Valamar Riviera d.d.
Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2017, 2020, 2022, 2023)
Reporting Period: 2017
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Environmental Sustainability
- Employee Development
- Destination Development
- Service Quality
- Economic Impact
Environmental Achievements
- 100% of electricity for Valamar Riviera's properties secured from renewable sources (ZelEn project)
- 0.23% decrease in GHG emissions per overnight (Scope 1 and 2)
- Opened nine EV charging stations, bringing the total to eleven
- Purchased 32 new electric vehicles, 16 electric scooters, and 8 electric carts
- 20 Valamar Riviera hotels received or extended their Travelife Gold Award certificates
- Eight hotels received the Sustainable Hotel Certificate
- Fourteen beaches hold the Blue Flag certification
- Successfully implemented the 'We Love the Adriatic Sea' project for the fourth consecutive year
- Photovoltaic cells at Atrium Hotel in Baška generated 33,658 kWh of electricity
- Pilot project of building a photovoltaic power plant for the Valamar Riviera HQ building in Poreč completed
- Installed 2,520 solar panels (around 5,040 m²)
- Campsite Krk uses treated and recycled wastewater for horticultural irrigation
- 100% of properties had a certified energy management system according to ISO 50001; 100% of premium and upscale facilities within Imperial Rab had certified environmental management systems according to ISO 14001; 75% of keys at hotels and resorts had the Travelife certificate
Social Achievements
- Created 1000 new jobs, 178 of which were permanent contracts
- Increased the number of permanent seasonal contracts by 44% to 893
- Implemented the Valamar +3 program for permanent seasonal workers, guaranteeing employment for at least 9 months a year for three years
- Average gross salary in 2017 was HRK 8,470 (27% above industry average)
- Secured a HRK 4,000 monthly income minimum for all eligible employees
- 56% of seasonal workers returned to work at Valamar in 2017
- Average share of local employees in 2017 peak season was 68%
- Invested HRK 5.7 million in training programs, with an average of 20.95 training hours per employee
- Implemented Valamar House, providing quality accommodation and board for seasonal employees
- Granted 311 scholarships, becoming the largest scholarship provider in Croatian tourism
- Organized summer traineeships for 108 students from local schools and 45 students from a Hungarian secondary school
- Signed the Diversity Charter, committing to workplace diversity and non-discrimination policies
Governance Achievements
- Maintained high principles of good corporate governance and regulatory compliance
- Organized the second Investors Day, attracting nearly 40 funds, banks, and investors
- Valamar Riviera share price increased by 24.6% in 2017
- Complied with the Zagreb Stock Exchange Corporate Governance Code and its own Code of Ethics
Climate Goals & Targets
- Completely abandon heating oil and develop an electrically powered internal transportation network
- Reduce heating oil consumption to under 5% of total kWh consumption within five years
- Reach 50% of revenues from direct bookings and 30% of returning guests by 2020
- Not disclosed
Environmental Challenges
- Labor market challenges in Croatia (high emigration, low attractiveness of hospitality jobs)
- Seasonality of the tourism industry
- Frequent changes in tax and non-tax regulations
- Risks related to global financial crises, security issues, and political instability
- Environmental risks (sea pollution, water quality reduction, climate change)
- Potential for supply chain disruptions
Mitigation Strategies
- Active policy of attracting and employing staff through cooperation with local communities and educational institutions
- Development of specific programs aimed at various employee groups
- Strategic partnerships to prolong the season and attract new source markets
- Active approach in interest and foreign exchange protection and risk mitigation
- Sound liquidity risk management
- Implementation of energy efficiency projects and environmental protection initiatives
- Investments in destination development and employee training
Supply Chain Management
Supplier Audits: Not disclosed
Responsible Procurement
- 95% Croatian suppliers
- Long-term collaboration and partnerships
- Quality assurance requirements for each product category
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Physical Risks
- Adverse climatic events (drought, rain)
- Sea pollution
Transition Risks
- Changes in environmental regulations
Opportunities
- Development of energy-efficient products and services
- Investments in renewable energy sources
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: GRI G4 (core option)
Certifications: ISO 14001, ISO 9001, ISO 50001, HACCP, Travelife Gold Award, Blue Flag, ZelEn
Third-party Assurance: Not disclosed
UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Goal 7 (Affordable and clean energy)
- Goal 8 (Decent work and economic growth)
- Goal 11 (Sustainable cities and communities)
- Goal 13 (Climate action)
- Goal 17 (Partnerships for the goals)
Valamar's initiatives contribute to these goals through investments in renewable energy, job creation, sustainable tourism practices, and community engagement
Sustainable Products & Innovation
- Poreč Bike Share
- Piazza (innovative camping concept)
- Happy Dog Premium Village
- Modernized central laundry facility
Awards & Recognition
- Share of the Year (6 consecutive times)
- Top Turnover Share Award
- Best Investor Relations Award
- SJAJ Award
- Pride of Croatia Award
- Numerous international and national awards for hotels and campsites
Reporting Period: 2020
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Economic sustainability
- Work environment
- Environmental protection
- Market relations
- Community relations
- Responsible diversity and human rights policies
- Sustainable destination development
- Support to the local community
- Care for the environment
Environmental Achievements
- 100 percent electrical energy comes from renewables in all Valamar Riviera properties and in Valamar Obertauern Hotel
- More than 70 percent reduction of direct and indirect Greenhouse gas emissions from the first and second volume in the period from 2015 to 2020
- HRK 9.5 million invested in energy efficiency projects in 2020
- HRK 1.9 million allocated for the purchase of 13 new electric vehicles, 3 electric scooters and 1 electric cart in 2020
- HRK 300 thousand invested in the replacement of classic street lamps with highly efficient LED lights
Social Achievements
- Implemented the "Pause, Restart" program to protect all jobs during the pandemic, providing at least 60% of regular salary (minimum HRK 4,250 net) to furloughed employees.
