Hotels Taking Steps Towards Sustainability in Amsterdam

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.

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.

Hotel TWENTY EIGHT, located near the Olympic stadium at Stadionplein, is a pioneer in sustainability within the hospitality sector. The hotel's eco-friendly operations start from the very structure of its building, which blends in with the local environment and draws inspiration from the Olympic stadium. The hotel's design includes a 16-meter overhang without columns, creating an unimpeded view to and from Stadionplein and contributing to a metropolitan ambiance. Beyond aesthetic considerations, the structure is also energy-efficient, generating a significant portion of the energy it consumes. It is equipped with a sustainable heating and cooling system, and the showers and toilets feature integrated water-saving systems.

TWENTY EIGHT's commitment to environmental responsibility extends to its daily operations as well. Waste management is taken seriously, with extensive initiatives to reduce waste and ensure its separation throughout the hotel. Printing is limited, and disposables are avoided whenever possible. Water management is another key focus area, with all water-using products in the hotel designed to conserve water. Moreover, the hotel harnesses solar energy, with rooftop panels supplying a large amount of the energy it requires. The hotel also values a sustainable supply chain, choosing to collaborate only with environmentally conscious partners.