Centre Veronica Hostetin – model centre of sustainable living in the countryside

The centre is operating within the civic association ZO CSOP Veronica (Czech Union for Nature Conservation - Basic Organization Veronica) based in Brno. This association has been active in Hostetin and Zlinsky region for 15 years. The idea for the centre was formed in 1998 and a vision of the centre with model ecology projects for the countryside where practical knowledge can be shared was designed. The centre organizes seminars, conferences and workshops for public administration, experts, non-governmental organizations and companies. Guided excursions enable the visitors to see the projects and various programmes and excursions for schools are organized as well. A part of the lectures and consultant services is also intended for general public. All projects that have been implemented in the centre are fully documented and the documents can be seen at the centre’s library. The centre itself has been designed according to the ecological principles and the visitors are offered ecologically produced food from the local environment.

Research and educational part of the centre’s offer is prepared in cooperation with various experts, schools and institutions. They cooperate with the similar centres located abroad, in order to exchange knowledge and experience.

By using the European funds and with participation of numerous partners in design, financing and implementation, the first passive house in the Czech Republic was built. Modern technologies were combined with traditional materials (clay, non-burnt bricks, straw rolls) and from the Czech Ministry of Environment they were granted a certificate “Environmentally Friendly Service”. The opening of the house took place in October 2006.

Since the year 2000, a biomass heating plant has been operating in Hostetin (732 kW), using chops and wood wastes from the sawmill located nearby (500 – 600 t/year). It is connected to 69 out of 81 households in Hostetin. The money spent on biomass thus remains in the hands of local entrepreneurs. The money for the project was contributed by the National Environmental Fund of the Czech Republic, Czech Environmental Agency, the municipality and the users, and funds were obtained also by the tender for CO₂ emission reduction incentive.

Wetlands for wastewater treatment were constructed in cooperation with the local authorities. In 1993 ZO CSOP organized a seminar on wastewater treatment for the representatives of the local authorities. The experts, the mayor and other officials agreed that the best solution for Hostetin is to construct wetlands for wastewater treatment. The construction began in 1995 and the operation in 1997.

There have been several attempts in Slovenia to establish ecologic settlements and centres with more or less educational ambitions. In some cases they reflect the efforts of individual enthusiasts, while in others we can see merely an entrepreneurial approach. The first solar village in Koroska (Carinthian) region is an entrepreneurial action. The eco-villages and estates in Slovenia that are being set up by the individuals and associations and the success of which varies, emphasize education on the use of natural materials in construction and organic farming and permaculture, while others highlight also the rational energy consumption and renewable sources of energy. One of such examples is an eco-estate on Sv. Ema near Podcetrtek, where interesting workshops and projects are taking place.

The centre in the Czech Republic can be seen as a good example that similar projects could also be supported in Slovenia. We have plenty of possibilities, along with the individuals, organizations, institutions and companies that have the knowledge and the will to be involved in such projects. The only thing we need is the support of the local environment and politics and, above all, it is necessary to explore the manner of thinking and to establish cooperation.