The most sustainable hotel in the Netherlands!
On September 23, 2025, the fifth edition of the Gaia Green Awards took place during the Gastvrij Rotterdam trade fair. This year, the awards were once again presented in the categories Hotels, Restaurants, MICE locations (meetings & events), and CARE locations (healthcare).
The independent professional jury—consisting of sustainability experts such as Erik van Dijk from Green Key—praised the high standard of the finalists. The jury saw, among other things, fully plant-based menus, hotels switching to gas-free buildings, and venues investing in their own energy generation. These examples were intended to serve as a source of inspiration for the entire hospitality industry.
The title in the Hotels category went to Van der Valk Hotel Den Haag – Wassenaar. The hotel distinguishes itself through a comprehensive approach that focuses on environmental conservation, circularity, and social inclusion:
All-electric hotel – During a major renovation and new construction, Van der Valk opted for heat pumps and solar panels. Thanks to this investment, the hotel can operate gas-free; the remaining gas consumption is generated on site with a bio-digester that converts food waste into biogas. Energy-saving techniques such as LED lighting and smart thermostats have also been implemented.
Circular gastronomy – The hotel is strongly committed to local and circular cuisine concepts. Residual waste from Restaurant Eiber is processed into liquid plant food for the hotel's own vegetable garden. Breakfast leftovers – even leftover hummus – are used as fuel for the fires in the gastrobar.
Green outdoor spaces – Guests will find insect hotels, bat boxes, and a vegetable and herb garden in the grounds. In addition to 20 charging stations for electric cars, there is a strong focus on bicycle facilities; employees are encouraged to cycle to work.
Water and energy management – Heat pump boilers, HR glass, insulation, and water-saving taps and toilets significantly reduce energy and water consumption.
Social sustainability – The hotel works with Social Capital, an organization that helps people who are distanced from the labor market find work. The workforce consists of employees of different ages, backgrounds, and educational levels.
The Gaia Green Awards jury praised the hotel for its integrated approach: from energy generation and circular cooking to inclusive business operations and customer-focused service.
Partly as a result of this, Van der Valk Den Haag – Wassenaar was named the most sustainable hotel provider of 2025!