Green Globe is proud to announce InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam is the latest IHG hotel to receive certification for its sustainable operations and management. This 150-year-old heritage property located in the heart of Amsterdam is committed to fair and responsible ways of reducing impacts on the environment and creating awareness of its sustainability achievements amongst guests, employees, suppliers and the local community.
InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam, General Manager, Anita Bos said: “The future lies in our own hands. That’s why we shouldn’t condone waste, for example, and take steps ourselves for running our business responsibly. It’s not a case of only doing something substantial, many small changes are just as important. Together with the team I am very proud that we have achieved the Green Globe certificate.”
InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam has achieved certification status through the implementation of IHG’s Green Engage program which underpins the hotel’s operations and management in key areas of energy, emissions and facilities; suppliers and products; management system and training; and social environment.
To reduce electricity consumption the hotel has not only introduced LED lights, but also converted 90% of its kitchen equipment to induction heating and cooking to reduce gas usage. Energy and carbon reduction is also achieved with the use of green transportation options including bicycles, electric canal boats and taxis.
Preference is given to suppliers who are willing to share in the hotel’s efforts to operate sustainably. At present 50% of suppliers have signed up to an agreement to support the hotel’s efforts and participate in waste and energy reduction activities such as taking back packaging and providing high quality food items that are sourced locally including meat and fish. The hotel also proudly produces herbs in its own garden and honey from its own beehive.
Managing the sustainable business training of over 100 full time employees is greatly supported by IHG’s Green Engage. Online training in responsible and sustainable practices is provided via IHG’s corporate head office in order to create more awareness and knowledge among staff members. Green Engage is also used to benchmark the results of the hotel’s energy saving and waste reduction measures and compares these with other hotels in the region to provide continual feedback on performance.
Within its inner city location InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam works to build and maintain excellent relationships with its neighbors. Besides organizing neighborhood meetings and workshops, the hotel also adheres to IHG’s Shelter in the Storm program by providing emergency shelter for its local community in times of a crisis or catastrophe.
The hotel also sponsors a number of charity events, including the Waterheuvel Foundation, assisting the rehabilitation of people who have suffered psychological challenges. Through the contribution of significant amounts of resources, services and products, including the use of hotel space, InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam supports Laat ze maar Lachen, the Let Them Laugh children’s’ charity and Slachtoffer Hulp Nederland, the Victims Netherlands foundation.
