Sir Albert Hotel Amsterdam is a sophisticated destination located right in the heart of the capital’s De Pijp district. Green Globe awarded Sir Albert Gold status in January this year, marking five consecutive years of certification.
Sophie Huisman, General Manager at Sir Albert said, “I am very proud to be a part of a company that takes sustainability so seriously. As a Green Globe certified member for the past five years, Sir Albert has made great strides in creating a more sustainable environment – incorporating water and energy saving techniques, as well as supporting local initiatives. We are dedicated to increasing awareness across our hotels and with all our staff members and hotel guests.”
Little things that go a long way
“Over the last five years, we found that incorporating small changes to practices go a long way in creating a sustainable environment,” added Ms. Huisman.
To save energy at Sir Albert, visual reminders have been created for guests to be conscious of their usage of lights. Throughout the hotel all light bulbs have been changed to LED bulbs and systems have also been digitized such as sending internal reports, guest invoices etc. via email. Beyond saving energy, flow restrictors have been inserted in faucets and showerheads reducing water consumption. Green cleaning products and recycled paper as well as re-fillable bath product containers are used at the property. Together these small actions enable Sir Albert to inspire staff and guests to be more eco-conscious.
Supporting the local community
Sir Albert believes in supporting the local community. Management together with staff initiate projects ranging from cooking sessions to providing wholesome meals to the Salvation Army, to helping at local animal shelters. In addition to volunteer work, the hotel has devised a plan whereby a specified amount can be donated from a staff member’s salary to the organization of their choice.
“Each year Sir Albert prides itself on its collaboration with the Food Bank of Amsterdam. This past year, through the efforts and donations of team members we filled 28 boxes worth of food donations! We have also launched a company-wide program called – ‘Sir Cares’, which donates one euro for each night of a guest’s stay to a local organization that is making a difference in cities and communities,” explained Sophie Huisman.
As one of its environmental initiatives, Sir Albert has teamed up with Plastic Whale, the first professional plastic fishing company who seek to make Amsterdam’s waterways completely plastic free. Plastic Whale work year-round to collect plastic from Amsterdam’s canals and recycle it into new design products, such as tables, chairs and lamps.
Green Weeks and training sessions
The hotel has an on-site Green Team which organizes training sessions for staff members to educate them on ways to become more eco-friendly in their everyday lives. These sessions increase awareness throughout the whole company and are also used as brain storming sessions on ways to integrate these practices throughout other properties as well. For more information, visit sirhotels.com.
About Green Globe Certification
Green Globe is the worldwide sustainability system based on internationally accepted criteria for sustainable operation and management of travel and tourism businesses. Operating under a worldwide license, Green Globe is based in California, USA and is represented in over 83 countries. Green Globe is an Affiliate Member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). For information, please visit greenglobe.com.
MEDIA CONTACT: Bradley Cox, Director of Communications, Green Globe Certification, 5230 Pacific Concourse Drive, Suite 102, Los Angeles, California 90045, U.S.A., phone +1-310-337-3000, fax +1-310-626-9982, Email prlax@greenglobe.com , web www.greenglobe.com