Beurs van Berlage

Sustainability

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Beurs van Berlage

The Beurs van Berlage is a hotspot that cannot be missed during your visit to Amsterdam. It is the vibrant meeting point in the heart of the city. One thing is certain, there is always something to do in the unique historical building! Have a bite to eat in one of our restaurants, visit the Tony's Chocolonely shop for the tastiest chocolate, order the most delicious fish dishes in The Seafood Bar, rent a bicycle or use one of the lockers in the Bike Rental and discover the secrets of Sherlocked. Check out events and the expositions in our calendar.

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Amsterdam Conference Centre Beurs van Berlage is the central meeting place in the centre of Amsterdam in a national monument. Because of its function, the activities differ almost every day and the monument is used by many users and stakeholders. In our business operations, we want to take our stakeholders into account as much as possible and conduct all our activities in a sustainable and socially responsible manner.

CSR policy

The core values of the Beurs van Berlage are authenticity, respect and sincerity. These core values arise from our hospitality, which we value considerably and which form the basis of who the Beurs and its employees are. But they also arise from the identity of the building itself; a national monument from 1903 with a place on the UNESCO list of most important buildings worldwide.

In addition to these core values, the Beurs van Berlage distinguishes itself with personal contact, connection, inspiration, experience, transparency and integrity.

By means of a sound CSR policy, the Beurs van Berlage wants to work towards a social circular business operations and contributing to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), guided by our core values.


 
Read our CSR policy

Sustainable and socially responsible

We want to conduct our activities in a sustainable and socially responsible manner.

  • Lighting (including theater lighting) is now largely LED
  • We use ecologically responsible cleaning products and hand soap
  • We have many organic and local products in our catering range, as well as vegetarian and vegan options. We also have Fairtrade & organic tea in biodegradable bags
  • Where possible, we separate our waste, including plastic and food leftovers
  • We use as many local partners and suppliers as possible. This stimulates the local economy & keeps CO2 emissions from transport as low as possible
  • We host, at least once a year, an event for a good cause
  • We have green electricity. As a result, there is less consumption of limited available fossil fuels

 

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

 

Hotspot since 1903

Since the year 1903 the Beurs van Berlage has been a charming international hotspot. A building with grandeur and the place to be in the soul of Amsterdam where special things happen every day. Events, fairs, exhibitions and prestigious conferences.

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Want to know more?

Are you interested and would you like to further discuss the possibilities for your conference or event? We are ready for you!

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