Sustainable accommodation: The future of travel
Sustainability is no longer a trend, it has become a norm, part of our daily lives. As we become increasingly aware of the impact of our actions on the planet, the demand for sustainable travel options is steadily growing. One of the most important elements of sustainable travel is sustainable accommodation. This has led to a significant increase in all sustainable types of accommodations, but eco-friendly hotels being particularly popular in The Netherlands.
What does sustainable accommodation mean?
Sustainable accommodation refers to choosing accommodation that takes environmental and social aspects into account, so that the negative impact of tourism on the environment and local communities is minimized. This can be done by, among other environmentally friendly actions, reducing energy consumption, lowering carbon emissions, reducing single use plastic, water conservation, waste minimization and support local communities.
What types of eco-friendly accommodations are there?
There are many types of eco accommodations. From low key eco lodges and eco retreats to award winning sustainable hotels. However, regardless of the type or size of the accommodation’s options, the goal remains the same, reducing carbon footprints and improve the impact on the environment.
How can you spend the night sustainably?
When it comes to sustainable overnight accommodation, there are countless options that you can control yourself. A good start is to thoroughly research the environmental and social practices of the accommodation you are staying at. To do this, look for properties with ECO certifications such as Earth Check or Green Globe to ensure their commitment to sustainability.
In addition to choosing green accommodations, there are also steps you can take yourself to make your stay as sustainable as possible. This includes consciously dealing with energy consumption by turning off lights and electronic devices when they are not in use. You can support the local community by dining at local restaurants and shopping at local artisans to stimulate the local economy. In addition, more and more people are choosing to spend their holidays in their own country in order to minimize the environmental impact of travel.
Holiday in your own country
Going on holiday can be combined with attention to the environment by enjoying a holiday in your own country. This not only helps to reduce carbon emissions, but also provides the opportunity to explore our own rural beauty and cultural diversity. It is a conscious choice that travelers make and that contributes to a sustainable future and at the same time provides a special holiday experience. In the Netherlands we are doing well in the field of providing sustainable accommodations. In 2023, the boutique hotel De Durgerdam opened its doors, a new accommodation where sustainability is central to a high-end hospitality concept.
Sustainability at De Durgerdam
By taking control into its own hands, boutique hotel De Durgerdam puts sustainability first. Part of this is the zero waste philosophy for the entire operation. In practice, this means rejecting everything that produces non-recyclable waste, reducing unnecessary use of resources and products, structurally reusing and recycling everything possible and repairing things instead of replacing them.
This process started with the very first demolition and reconstruction works, with all resources being used to limit and offset CO2 emissions. And this will be continued with, among other things, the use of heat pumps for heating and cooling of the hotel, the use of solar panels and a completely gas-free heat supply. But at De Durgerdam, sustainability is also reflected in the choice of furniture and upholstery.
Sustainable overnight stay at De Durgerdam
Are you looking for inspiration for sustainable hotels in the Netherlands? Visit Durgerdam and be drawn into the oasis of a colorful village with cheerful houses where you can happily and effortlessly surrender to an all-consuming tranquility. Experience the benefits of a holiday in your own country and visit the boutique hotel De Durgerdam for a sustainable holiday.
