Recognising Excellence: The EUSALP Energy Award 2024 

Decarbonising the energy sector is a vital step in addressing global climate change. With a commitment to reducing CO2 emissions in the Alpine region, the EU Strategy for the Alpine Region (EUSALP) implements concrete actions to drive the energy transition. Among these initiatives, the EUSALP Energy Award stands out as a celebration of innovation and commitment to energy efficiency and renewable energy.

2024 Focus: SMEs Leading the Energy Transition

The 2024 edition of the EUSALP Energy Award highlighted the theme: “Energy Transition in SMEs.” This year’s awards celebrated the significant efforts of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that have adopted pioneering measures to reduce energy consumption and embrace sustainability. The winners were announced on 14 November, during the EUSALP Annual Forum held in Brdo pri Kranju, under the Slovene EUSALP Presidency.

Meet the 2024 EUSALP Energy Award Winners

1. Zotter Schokolade, Austria (Styria)

Zotter Schokolade proves that family businesses can operate sustainably in a holistic way and be future-oriented. The company excels in energy efficiency, produces its own electricity from photovoltaic panels, generates heat from waste, undertakes life-cycle assessments of their products, and is converting its car fleet to e-mobility. The company always keeps a close eye on its own carbon footprint and communicates widely and convincingly about the importance of sustainability. A true energy pioneer!

2. Winery Bolzano/Bozen, Italy (South Tyrol)

The new premises of the historic Winery Bolzano were constructed in accordance with high energy efficiency standards. The winery, run by a cooperative, conducts energy consumption analyses, applies free cooling systems and heat recovery to make the winery’s energy use as efficient as possible. Photovoltaic panels have been integrated into the new building, and the company publishes sustainability reports. This example shows that the wine production industry can combine tradition with modern technology.

3. Arbor Chairs, Italy (Friuli-Venezia Giulia)

The chair manufacturer Arbor Chairs is a family business in its third generation. The company proves that it can keep pace with trends in the furniture design industry and technology developments of the energy sector at the same time. It uses lean transformation to modernize the enterprise and has implemented energy efficiency measures such as thermal insulation, LED lighting systems, air leakage analysis, and energy diagnosis. Arbor has a photovoltaic system that covers a large part of its energy needs. Wood waste from production is thermally used. More companies like Arbor Chairs are needed that do not shy away from the energy transition but embrace it!

4. Cyprianerhof Dolomit Resort, Italy (South Tyrol)

The Cyprianerhof Dolomit Resort is a modern hotel that prioritizes the efficient use of energy. The hotel building fulfills the highest energy efficiency standards, the company carries out energy diagnoses, relies on heat recovery and free cooling systems, and has installed a woodchip system for heat generation. The hotel analyzes its energy consumption to identify further potential for savings. Its photovoltaic panels cover a large part of its energy needs. The Cyprianerhof calculates its carbon footprint and publishes a sustainability report, setting standards for the hotel industry.

Behind the Selection: The International Jury

Inspiring a Greener Future

The EUSALP Energy Award serves as a beacon of inspiration for SMEs across Europe, showcasing that innovative and sustainable practices are not only achievable but also rewarding. By celebrating these pioneering enterprises, EUSALP fosters a culture of collaboration and ambition in the journey toward a greener, more sustainable Alpine region.