Sustainability policy of De Ruwenberg
n recent years, De Ruwenberg has invested heavily in sustainable projects. Thanks to these efforts, we have achieved the highest possible certifications in hospitality sustainability. We believe it is essential to look beyond the near future and see it as our responsibility to inspire guests and partners to contribute to a greener world. Below, we highlight our key sustainability measures.
Energy-efficient air conditioning system in all hotel rooms and meeting spaces
In 2024, we replaced our entire air conditioning system with a Daikin VRF (Variable Refrigerant Volume/Flow) solution. This system also functions as a heat recovery unit, efficiently redistributing excess heating or cooling from hotel rooms and meeting spaces to other areas. Each room can be individually controlled by guests. The VRF system is one of the most energy-efficient and flexible solutions available on the market. Key features include reduced CO₂ emissions, lower Global Warming Potential (GWP), and self-cleaning filters to continuously optimize comfort and performance.
176 solar panels for sustainable energy production
Our rooftops are equipped with 176 solar panels, generating over 70,000 kWh of electricity annually – enough to power more than 4,500 hotel guest stays per year with self-generated energy. In addition, we installed 8 cm of roof insulation, helping to keep the building warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
Solar-powered water heating
Our water boilers use solar collectors to heat water efficiently. As only the final 5 degrees require gas heating, this system significantly reduces our gas consumption.
42 charging points for electric vehicles
In 2024, we expanded our charging infrastructure with 36 new charging stations, bringing the total to 42 charging points for electric cars. In addition, our covered bicycle storage area is equipped with charging facilities for e-bikes.
21% less food waste
In collaboration with Orbisk, we installed a smart food waste monitoring system. This technology tracks exactly how much food is discarded, raising awareness among our staff and enabling more conscious kitchen practices. As a result, we have reduced our food waste by 21% – equivalent to 16,685 meals and 24,237 kg of CO₂ emissions.
LED lighting throughout the building
All lighting at De Ruwenberg has been replaced with energy-efficient LED lights. This change has resulted in a 90% reduction in energy consumption related to lighting.
Plant a tree as a guest
As a guest, you can easily contribute to a greener planet. In cooperation with the Hotels for Trees Foundation, guests staying multiple nights can choose to skip room cleaning for a day. In return, one tree will be planted.
It’s simple: in your room, you’ll find a green Hotels for Trees door hanger. If you hang it on your door, housekeeping will skip cleaning your room for that day, and one tree will be planted somewhere in the world.
This is how many trees have already been planted:
Sustainable procurement policy
Restaurant
The majority of our restaurant products are organic or locally sourced. All items either travel less than 300 food miles or are fair trade certified. Additionally, we regularly use products from De Verspillingsfabriek, contributing to the fight against food waste.
Housekeeping
All daily cleaning supplies, dishwasher products, toilet paper and tissues used in our housekeeping department carry a sustainability label. These products are environmentally friendly wherever possible.
Social responsibility
We actively support social initiatives through voluntary contributions, such as:
Hosting charity dinners and concerts
Providing hotel rooms or lunches for elderly people and families dealing with illness
Sponsoring local sports clubs
Water-saving showers and taps
All showers and taps at De Ruwenberg are water-efficient, helping us reduce water consumption by 20% to 30%. This also contributes to lower gas usage. Best of all, the guest experience remains comfortable, with no compromise on water pressure or quality.
Certificates
IACC Green Star – Platinum
We are proud to hold the Platinum IACC Greenstar – the highest sustainability recognition awarded by the International Association of Conference Centres (IACC). This certification confirms that De Ruwenberg actively supports the IACC’s environmental policy and continues to strive for a greener and more responsible hospitality industry. Read more…
Green Key – Gold
For many years, De Ruwenberg has held the prestigious Gold level of the Green Key certificate – the highest possible rating. Green Key is an internationally recognised ecolabel for sustainable businesses in the meeting and conference industry. It reflects our commitment to minimising our environmental impact, going beyond legal requirements to implement sustainable practices across the estate. Read more…
CSR statement
With this Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) declaration, De Ruwenberg confirms its commitment to the following principles:
We stay informed about CSR developments with the support of Green Label Service, an expert in hotel sustainability.
We continuously work to reduce our CO₂ emissions.
We educate and involve our employees in our sustainability policy, supporting them in applying it in daily operations.
We actively inform our guests and encourage their contribution, for example:
Reusing towels through in-room signage
Skipping room cleaning via Hotels for Trees, which results in a tree being planted
Exploring the area by (electric) bike
Enjoying nature through walking or boat tours
We inform our suppliers of our sustainability standards and ask for their cooperation through a sustainability declaration.
We are constantly improving our procurement process, giving preference to products with recognised environmental certifications.
If you have any questions or suggestions, we’d be happy to hear from you.
Vasfi Isitan
Managing Director
