Six venues provide a wealth of insights

The baseline measurement of the VenueNL Sustainability Initiative shows that establishing policies and objectives in sustainability, social responsibility and governance is still the main problem. As a result, current sustainability efforts remain underexposed.

The VenueNL Sustainability Initiative (VSI) was launched last year. Six founding venues joined the initiative of Publique, platform for live communication, in collaboration with ELAN – ESG in Hospitality and GSES, the internationally recognized platform for measuring sustainability performance. Their goal, which was also supported by trade organisation CLC-Vecta, major bank ABN Amro and the Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions, is to monitor and support the sustainability efforts of Dutch meeting venues.

Instead of focusing on who is the most sustainable, the project examines collective progress, such as where advancements are being made in relation to the European Union’s ESG-CSRD benchmark.

A baseline measurement divided into policy and actions was started in November 2024. Participants answered questions via the GSES platform on 14 sustainability aspects related to the European Union’s ESG policy.

The aim is to show to what extent companies pay attention to the important themes of sustainability, social responsibility and governance, rather than determining how well or badly a venue is currently performing. The baseline measurement offers very valuable insights and tips on how venues can jointly increase their positive impact.

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Recommendations

Based on the baseline measurement, a number of important recommended improvements have been formulated. Much can be gained, especially when it comes to documenting policy, ­actions and results.

1. Strengthen governance: actively involve management in sustainability policy and ensure ­strategic anchoring.
2. Improve stakeholder mapping: identify and engage internal and external ­stakeholders, paying special attention to conflicting interests.
3. Formulate and implement concrete policy: focus on key issues such as diversity, inclusion, gender equality, environmental measures, and fair trade practices.
4. Measure and evaluate impact: set clear KPIs, conduct audits and develop ­improvement plans.
5. Stimulate engagement with the environment: work together with local partners and educational institutions for social investments and employment.

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Key observations 

This article goes through the most important and remarkable aspects of the baseline measurement. The main observation is that the participating venues are already doing well and have made real strides when it comes to sustainability and making an impact. Of course, there is still a lot of room for improvement. 

People have already shown progress in some areas because the subject is already well-established in Dutch laws and collective labour agreements. However, some issues that have been law in the Netherlands for a long time have not been regulated.

ART I. GENERAL COMPANY INFORMATION AND POLICY

We started with the more general business information that influences a company’s sustainability policy and measured the six most important aspects.

1. Stakeholder mapping 

An important finding is that not all venues have thoroughly investigated who their most important stakeholders are and what their needs are. For example, how to attract and retain the younger generations entering the labour market, or how to notify and accommodate local residents who may be inconvenienced by an event. Identifying these conflicting interests helps a venue deal with its environment in a transparent and responsible way.

2. Impact materiality 

‘Materiality’ is used to determine the influence that an organisation’s decisions have on internal and external stakeholders. 

Of the companies in the benchmark, half identified the possible negative impact of their activi­ties. However, none of them have included the company’s impact, whether positive or negative, in their management policy. 

One example is the use of sustainable materials in stand construction, where collaboration ­between venues and suppliers can contribute to lower costs and a lower environmental impact. Positive effects are also acknowledged, such as promoting diversity and inclusion by equalising pay for internships at the RAI.

3. Financial materiality 

In addition to the impact on society and the environment, the effects of external factors on a venue’s financial performance are also taken into account, such as possible fluctuations in energy costs. 

The majority of venues have insight into the financial materiality and its influence on the company, both positive and negative. However, no venue has yet created a policy as part of management processes. 

For example, Postillion Hotels have installed energy-efficient lighting, which reduces energy consumption and generates savings that contri­bute positively to the financial health of the organisation.

4. Governance 

The baseline measurement gives governance a very low score because many venues rarely or never integrate its principles into their decision-making. Furthermore, nothing about it has been documented, and it’s anybody’s guess as to why.

5. ISO 26000 – The seven core subjects of corporate social responsibility

Furthermore, when it comes to the core topics of ISO 26000, such as human rights, working ­conditions and environmental protection, 
it appears that the venues have not formulated specific or only brief policy measures to comply with these guidelines. Surprisingly, when it comes to the environment, including environmental principles such as ‘prevention’ and ‘polluter pays’, no policy seems to be in place yet.

6. Policy & stakeholder interest and communication

Only one third of participants have formulated a policy on stakeholder interest, on how this involvement is organised, why it’s important, and how it is considered when evaluating action plans, decision-making and goal-setting.

PART II. ACTIONS (ACTUAL ACTIVITIES AND MEASURES)

After these general topics, the benchmark zooms in on specific ESG topics and examines whether and where action is being taken. The following are the most interesting findings.

7. Actions and implementation regarding human rights

Here, it specifically concerns human rights policy such as the ban on child labour, discrimination and the right to association (for example, union membership). As expected, venues score well on this, although it seems that it’s not yet firmly established in policy. 

However, in terms of diversity and inclusion, the benchmark also shows notable scores. Only a few participants have a policy for promo­ting diversity and inclusion. In addition, there is often a lack of an effective mechanism or process for reporting complaints and incidents concerning human rights violations, including a clear complaints procedure. Despite the increased attention in the public debate, social and psychological safety still seems to be a challenge within organisations. 

