually improve workplace safety.
• After longer periods of sickness absence, we hold return-to-work interviews with employees.
• We update risk assessments and introduce measures for safe lifting of loads and other physically demanding work.

Training and Development

• We provide in-house training and encourage participation in external training.
• Our mentoring programmes support the onboarding of new employees and the transfer of knowledge.
• We encourage internal promotion and career development within the company.

Employees 3/3

Attracting New Employees

• We work with schools and faculties in Slovenia and abroad.
• We enable young people to gain practical experience.
• Subject to availability, we can provide new employees with accommodation at our properties.

Employee Well-Being

• Employees and their families can use selected services, take part in sports activities and book holiday packages at Sava Hotels & Resorts properties at preferential rates.
• We organise internal meetings, social gatherings and activities to strengthen collaboration.
• We regularly raise employees’ awareness of sustainability issues and responsible practices.

Care for Our Guests’ Well-Being and Health 1/3

Our mission is to care for the health and well-being of our guests. We therefore incorporate sustainable practices into our offering in ways that enhance the quality of their stay and make it easy for them to make responsible choices.

A Sustainable Offering

• We develop authentic experiences rooted in nature, the local area and tradition.
• Our culinary offering focuses on local ingredients and suppliers.
• We take care of our guests’ health and safety and the quality of their stay.
• We incorporate sustainability principles into the development of new products and services.

Care for Our Guests’ Well-Being and Health 2/3

Engaging Guests
We encourage guests to make simple choices that reduce resource consumption without compromising their comfort.

• We offer towel reuse and flexible linen-change schedules.
• We encourage the responsible use of water and energy.
• We provide waste-sorting facilities.
• At buffet meals, we encourage guests to take only as much food as they can eat at first and return for more if they wish.
• We encourage guests to visit local businesses, landmarks and experiences.
• We invite members of the Ambassador Loyalty Programme to donate their collected Droplets to charitable projects.

Care for Our Guests’ Well-Being and Health 3/3

Well-Being and a Healthy Lifestyle
We provide our guests with options for looking after their physical and mental well-being during their stay. We encourage physical activity, healthy eating, relaxation and self-care, including after they return home.

Local Community

Our resorts are an integral part of the places in which we operate.

• We work with local suppliers and incorporate their products in our offerings.
• We partner with local artisans, farmers and businesses.
• We work with local experience providers.
• We engage in local development and participate inn cultural and environmental projects.
• We encourage guests to explore the local area and thereby contribute to the local economy.

Partners and Responsible Procurement

We are gradually introducing sustainability criteria into our work with suppliers and business partners.

• Where terms are comparable, we give preference to local suppliers and solutions with a lower environmental footprint.
• We are gradually incorporating sustainability requirements into our contracts.
• We encourage suppliers to manage packaging, energy and materials more responsibly and to act responsibly towards their employees.
• We work with the Slovenian Tourist Board, destination management organisations and municipalities.
• We also work with professional and industry organisations on sustainability projects.
• We secure European and national funding for development and environmental project.

Socially Responsible Activities

Each year, we allocate around 100,000 euros for donations and sponsorships, primarily supporting the local area and aiming at helping children and families in need.

Among others, Sava Turizem d.d. has been actively supporting the Anita Ogulin Charity Association and the Association of Friends of Youth Moste-Polje for many years. Every year, we enable families in need to spend their summer holidays at our destinations and organise day trips to our thermal parks.

We also provide bathing and other services to many associations and voluntary organisations from our operations’ local environment.

In addition, we work with the Anita Ogulin Charity Association and the Association of Friends of Youth Moste-Polje every December to provide financial assistance to children and families in need.

A Development-Focused Strategy

Sustainability is an integral part of our business strategy.

• We invest in renovations that deliver environmental, social and economic benefits.
• When making investments, we consider energy efficiency, the quality of our guests’ stay and the long-term value of our facilities.

Digitalisation and Innovation

We use digital and technological solutions to improve the guest experience and make employees’ work easier.

• We develop digital services for guests.
• We are gradually moving our communication with guests and partners to digital channels.
• Digitalisation allows us to reduce the amount of printed material and make information more accessible.

Ethical Governance and Compliance

Responsible business is based on clear rules, integrity and transparency.

• We have adopted a Code of Ethics and rules on integrity.
• We have put in place a whistleblowing system.
• We prevent and manage conflicts of interest.
• We regularly monitor compliance with legislation and internal rules throughout our operations.

Stakeholder Relations

• We have a system in place for measuring guest satisfaction.
• We offer our guests several channels through which they can submit compliments, suggestions and complaints.
• We systematically review feedback and use it to improve our services.
• We are gradually introducing sustainability criteria into our supplier assessments.

Positive Impacts on the Local Economy

Our operations generate direct and indirect economic benefits in the regions in which we are present.

• We employ more than 1,100 people.
• We pay taxes, social security contributions and concession fees.
• We work with local businesses, suppliers and service providers.
• Our guests generate additional revenue for local restaurants, shops, experience operators and other service providers.