The two certifications cover different areas: Green Globe focuses primarily on sustainable operations and hospitality processes, while B Corp certification assesses the impact of the organisation as a whole – from employee relations and supply chain partnerships to social engagement.
“At the Beurs, we naturally want to treat our listed building with care and organise increasingly sustainable events. But we consider it just as important how we treat people, which organisations we collaborate with, and what role we play as an organisation within the city and society. The two certifications therefore complement each other incredibly well,” says Willemijn de Vet, Marketing Director at the Beurs van Berlage.
Concrete targets through to 2050
The organisation views the certifications as a milestone on the path to net zero emissions by 2050. Specific reduction targets have been set in the areas of gas, water, food waste and general waste. To drive the sustainability strategy forward, Marieke Dijkman was appointed Sustainability Manager this year. She has overseen the Green Globe certification process and launched new initiatives, including a partnership with technology company Orbisk, whose AI-driven solution analyses food waste to enable more targeted decisions on procurement, planning and food preparation.
Social impact as a second pillar
Beyond environmental operations, the Beurs van Berlage is committed to generating social impact. The conference centre offers employment opportunities to people who face barriers to the labour market and supports various charities and social initiatives. The long-term preservation of the listed building – designed by architect H.P. Berlage and opened in 1903 – is also central to the organisation’s purpose.
Historic venue in the heart of Amsterdam
The Beurs van Berlage is one of the Netherlands’ most prominent conference and event venues. The national monument in Amsterdam’s historic centre has served as a place for knowledge exchange and connection for more than 120 years. With its dual certification, the venue positions itself as a destination that combines sustainable operations with social responsibility for the international meetings and events industry.
