Rotterdam: the resilient and sustainable MICE destination

Rotterdam through collaboration with partners like the Port of Rotterdam, the City of Rotterdam and international initiatives such as the Clinton Climate Initiative, C40, 100 Resilient Cities and Connecting Delta Cities is committed to its position at the forefront of global resilience and sustainability efforts. 

The city’s primary goals centre on becoming green, healthy and future-proof, achieving cleaner, cost-effective energy solutions and nurturing a robust and innovative economy. Rotterdam’s commitment to sustainability is evident in many things, such as progressive urban planning and climate adaptive architecture, sustainable transport options and certainly in its venues and hotels, which are committed to a green future.

Embracing the Rotterdam way of collaborating, innovating, and experimenting, the city is an example of how sustainability can be seamlessly integrated into every aspect of event planning. Rotterdam’s venues and hotels for instance, are actively pursuing sustainable best practices, offering an innovative, eco-conscious experience for event delegates. From solar panel rooftops to urban water buffers, from gas-less and fossil-free venues to providing insight into the CO2 emissions of meetings, events or conferences, Rotterdam’s commitment to a greener future is evident in every detail. Dining is sustainable too, with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and efforts to minimise food waste.

Purpose-built and state-of-the-art venues such as Rotterdam Ahoy Convention Centre, De Doelen ICC and Postillion Hotel & Convention Centre WTC Rotterdam are passionate about making environmentally  conscious decisions and leaving a positive social impact. Congress and event delegates can experience this commitment for themselves, with everything from solar panel rooftop spaces to thoughtful dining menus that avoid waste and showcase locally grown produce.

Rotterdam’s hotels also actively contribute to the city’s sustainability efforts. The Hotel Neutraal initiative, which was initiated in 2022, encourages hotels to adopt and share sustainable practices, from waste reduction to energy conservation. A growing number of hotels are embracing this ethos and collectively taking steps towards a CO2-neutral and circular future. Steps that ensure energy reduction, less waste, more circular products, water savings, lower CO2 emissions, cost savings and all-in-all a greener Rotterdam.