The Zasavje Just Transition Center keeps a record of degraded areas in the Zasavje Region. Such areas were created as a result of past energy producing and industrial activities in the region. We believe they are more than just relicts of the region’s industrial heritage, but rather opportunities for renovation and innovation that supports sustainable spatial management.

There are 44 documented brownfield sites in the region that fit the previously set criteria of categories ranging from service activities, to previous use, and residential surfaces. All together, these surfaces cover 235.88 hectares, the majority of which—as much as 70% of all the degraded areas—are sites related to mining. This fact reflects the region’s rich coal mining history and stresses the need to renovate and revitalise these areas (Dolinšek, 2016).

We must recognize the potential these areas have for the kind of rehabilitation and investment that promote sustainable practices and innovation. By compiling the correct documentation and concluding the appropriate analysis of the brownfield sites, we can collaborate with the relevant departments to form effective and adapted measures for each area, thus enabling them to be reintegrated into the local economy and community in a manner that promotes the just transition and long-term sustainability.

Below is a cartographic illustration of FDAs (functionally degraded areas), depicting the current state of degraded areas in the Zasavje Region.