Hotels Taking Steps Towards Sustainability in the Netherlands

Zoku Amsterdam takes its role in the sustainability movement very seriously, creating environmentally friendly urban living solutions. The combination of home-office hybrid spaces is ingeniously designed, demonstrating a keen interest in reducing environmental impact and fostering human connections. Their buildings have been designed with meticulous attention to detail to ensure minimal space usage, ultimately leading to a reduced carbon footprint. Indeed, Zoku Amsterdam isn't claiming perfection, but it is determined to drive change for the betterment of the planet.

When it comes to their philosophy on sustainability, Zoku Amsterdam takes the view that there is simply no alternative planet to live on. Recognizing the challenge of balancing urban growth with sustainability, they acknowledge that conventional office spaces, often under-utilized, result in substantial carbon emissions. By leveraging technology and innovative working conditions, Zoku optimizes the use of space, envisioning each space as a multifaceted ecosystem. The implementation of smart solutions is apparent throughout their accommodations - from energy-saving LED lights, 24V systems, and motion sensors to heat recovery ventilation and intelligent building management systems. Zoku's sustainable practices even extend to the rooftops, which are adorned with moss sedum to help cool the buildings, absorb pollution, and catch rainwater. These practices all culminate in an eco-friendly environment that maximizes functionality, productivity, and connection while conserving resources, an embodiment of sustainability at its finest.

Situated at the epicenter of Amsterdam, the Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam stands as more than just a prestigious five-star hotel rich in history; it is also a beacon of environmental stewardship and community engagement. Upholding a steadfast commitment to national and international environmental norms, the hotel prioritizes minimizing its carbon footprint and actively champions the welfare of local communities. In its stride to become a pioneer in luxurious sustainability, The Grand implements various eco-friendly measures, such as reducing waste, optimizing energy and water usage, and sourcing sustainable products. It's noteworthy that the hotel has even banned single-use plastic and introduced compostable amenities.

The Grand's dedication to sustainable practices goes beyond immediate actions. It actively engages in sustainability groups to improve its methods continually and ensures transparency in reporting these efforts. Its commitment to sustainability is coordinated and monitored by a dedicated Sustainability Coordinator, with the overarching goal of achieving international best practices. The recognition of The Grand's eco-conscious efforts is evident in its certification achievements, such as the Green Key Gold standard, Platinum status by Accor, and the Bronze Earth Check certification. Sustainability is deeply embedded in the hotel's operations, and the Planet 21 initiative is used as a guide to set goals and monitor progress in areas of social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and prosperity.

Hotel BOAT & CO, located in Amsterdam, is an exemplar of eco-friendly practices and sustainable hospitality. The hotel is designed and built on Cradle-to-Cradle principles using sustainable construction materials, producing zero waste, earning the prestigious BREEAM Excellent certification. A significant feature of the hotel is its roof equipped with 424 solar panels, making the hotel largely solar-powered. Moreover, organic waste is turned into something useful through a swill tank that collects and converts it into compost, biodiesel, and biogas.

BOAT & CO's eco-friendly initiatives also extend to local wildlife. The hotel's facades house 40 unique spots for small local animals to breed and live, with several bird and bat houses on the roof and insect hotels on the terrace. Additionally, artificial light usage is minimized at night, not only to ensure guests' sleep quality but also to reduce energy consumption. The hotel's energy efficiency is reflected in its impressive Energy Performance Certificate rating of 0.041. Furthermore, located in Amsterdam's Houthaven, the hotel utilizes a sustainable cold/heat plant that pumps cold water from the IJ in winter to cool the neighborhood during hot summer days. It also relies on an environmentally friendly heat transport pipeline for warmth, which results in significant CO2 savings. Lastly, the hotel's restaurant supports local suppliers, uses seasonal ingredients to reduce emissions, and offers vegan options to encourage less meat consumption.