Located in the Rosenets Forest Park (Otmanli), the "Villa Bufo" rest station welcomes its guests in close proximity to the forest and the sea. For a business in such an environment, sustainability is not a slogan, but a responsibility. Reducing energy consumption and protecting the natural environment are part of the long-term management vision of the site.

Working in a forest area places specific demands on heating and cooling – high humidity, temperature amplitudes and the need for constant reliability. The existing air conditioning system was depreciating, with increased electricity consumption and rising maintenance costs.

The hotel management was looking for a solution that would simultaneously improve energy efficiency, reduce operating costs and be in harmony with the natural environment.

As part of its activities as part of the Enterprise Europe Network, DIGIHUB provided expert support through Ina Agafonova in her capacity as Sustainability Advisor on the EENergy project.

EENergy was a pilot European initiative with a budget of nearly 9 million euros, aimed at supporting SMEs from 37 countries to reduce energy consumption through grants of up to 10,000 euros at 100% aid intensity. What distinguishes the project is its analytical component: all applicant companies received an individual benchmark analysis, prepared in cooperation with the World Bank.

This report provided a comparative assessment of energy performance against similar companies in Europe and served as a strategic tool for future management decisions.

DIGIHUB's assistance included:

• analysis of the current energy situation;
• formulation of specific measures with measurable effect;
• preparation and submission of the application form;
• management of the process until the final reporting;
• interpretation of the obtained benchmark data in the context of business development.

Through the project, Villa Bufo implemented highly efficient new-generation air conditioning systems, providing precise temperature control at lower energy consumption.

The hotel received a grant of 10,000 euros, covering 100% of the investment in the new equipment, without the need for its own co-financing.

After the modernization, the facility reported a reduction in energy load and lower operating costs, as well as a more stable indoor climate. The resulting benchmark report gives management a broader perspective on the hotel's positioning in terms of energy efficiency and future optimization opportunities.

“DIGIHUB guided us through the entire process – from the initial idea to the final reporting. In addition to financing, the analytical report was also valuable to us, which helped us see where we stand compared to other enterprises. Today we work more efficiently and with a clearer development strategy.“

— The Villa Bufo Hotel Team