At the Beurs van Berlage, it’s all about making an impact. We make an impact in various ways: through our monumental venue, the events that take place here, our lasting impact on social fronts, and as an attractive employer. What is particularly important is that we make an impact by minimizing the environmental footprint of all our activities.
Making an impact
The Beurs van Berlage is the central meeting place within a national monument located in the heart of Amsterdam. We are committed to playing a leading role in sustainability within the events industry. Our sustainability strategy is designed to minimize our environmental impact while simultaneously maximizing our social and economic contributions. By collaborating with conference organizers and other partners, we can create events that are not only valuable for participants but also have a positive and lasting impact on the world around us.
We invite you to join us on our sustainability journey and work together towards a better future.
With this brochure, we hope to provide you with a clear picture of our commitment and plans in the field of sustainability. Your contribution and collaboration are essential to achieving our shared goals.
Together, we can make a positive impact!
Read our sustainability brochure
Sustainable catering
Given that we need to provide meals to a large numbers of guests within a short time frame, we’re always looking for methods or even formulas to reduce food waste. This includes preparing and presenting smaller batches, preparation on site and ‘on demand’. We also want to get a good idea of the numbers and exact profiles of our guests prior to an event, so that we are better able to offer the right selection in the right quantities. The seasonality and availability of products at our suppliers determine the final ingredients of our dishes and packages. We also look for options to process unconsumed food in the best way possible or to provide an alternative destination, without it having to be disposed of as waste.
We want to reduce the amount of waste where possible based on the concept of what does not enter the building does not have to be disposed of. This means that we will encourage suppliers, customers and other relevant parties to always supply quantities of goods that are in line with the expected actual use. We also try to keep the use of packaging materials to a minimum and want to optimally separate waste within our walls, in order to give as much waste as possible a second (or third) life. We want to reduce the amount of waste and improve its ‘quality’ and limit the number of logistical movements to and from the Beurs.
Foodbook
Will you help us?
You can also contribute during a trade fair or event by using as little packaging materials as possible and by separating waste in the appropriate waste bins (e.g. residual waste, paper, glass or plastic). You can also use energy-efficient equipment and, if possible, opt for a paperless event. Think of digital communication screens. By consciously choosing tables without linen and napkins and not using disposable cups or plastic bottles, you contribute to a better environment.
Net Zero Carbon Events
Following best available science on the impacts of climate change, we acknowledge that there is an urgent need to accelerate the transition towards global net zero emissions, and for the events industry to play its part in helping to deliver the goals of the Paris Agreement and ensuring a just transition.
Recognising that the events industry is comprised of a complex and fragmented mix of stakeholders from across the globe, we acknowledge that while individual companies and organisations may take specific actions to minimise their carbon impact, to drive meaningful progress a system-wide approach is also needed.
In this context, my organisation commits to support the goal of net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, in line with global efforts set out by the Paris Agreement to limit warming to 1.5°C and reduce total global GHG emissions by 50% by 2030, and to actively promote and advocate for industry efforts throughout the value chain.
This is why we have signed the Net Zero Carbon Pledge for the Events Industry.
Net Zero Carbon Events
Green Globe™ Certified
We are Green Globe™ certified. Green Globe™ is a global certification programme for sustainable travel and tourism. We are checked annually to meet the requirements by an independent inspector. Green Globe offers Beurs van Berlage a framework with which we can control, monitor and improve the sustainability processes.
Future plans
Green Label Service, an expert in the field of sustainability, guided us in achieving the Green Globe™ certificate. Every year we look at the possibilities for further sustainability. These are some examples of our objectives for the coming years:
- Offer CO2 compensation for events
- A more sustainable alternative to paper coffee cups, these contain a plastic layer
- Collect coffee grounds for growing mushrooms
- Renovation of various public toilet areas for, among other things, more water and energy savings
- Sustainability training for our employees, for more involvement and awareness
