Sustainability Spotlight: A 2024 Retrospective
In 2024, we took significant steps to deepen this commitment, working alongside our team, guests, and the local community to ensure our actions leave a lasting positive impact on the environment.
A Year of Meaningful Actions
With a renewed focus on energy and water conservation throughout the resort, our commitment to reducing our environmental footprint is stronger than ever. This dedication is exemplified by our energy-efficient infrastructure, proudly classified as Energy Class B for its annual heating energy requirements. This achievement highlights our determination to balance luxury with sustainability, ensuring our operations align with the highest environmental standards. These foundational initiatives saw us implementing smarter energy solutions and optimising water use, ensuring that our daily operations became even more sustainable without compromising on the luxury experience our guests expect.
In May, we proudly joined global efforts to celebrate International Biodiversity Day, fostering greater awareness among our guests and staff about the vital importance of preserving our planet’s rich and diverse ecosystems. The magnificent Trsteno Arboretum, with its centuries-old trees and breath-taking gardens, served as the ideal setting for this meaningful occasion, offering a serene and inspiring backdrop to honour the beauty and fragility of nature.
As proud sponsors of Dubrovnik Eco 2024, we amplified our local environmental initiatives and contributed to this impactful city-wide programme. With over 100 divers from both Croatia and abroad, we're making waves for a cleaner, healthier ocean.
Celebration of Earth Day , a meaningful occasion that we marked with a series of engaging activities designed to inspire and unite our community. A highlight of the day was our collaboration with Trsteno Kindergarten, whose enthusiastic participation brought a sense of joy and purpose to the event. Together with all who joined us, we celebrated Earth Day 2024 as a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting and cherishing our planet for future generations.
This year, we proudly introduced a new vegetable garden on the resort grounds, further enhancing our commitment to sustainability and locally sourced ingredients. Designed to provide fresh, seasonal produce for our restaurants, the garden showcases a vibrant array of crops, including tomatoes, lettuce, peppers, aubergines, cucumbers, onions, carrots, courgettes, and a variety of aromatic herbs. Adding to its charm, flourishing grapevines weave through the garden, offering not only delicious fruit but also a picturesque connection to the region’s agricultural heritage. This initiative underscores our dedication to serving dishes that are as fresh, flavourful, and eco-conscious as possible.
Summer months marked significant milestones in our sustainability journey. In July, we proudly celebrated the achievement of plastic-free rooms, with 90% of our room amenities now crafted from recycled materials. This accomplishment represents a pivotal step forward in our commitment to reducing single-use plastics across the resort, blending eco-conscious innovation with the luxury and comfort our guests expect.
In August, we hosted the vibrant UN Youth Day Mini Olympics, organised by our resort animations team across several scenic locations. This fun-filled event encouraged young guests and their families to engage in physical activity, connect with others, and create lasting memories, all while celebrating the spirit of wellness and community.
Our partnerships with local organisations remained a cornerstone of our approach in 2024. We proudly supported JK Orsan, a local sailing club, strengthening ties with the community and promoting environmentally conscious recreational activities.
We had the pleasure of hosting Corporate Impact Day, an event that showcased how corporate gatherings can integrate sustainability into their agendas. The day provided participants with opportunities to collaborate on local sustainability initiatives, offering a unique and enriching experience. This initiative demonstrated that corporate events can go beyond the conventional, creating meaningful connections and a lasting positive impact on both the community and the environment. We encourage other groups to consider similar activities as part of their event itineraries, fostering a greater sense of responsibility and connection to the world around us.
October was a particularly memorable month. Our team welcomed students from the High School for Economy and Trade in Dubrovnik, providing a hands-on learning experience as part of our commitment to education and sustainable hospitality.
Autumn also marked our olive harvest, a beloved annual tradition that we opened to both guests and team members. Guests had the chance to immerse themselves in the region’s agricultural heritage, while our staff participated in a special team-building olive harvest, strengthening bonds and fostering a deeper connection to our land.
Achievements and Future Goals
While 2024 was a year of accomplishments, we remain steadfast in our mission to innovate and lead in sustainable luxury. Looking ahead, we aim to expand our vegetable gardens, continue reducing waste, and further engage our guests in sustainability initiatives, creating meaningful experiences that inspire eco-consciousness. Plans are already underway to enhance energy efficiency across our operations and develop new programmes that support local biodiversity and cultural heritage.
As we reflect on the strides made this year, we are reminded that sustainability is not a destination but an ongoing journey- one that we are proud to share with our team, community, and guests. Together, we look forward to building on our achievements and embracing new opportunities to make a difference in 2025 and beyond.
Join us on this path as we continue to blend luxury with responsibility, ensuring that Sun Gardens Dubrovnik remains not just a destination of beauty, but also one of purpose.
