Green Globe Gold certification has been awarded to Amsterdam Conference Centre Beurs van Berlage, marking five consecutive years of sustainable management and operations. Situated in the heart of Amsterdam, Beurs van Berlage was the first Dutch conference and events centre to receive Green Globe certification. The conference centre is located in a national monument that first opened as a bustling trading hub in 1903.
Marieke Dijkman, Sustainability Manager.
Marieke Dijkman, Sustainability Manager at Beurs van Berlage, said: “All our team is honoured to receive the Green Globe Gold certification. Sustainability is not about being perfect; it is about making progress. For us, that means looking at every part of our operations and asking where we can do better. From reducing the energy use of our historic building to tackling food waste and creating a positive impact in our city, it is the combination of all these steps that makes a real difference.”
Reducing the Carbon Footprint of a Historic Building
Making a 123-year-old building more sustainable comes with its challenges, but major progress has been made, particularly on the rooftop. One of the biggest steps was a major investment in the installation of ten heat pumps on the roof of the historic building. In addition, the energy efficiency of the building has been improved with installation of heritage-compatible double glazing. This forms part of the venue’s ongoing electrification efforts, bringing it closer to its next major milestone which is to become completely gas-free by early 2027.
“Our mission is to preserve the Beurs van Berlage for future generations,” added Marieke Dijkman. “The proceeds from our commercial activities are reinvested in the building, allowing us to undertake projects like this that continuously improve its sustainability. For us, this shows that heritage and sustainability can go hand in hand. Preserving the character of an iconic building does not mean standing still, it means finding smarter ways to prepare it for the future.”
Tackling Food Waste
Beurs van Berlage has its own Food Book that outlines the culinary offerings at the conference centre with an emphasis on elegance and sustainability. The centre collaborates with local suppliers who share a commitment to quality and the environment. Preferred ingredients are fresh, seasonal and responsibly sourced. Plant-based options are also available on vegan menus.
As food is a major part of events at Beurs van Berlage, reducing food waste is an important focus. The centre continues to improve the way purchases and planning is made. Decisions are based on suitable portion sizes per person, helping to better match quantities to the number of guests and avoiding unnecessary waste.
Beurs van Berlage is taking this a step further by measuring its food waste with Orbisk, a smart food-waste monitoring system that uses AI to identify and track what is being thrown away. This system provides detailed data about what comprises food waste – specifically what is being wasted, when it is being wasted and in what quantities. Rather than relying on assumptions, chefs and management can use the data to make practical changes. The insights from Orbisk not only allows the conference centre to fine-tune its Food Book, but also contributes to making informed decisions regarding procurement, menu planning and quantities, helping reduce food waste even more.
Opening Doors to Amsterdam
As one of Amsterdam’s most iconic buildings in the heart of the city, Beurs van Berlage believes it has a responsibility to give something back to the city.
Marieke Dijkman explains, “As part of an ambition to play a greater role in Amsterdam, we open our doors to a wide range of cultural, educational and community initiatives. We host at least two events supporting a social or charitable cause each year, organise at least six events accessible to the general public and hold our annual Open Day.
“These initiatives reflect the original idea behind our building, a Palazzo Pubblico – a palace for the people. More than 120 years after H.P. Berlage designed it, we are proud to keep that idea alive and make our building a place where people from across Amsterdam can meet, learn and connect.”
Contact
Marieke Dijkman
Sustainability Manager
Amsterdam Conference Centre Beurs van Berlage
Damrak 243
Amsterdam, 1012 ZJ
The Netherlands
E: mdijkman@beursvanberlage.com
T: +31 (0)20 530 4141