Three key themes for today and tomorrow: Part 2 - Sustainability

This series was created for the KHN Sector Special: Overnight.

In an engaging series of interviews with three leading professionals (Christianne Glazenburg, Emmy Chair, Erik-Jan Ginjaar), HOTELVAK has gained in-depth insights into the evolution of the hotel industry. The three professionals' approach shows how a strong focus on hospitality, sustainability and digitalisation improves the guest experience while contributing to a future-proof hotel industry.

In this section, you will read about Sustainability.

Guests find sustainability increasingly important. And hotels, too, are therefore on the brink of a green revolution. We found out how Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam is responding to this. They are not only going for preserving and conserving their heritage, but also the planet.

Becoming more environmentally aware yourself
Emmy Stoel, General Manager: "Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam strives to provide outstanding service without compromising on sustainability and social responsibility. Our goal is to become one of the most sustainable luxury hotels in Amsterdam while remaining custodians of a heritage dating back to 1411."

"At The Grand, sustainability plays a central role," Emmy continues. "As General Manager, I support this policy wherever possible and try to get our employees to adhere to it.

This has also made me more environmentally conscious myself. For instance, I am more conscious about separating waste, minimising plastic use and consuming energy."

Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam
Situated between two historic canals in the heart of the city, The Grand offers five-star luxury in a uniquely Amsterdam, historic ambiance, endowed with French elegance and grandeur. Restaurant Bridges and Oriole Garden Bistro's Mediterranean cuisine offer gourmet quality in an approachable atmosphere.

From waste press to food (recycling) app

The Grand has set up three circular waste streams with Renewi and there are waste streams for HDPE8 plastic, paper and cardboard, glass, Nespresso capsules, coffee grounds, cooking oil, printer cartridges, batteries and organic waste. A paper and cardboard press was installed in the waste room since 2019, and a separate press was installed for general waste in August 2023. This effectively reduced transport emissions by compressing waste.

"The Grand is heavily involved in the fight against food waste," said Emmy. "One of our initiatives is our collaboration with Too Good To Go. Every day we offer different boxes at reduced prices in their app. These boxes all consist of different delicious pastries from that day's breakfast buffet, think freshly baked croissants, fresh bread, delicious jams and sweets."

Commitment to local products

The kitchen staff has an urban rooftop garden and a greenhouse with various plants has been installed on the hotel roof. Meat, fish, wine and other vegetables are sourced locally and organically whenever possible.

Emmy: "Even when it comes to transport, we strive to provide eco-friendly options for our guests and team members. Whenever possible, we use electric taxis and boats for transport. Moreover, we were the first hotel in Amsterdam to have installed an electric car charging point, allowing guests with electric vehicles to easily recharge during their stay. We also rent out bicycles to our guests. This allows our guests to explore Amsterdam in a sustainable way."

Tips & tricks from Emmy

HOTELVAK brings together owners, professionals, suppliers and enthusiasts and discusses the key themes of today and the transformations to tomorrow