For years, companies have been made aware of the need to develop a proper diversity and inclusion policy. Moreover, since 2022, there has been legislation that requires companies to have a whistleblowing scheme. However, its practical implementation appears to be inadequate.

8. Actions and implementation regarding labour practices (an organisation’s ­employees and subcontractors, including employees in the value chain)

Half of the companies have formulated measures regarding labour practices, such as preventing forced labour, ensuring fair working conditions and providing a safe and healthy ­working environment. This is understan­dable, since these matters are often part of the ­collective labour agreements with which the venues involved work.

9. Actions and implementation regarding labour practices (an organisation’s employees and subcontractors)

Working conditions in Dutch venues are well regulated. However, only a few venues are able to accommodate people with a work disability. In 2026, the law on jobs and quotas for people with a work disability will oblige employers with more than 25 employees to employ at least 5% of employees with a work disability, which poses a challenge.

 

Companies could be more active in reducing the gender pay gap

 

10. Actions and implementation regarding labour practices (an organisation’s employees)

Companies could be more active in reducing the gender pay gap in comparable positions. ­Developing targeted policies is essential to close this gap in the near future. It is striking that only a few companies collect data on it and actively work on reducing these pay gaps. It is another important opportunity for improvement in the area of gender equality in the workplace.

11. Actions and implementation regarding the environment

A minority of venues indicate that they are taking measures with regard to the environment. In this case, only on a few specific points are being addressed. 

When it comes to preventing, limiting and compensating for greenhouse gas emissions in Scope 3 or elsewhere in the chain, and managing water consumption by reducing, recycling or using rainwater, no measures are apparently being taken at all.

12. Actions and implementation on fair operating practices

The most noticeable thing in this category is that little to nothing is being done to combat corruption, bribery and extortion, or to report any of this to the appropriate supervisory authorities. It seems to be mainly about anchoring it in policy, not dealing with possible abuse. However, it also requires additional research.

13. Actions and implementation on subjects that affect guests and clients

The results of the assessment indicate that little or nothing has been done to design ­products and services to the highest standards of health and safety and to provide clear instructions for safe use and maintenance. Furthermore, it is surprising that only one of the organisations has taken action to protect guest and customer data, which has been a legal requirement for some time.

14. Actions and implementation on community engagement and development

Regarding community engagement, most organisations have not taken any action at all, such as proactively involving the community, consulting representative groups in social investments and supporting vulnerable or under-represented groups. In addition, there is barely any discussion about creating employment or contributing to local economic development.

The venues involved have the opportunity to enter into partnerships with local educational institutions for technological development and stimulate local employment by participating in skills and social return programmes. 

KPIs, audits and improvements

With the participants, we also looked ahead to measurable objectives, evaluation of results, internal and external audits, and improvement goals. In line with the baseline measurement, not enough has been documented. However, an external audit has been carried out at the majority of the organisations. 

After completing the baseline measurement, the VenueNL Sustainability Initiative focuses on the areas of improvement. The first step is to document the policy when it comes to sustainability, social responsibility and governance. Since venues have enough practical examples to use as a basis, there’s much to be gained that can easily be accomplished.

At the same time, the focus is on formulating measurable objectives and improvement goals. Ultimately, this is what VSI is all about: realising the collective, substantiated progress of Dutch venues in the field of sustainability in the broadest sense of the word.

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Six founding venues

Six leading Dutch conference venues support the VenueNL Sustainability Initiative, which aims to monitor collective progress in sustainability. To achieve this, they broadly register their results in the areas of environment, social responsibility, and governance. These are the founding venues.

RAI Amsterdam

RAI Amsterdam is a globally renowned convention center featuring 11 halls, 2 auditoriums, a ballroom, and 70 meeting rooms. Strategically located just 8 minutes from Schiphol Airport and 12 minutes from Amsterdam’s city center, RAI Amsterdam has won multiple "Best International Venue" awards for its green initiatives, smart technologies, and customer satisfaction.

World Forum The Hague

World Forum The Hague combines over fifty years of experience with innovative sustainable practices, such as a green roof with solar panels, water refill stations, and the elimination of plastic. Located in the international city of peace and justice, this venue stands out for its expertise in organizing secure and high-quality international events.

Expo Houten

Expo Houten is a versatile venue located in the heart of the Netherlands. The venue actively promotes sustainability by utilizing energy-efficient systems and waste separation. With excellent accessibility and flexible spaces, Expo Houten is popular among organizers of trade shows and confex events.

Martiniplaza

Martiniplaza in Groningen is the largest event venue in the northern Netherlands, offering four plenary halls, 14 breakout rooms, and stylish foyers for conferences hosting up to 10,000 participants. This Green Key-certified complex combines modern facilities with sustainable initiatives, such as solar energy and waste reduction.

NextVenue

NextVenue represents more than ten locations across central Netherlands. Each location has a unique character, ranging from historical and industrial to rural and innovative settings. These venues are equipped with energy-efficient technologies and focus on circular business practices.

Postillion Hotels

Postillion Hotels operates eight meeting and conference centers with on-site hotel rooms in key cities and regions across the Netherlands. The venues are fully Green Key Gold-certified and committed to CO2 reduction, circular solutions, waste minimization, and sustainable catering options. These full-service conference center hotels combine luxury with environmental consciousness.