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With its new core value ‘Amsterdam RAI aims for sustainable results’, the RAI has unambiguously integrated its sustainability policy within the company’s organisation. This is one of the clear outcomes of the RAI’s sustainability report, which was published on 10 October 2011. The report gives a clear perspective on the further integration of corporate social responsibility (CSR) within Amsterdam RAI.
By embedding CSR in its mission, Amsterdam RAI aims to achieve its ambition to become a leader in the field of sustainability within the European conference and event industry by 2013. This is supported by the new core value, which also motivated the RAI in 2010 to embed sustainability in its departmental goals. In late 2010 Amsterdam RAI appointed a CSR manager who is responsible for accentuating and implementing its CSR policy, and the RAI also has an organisation-wide network of CSR ambassadors.
Amsterdam RAI has determined seven concrete CSR themes: energy and climate, mobility, water, waste, employees, procurement, and social engagement. One of the main measures with regard to mobility is Amsterdam RAI’s public transport offering, which ensures that visitors have every possible incentive to leave the car at home. The RAI will therefore continue its cooperation with national railway company NS in 2011 and 2012, and offer public transport deals during all RAI-organised exhibitions (national and international) and various exhibitions of third parties.
Amsterdam RAI also plans to fit energy-saving lighting throughout the complex in the coming years. A start was made with this in 2010 by replacing all the lights in four of the eleven halls, which has reduced the total energy consumption by one third in these spaces.
Sustainability has been high on Amsterdam RAI’s agenda for many years. On the one hand Amsterdam RAI has always taken into account its social impact on the city and region. On the other hand it believes that an eco-friendly approach adds value to the organisation, attracts more clients and motivates employees.
Having the golden Green Key hallmark means that the largest exhibition and conference centre in the Netherlands meets the strictest requirements in the hotel/conference centre category for businesses in the tourism and recreational industry. And thanks to its silver Earth Check status, Amsterdam RAI maintains its leading position in the European MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions & Exhibitions) sector in the field of sustainable business.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
