Driving Sustainability in Amsterdam’s Hospitality Sector – Interview with Paul Wallerbos

We recently had the privilege of asking 5 questions to one of Amsterdam’ Municipality sustainability coordinators: Paul Wallerbos. We talked about the city’s ambitious sustainability targets, and what the hospitality industry has to say about this. It was a privilege and we hope his last message will inspire you as it inspired us.  

Here’s what happened:

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1: What have you been working on?

Paul has a variety of responsibilities as a sustainability coordinator. He talked about the gas-free city project by 2040, an ambitious plan that requires significant cooperation between businesses, neighborhoods, and local government.  

“Big buildings must take the lead,”

Paul said, emphasizing the importance of frontrunners who adopt sustainable heating solutions like natural gas-free systems.

His work also spans advising on policies and implementing community-focused projects, all while balancing the preservation of Amsterdam’s historic charm with modern environmental needs.

2: How is the hospitality industry reacting to the sustainability trend?

When asked about the hospitality sector’s contribution to sustainability, Paul mentioned 2 interesting points.

      1.The less surprising was that legislation is driving improvements. For example; Dutch law mandates the use of “best available technologies” for energy efficiency—such as LED lighting and efficient heating—if the investment pays off within five years.

For larger hotels, compliance is even more rigorous. European law require hotels to measure and reduce their overall emissions (looking at you Scope 3), including factors like employee transportation and supply chain impact.

      2.Something that gives relief by hearing it, was the story of how big hotels were already taking sustainable initiatives on their own. As he mentioned; “Some of the bigger hotels, though, are already ahead of the curve,”

“Many [hotels] aim to be Paris Agreement-compliant well before 2050.”

3. Paul, what are the challenges of Going Green?

Of course, sustainability in Amsterdam comes with its own set of issues. Paul highlighted the difficulty of upgrading historic buildings with modern technology. “Many monumental hotels have single-glass windows and limited space for non-fossil equipment like heat pumps.”

Cooling is another issue, as I don’t imagine a hotel that would think of not providing air conditioning in summer. While comfort is a priority for guests, it doesn’t always align with sustainability goals.

Finally, waste management. Especially in a city with fragile infrastructure like bridges and canals (solution to this in the next question). Large waste trucks have damaged these structures, prompting the city to explore innovative logistics solutions, including electric vehicles and canal-based waste transport.

4. What are the innovative solutions to look out for?

Paul mentioned an idea with huge potential that could only work in Amsterdam (maybe in Venice too): using the canals for heavy transport (waste and supplies) and water heating-and-cooling.

“In summer, warm canal water is stored underground, acting as a natural energy battery,” Paul said. This energy can then be used to heat buildings during the winter—a clever, sustainable solution based in Amsterdam’s unique features.

He also highlighted pilot programs using autonomous boats for logistics. These boats could soon handle waste collection and deliveries, significantly reducing the need for trucks in the city center.

5. Last Question: What’s your message to the HotelManagers/Owners of Europe?

His advice:

“Don’t just focus on your own building. Engage with your neighbors and community. Together,you can find shared opportunities for sustainability that benefit everyone.”

Paul also encouraged hotels to adopt the principles of the doughnut economy, reinvesting profits into the local community to create a more equitable, sustainable ecosystem.

Final Thoughts

Speaking with Paul reinforced what we in Sustainix already believe: sustainability is a collective effort. It’s about finding solutions that work not just for one building, but for an entire city, and doing so in away that’s inclusive and forward-thinking.

Amsterdam is a city rich in history and innovation, and as Paul put it,

“Sustainability isn’t about going fast—it’s about going far, together.”

As someone deeply invested in creating a better future, I’m inspired by Amsterdam’s journey and hopeful about what’s to come. Let’s continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible—for our businesses, our communities, and our planet.

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