- Ranked 6th on the list of most desirable employers in Croatia (only tourism company in top 20)
- Launched Valfresco Direkt, an online shopping and delivery service, providing employment and supporting local producers.
- Provided accommodation for Dubrovnik General Hospital medical staff and donated to earthquake relief efforts.
- Donated groceries and necessities to Red Cross and Caritas.
Governance Achievements
- Adhered to principles of proper corporate governance, quality human resource management, transparency in stakeholder relations, and commitment to sustainable development.
- Received Croatia’s CSR Index award as the best large company in Croatia.
Climate Goals & Targets
Environmental Challenges
- COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted the tourism sector, causing unprecedented losses and requiring active crisis management.
- Significant decrease in overnights (66.4%) and revenues (68.6%) due to the pandemic.
- Disruptions in tourism flows and closure of properties due to the pandemic.
- Increased operating costs due to strengthened hygiene and safety standards.
Mitigation Strategies
- Implemented the "Pause, Restart" program to protect jobs and maintain liquidity.
- Reduced operating expenses by 62% (HRK 850 million).
- Halted investments and postponed some to 2021.
- Increased liquidity through operational cost savings, investment savings, and agreements with banks and investors.
- Modified products and services to enhance guest safety (V Health & Safety program, CleanSpace system, online reception).
- Launched Valfresco Direkt to diversify business and support local producers.
- Utilized government grants for job preservation.
Supply Chain Management
Responsible Procurement
- Quality assurance requirements for each product category
- Long-term collaboration and partnership with suppliers
- 77% of food and beverages are Croatian products, most with exclusively local produce.
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Physical Risks
- Long drought periods or long rainy periods
- Sea pollution
- Water quality reduction
- Coast pollution
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: GRI Standards (core option)
Certifications: HACCP, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 50001, ISO 45001, EN 14065, Travelife Gold Award, EU Ecolabel
Sustainable Products & Innovation
- Valfresco Direkt
- V Health & Safety program
- CleanSpace system
- Online reception
- Bed & Brunch
Awards & Recognition
- Croatia’s CSR Index award (best large company)
- 6th most desirable employer in Croatia
- 3rd prize for best investor relations
- 15 Travelers' Choice Awards from TripAdvisor
Reporting Period: 2022
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Environment
- Social
- Governance
Environmental Achievements
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions in scopes 1 and 2 by 65% compared to 2015.
- Installed solar panels on 32 properties, producing 6% of total electricity needs.
- Opened Valamar Amicor Green Resort, the first sustainable eco-resort in Croatia.
- Planted almost 3,000 trees.
Social Achievements
- Ranked among the top 10 most desirable employers in Croatia and the best employer in Croatian tourism for five consecutive years.
- Employed 7,500 employees at peak season, with 87% being domestic employees.
- Invested EUR 15 million in salary increases and reward programs.
- Overall guest satisfaction score of 88% based on almost 175,000 surveys.
Governance Achievements
- Established the Digitalization and Sustainability Committee within the Supervisory Board.
- Expanded the Management Board with a new member responsible for sustainable development and digitalization.
- Joined the UN Global Compact (expected in 2023).
Climate Goals & Targets
- Significantly reduce Scope 3 emissions within the next 10 years.
- Invest EUR 50 million in ESG by 2025.
- Achieve 80% responsible suppliers by 2025.
- Achieve 100% sustainability certificates for all properties by 2025.
- Achieve carbon neutrality in scopes 1 and 2 by 2025.
- Increase renewable energy share to 15% by 2025.
- Increase waste recycling rate above EU average by 2025.
- Reduce water withdrawal intensity below 0.55 m³/occupied room by 2025.
- Eliminate single-use plastics by 2025.
Environmental Challenges
- Energy and inflation crisis.
- Seasonality of tourism and labor shortages.
- Lack of affordable accommodation for seasonal workers.
Mitigation Strategies
- Investing in employee accommodation (Kuća Valamar).
- Aligning salaries to European standards.
- Investing in renewable energy sources.
- Developing programs for employee well-being and retention.
Supply Chain Management
Supplier Audits: 32% of top 100 suppliers assessed in 2022; aiming for 80% by 2025.
Responsible Procurement
- Prioritizing local suppliers (92% in 2022).
- Using products from recycled materials.
- Reducing packaging.
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Physical Risks
- Extreme weather events
Transition Risks
- Regulatory changes
- Market shifts
Opportunities
- Development of energy-efficient products and services.
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: GRI Standards 2021, EU Taxonomy Regulation
Certifications: ISO 14001, ISO 50001, ISO 45001, Travelife, EU Ecolabel, Blue Flag
Third-party Assurance: SGS
UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Goal 7 (Affordable and clean energy)
- Goal 13 (Climate action)
- Goal 8 (Decent work and economic growth)
- Goal 11 (Sustainable cities and communities)
- Goal 12 (Responsible consumption and production)
- Goal 15 (Life on land)
- Goal 17 (Partnerships for the goals)
Valamar's initiatives contribute to these SDGs through various environmental, social, and governance programs.
Sustainable Products & Innovation
- Valamar Amicor Green Resort
Awards & Recognition
- Financial Times European Climate Leader
- Green Prix
- Numerous awards for service excellence and employer of choice.
Reporting Period: 2023
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Climate change
- Biodiversity
- Circular economy
- Employee well-being
- Community investment
- Responsible procurement
- Corporate governance
Environmental Achievements
- Reduced carbon emissions per overnight by 72% compared to the 2015 baseline.
- 100% of electricity from renewable sources (6% from on-site photovoltaic plants).
- Planted more than 9,000 trees.
- Currently cares for more than 80,000 trees.
Social Achievements
- Invested an additional EUR 25 million in employee salaries and benefits.
- Launched a "Krov nad glavom" ("Roof over your head") program for employee housing.
- Achieved a silver rating from EcoVadis for sustainability and ESG practices.
- Rated as the best ESG performer in the region among large listed companies by Bloomberg Adria.
Governance Achievements
- Joined the Science Based Targets initiative.
- Received the "Building Public Trust Award" from PwC Croatia and the Zagreb Stock Exchange.
Climate Goals & Targets
- Achieve gold level ESG rating.
- Net-zero GHG emissions.
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 75% compared to 2015.
- Achieve 15% of solar electricity.
- Increase share of local food to 80%.
- 80% of procurement value from responsible suppliers.
- Reduce water consumption to below 0.55 m³ per occupied room.
- Eliminate single-use plastics.
- Increase waste recycling rate above EU average.
- Increase domestic employee share to 70%.
Environmental Challenges
- Seasonality and labor shortage in the tourism sector.
- High rental prices in tourist destinations affecting employee housing.
- Rising operating costs due to inflation.
Mitigation Strategies
- "Krov nad glavom" program to address employee housing.
- Additional EUR 25 million investment in employee salaries and benefits.
- Investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency to mitigate rising energy costs.
Supply Chain Management
Supplier Audits: ESG surveys conducted for suppliers, aiming for 80% responsible suppliers by 2026.
Responsible Procurement
- Supplier Code of Conduct
- Prioritization of local and sustainable products
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Physical Risks
- Extreme weather events
- Droughts
- Floods
Transition Risks
- Changes in regulations
- Rising energy prices
Opportunities
- Investments in renewable energy
- Development of energy-efficient products and services
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: GRI Standards, EU Taxonomy Regulation
Certifications: EcoVadis Silver Medal, ISO 14001, ISO 50001, ISO 45001, Travelife, Blue Flag
Third-party Assurance: PwC Croatia (partially, for EU Taxonomy)
UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Not disclosed
Not disclosed
Sustainable Products & Innovation
- Places hotels
- Amicor Green Resort
Awards & Recognition
- EcoVadis Silver Medal
- Bloomberg Adria Top ESG Rating
- Building Public Trust Award
- Numerous other awards for hotels and campsites