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.
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.
We want to conduct our activities in a sustainable and socially responsible manner.
Given that we need to provide meals to a large numbers of guests within a short time frame, weāre always looking for methods or even formulas to reduce food waste. This includes preparing and presenting smaller batches, preparation on site and āon demandā. 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 āqualityā and limit the number of logistical movements to and from the Beurs.
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.
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: