Rotterdam has established itself as a premier destination for sustainable events, earning international recognition from Arcadis. The city’s innovative approaches to climate resilience and practical, forward-thinking solutions make it a top choice for events that aim to create lasting impact.
Practical approach to sustainability and resilience
I was in Rotterdam to attend Urban Future 2024 and spoke to Chantal Zeegers, Vice Mayor responsible for climate, construction, and housing. ‘Innovation and entrepreneurship is really Rotterdam’s DNA,’ she shared with me. ‘We are known for our pragmatism, so we think that actions speak louder than words.’
This practical approach to sustainability and resilience manifests throughout the city’s infrastructure, policies, and most notably, its event venues.
Rotterdam Ahoy: sustainability by design
At the heart of Rotterdam’s event infrastructure stands Rotterdam Ahoy, the Netherlands’ largest multi-purpose venue. More than just a large space for events, it embodies the city’s commitment to resilience and sustainable innovation.
Here’s how the venue’s sustainable design features demonstrate this commitment in action:
Rotterdam Ahoy operates entirely gas-free, featuring a 1,713 m² moss sedum roof that reduces CO2 emissions and improves insulation. Solar panels generate a quarter of the venue’s annual electricity needs, while an innovative urban water reservoir system collects and purifies rainwater for operational use.
These sustainable features are integral to the venue’s operation and directly benefit event organisers. The natural daylight flooding through The Rotterdam hall, for instance, contributes to attendee wellbeing during multi-day events while reducing energy consumption. With space for up to 2,500 attendees, it demonstrates how sustainability and functionality can seamlessly integrate.
Your event can tap into Rotterdam’s expertise in resilience and innovation
While Rotterdam Ahoy exemplifies sustainable venue design, Rotterdam’s resilience extends far beyond physical infrastructure.
These innovations arise from necessity. ‘As a delta city, Rotterdam is particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels,’ Zeegers explains. ‘Climate adaptation is crucial for all residents.’ This reality has driven the city to develop comprehensive resilience strategies that benefit both locals and visitors.’
For event planners, this means access to a wealth of expertise and real-world examples of sustainability in action.
Making sustainability happen
This wealth of practical experience in sustainability has made Rotterdam increasingly attractive to event organisers.
The city’s commitment to resilience has attracted major international events like the 26th World Energy Congress and Urban Future 2024. These events chose Rotterdam not just for its venues, but for its real-time example of sustainable solutions.
Event planners in industries ranging from maritime, IT & tech, energy, life sciences & health, agri & food, and transport & logistics can enhance their programmes by tapping into local expertise and innovative practices. Rotterdam Partners offers complimentary support, by connecting event organizers to the right venues and service partners and by providing relevant city information. Rotterdam Partners creates awareness of Rotterdam as a potential host city, laying the groundwork for a successful bid and congress.
Connected and accessible
Supporting this status as a hub for sustainable events, Rotterdam offers exceptional connectivity.
The city is served by two international airports, the smaller RTHA (20 min by bus) and the large Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (24 minutes by train). High-speed rail links to major European business hubs make it an ideal destination for international delegates committed to reducing their carbon footprint.
Impact driven events start in Rotterdam
Rotterdam, as a resilient city, offers event planners a unique opportunity to host world-class events in sustainable venues, providing attendees with access to cutting-edge innovations in urban sustainability.
Rotterdam offers an ideal blend of innovation, infrastructure, and inspiration. The city’s practical approach to climate challenges, along with state-of-the-art venues like Rotterdam Ahoy, fosters an environment where events can maximise their positive impact.
Header photo copyright: Rotterdam Ahoy.
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