Resalta wins Energy Award 2026 — voted best energy-efficient project by the public

Resalta has been recognised with the public vote award at the Energy Awards 2026, organised by Časnik Finance, for the heating and cooling renovation at Grand Hotel Bernardin in Portorož, Slovenia.

The award was presented on 14 April at the 28th Days of Energy conference — held at the Grand Hotel Bernardin itself, the very site where the project is operational.

The project replaced an outdated fossil-fuel-based heating and cooling system with a fully integrated solution powered by seawater. Using advanced water-to-water heat pump technology, the new system draws thermal energy directly from the Adriatic Sea to provide heating, cooling and domestic hot water for the entire hotel.

The results delivered:

• 40% reduction in annual energy costs
• Renewable energy share increased from 51% to 81%
• 235 tonnes of CO₂ avoided per year
• Reliable year-round heating, cooling and hot water for the full facility

The project was delivered under an ESCO contract, with Resalta financing, designing, building and operating the system. The client invested no upfront capital.

"Receiving this recognition from the public is particularly meaningful — it reflects not just the technical achievement, but the real-world impact the project is delivering every day," said Luka Komazec, Resalta CEO. "We are proud of the team that made it happen and grateful to Grand Hotel Bernardin for their trust."

The Energy Awards recognise outstanding achievements in energy efficiency and sustainable solutions across Slovenia. The full case study is available on our references page.