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.
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
