At Velika planina d.o.o., we are proud that Zeleni rob Restaurant has once again retained the internationally recognised Green Key certificate, one of the leading environmental certifications in the tourism and hospitality sector. The certificate confirms our commitment to responsible environmental management, sustainable development, and providing a high-quality experience for visitors to Velika Planina.
The Green Key certificate is awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) to tourism providers that meet high standards of sustainable operation. Certified businesses demonstrate responsible management of natural resources, efforts to reduce environmental impacts, and active engagement of employees, guests, and the local community in sustainable practices.
For our company, obtaining the Green Key certificate was also an important milestone because it served as the basis for earning the Slovenia Green label last year, part of Slovenia’s national scheme promoting the sustainable development of tourism. By successfully renewing the Green Key certificate this year, we have also extended the validity of our Slovenia Green label, further confirming our commitment to sustainable development and responsible tourism management.
At Velika Planina, we recognise that preserving our natural and cultural heritage is a shared responsibility. Sustainability is therefore not merely an obligation but an integral part of our daily operations. For many years, Zeleni rob Restaurant has been implementing measures to reduce its environmental impact, including consistent waste separation, monitoring energy and water consumption, cooperating with local suppliers, and raising visitor awareness about the importance of sustainable tourism.
Over the past year, we have further strengthened our sustainability efforts. We completely replaced single-use cups with reusable ones, improved our system for recording waste quantities and monitoring energy and water consumption, increased the use of environmentally friendly cleaning products and consumables, and introduced additional measures to reduce waste and improve resource efficiency.
We also place special emphasis on involving visitors in our sustainability efforts. To support this goal, we introduced the Seven Principles of Responsible Visiting at Velika Planina, encouraging guests to experience the mountain plateau respectfully and in a way that leaves no trace on nature. These principles promote responsible movement across the area, respect for wildlife, plant life and cultural heritage, and care for a clean and well-preserved environment. We believe that only through collective effort can we preserve Velika Planina as the authentic, unspoilt and inspiring destination it is today.
The Seven Principles of Responsible Visiting remind visitors that we arrive at Velika Planina as guests and leave as its guardians; that flowers are meant to be admired where they grow; that animals should be respected in their natural habitat; that marked trails should be followed to protect the fragile alpine environment; that all waste should be taken back to the valley; that dogs should be kept on a leash and owners should clean up after them; and that the tranquillity of the mountain should be preserved after dark. Our goal is to encourage visits that leave no trace on nature while fostering respect for the unique natural and cultural heritage of this remarkable place.
Our sustainability journey does not end here. In the coming year, we will measure the carbon footprint of our operations and prepare an action plan to reduce it based on the results. We will also introduce an option for visitors to offset the carbon footprint of their visit and continue encouraging sustainable choices and environmentally responsible behaviour.
Velika Planina is a place of exceptional natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. For this reason, we remain committed to finding solutions that provide high-quality visitor experiences while preserving this unique landscape for future generations.
