Hotels Taking Steps Towards Sustainability in Zaandam

Dutchies Hostel stands out in the accommodation sector for its comprehensive approach to environmental sustainability. The hostel's design focuses on maximizing natural light and airflow, decreasing reliance on artificial lighting, heating, and air conditioning. The property uses LED lighting, provides reusable tableware instead of disposable ones, and ensures water conservation with efficient toilets and towel-use policies. Dutchies Hostel also emphasizes eco-friendly activities such as reforestation and wildlife conservation.

The commitment to eco-friendly practices extends to the staff, who are trained to adhere to environmental policies. An energy audit is conducted every five years to continually improve the hostel's sustainable efforts. Dutchies also encourages guests to embrace green transportation by providing bicycles for local exploration. The overall efforts reflect Dutchies Hostel's dedication to reusability and resource conservation, making it an ideal choice for eco-conscious travelers.

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.