Collaboration between CFP Green Buildings and Considerate delivers sustainable results in hospitality
Considerate Group is a B Corp certified consultancy committed to leading the hospitality sector’s transformation towards a more sustainable future They work with hotels to embed sustainability at the heart of their business strategies, with the goal of making sustainability accessible, measurable, and scalable across the entire industry, while enhancing operational efficiency and reducing operational costsTheir flagship ESG data-intelligence platform, Con-Serve™, is specifically designed for the hospitality industry and offers a fully automated solution that aligns with major international standards and certifications, including BREEAM In-Use (BIU) A recent highlight for Considerate Group was their latest project in the Netherlands, achieving BREEAM In-Use certification for five hotels located in the city of Amsterdam. Given the unique BIU requirement in the Netherlands, local expertise was essential, which is why Considerate chose to collaborate with CFP Green Buildings.
Local expertise as the key to success
In spite of Considerate Group’s extensive international experience in sustainable certifications, the specific Dutch approach was new to them. CFP Green Buildings provided the necessary local expertise from the outset, ensuring that the certification process proceeded smoothly without delays. “CFP’s experience with the Dutch BREEAM certification helped us avoid unnecessary mistakes and accelerated the process,” said William del Rivero, Project Manager at Considerate Group. He added, “CFP ensured clear communication and guidance with the hotel teams from the start, which proved essential in efficiently resolving challenges such as documentation and team engagement.“
Success factors of the collaboration
The successful completion of this project can be attributed to several key factors, as highlighted by William del Rivero:
- Local Expertise: “CFP’s in-depth knowledge of the BIU process in the Netherlands was invaluable. Their ability to navigate local requirements and their understanding of the specific challenges facing Dutch properties made them an ideal partner to complement Considerate’s international hospitality expertise.”
- Proactive Communication: “CFP’s proactive approach to communication with properties ensured that issues were addressed promptly, and the certification process stayed on track.”
- Smooth Collaboration: “Over the months, our communication became increasingly efficient. Both teams developed a strong working relationship, characterised by clear, direct communication and a shared focus on the project’s objectives.”
Direct benefits of certification
Although the hotels did not require to undergo major structural changes, they immediately saw the benefits of the BREEAM certification. Small but impactful operational improvements, such as the installation of water-saving measures and the enhancement of bicycle facilities, were implemented straight away. These changes resulted in more efficient water usage and promoted the use of sustainable transport options for both guests and staff. Additionally, the assessments conducted during the certification process provided valuable insights for future sustainability plans, forming a solid foundation for strategic decisions in energy efficiency and climate resilience. “Thanks to the certification, these properties can operate more sustainably in the future and are better prepared for upcoming regulations,” said William.
The advantages of BREEAM certification are clear to Considerate Group: long-term cost savings, compliance with future regulations, improved risk management, and greater operational resilience. William stated, “A great example is CitizenM, which achieved a 9% reduction in energy use per room per night following its BIU certification. This demonstrates how sustainability certifications can deliver measurable financial and environmental benefits, helping hotels future-proof their operations while contributing to global sustainability goals. Additionally, an internationally recognised certification such as BREEAM or Green Key enhances a hotel’s brand value, attracting both eco-conscious travellers and investors and stakeholders who focus on sustainable assets.”
“A BREEAM certification goes beyond regulatory compliance; it is a powerful tool for continuous improvement and long-term success.”
Sustainable staff engagement
The certification process also had a positive impact on hotel staff. By involving them in the sustainability initiatives, a greater sense of engagement and awareness was fostered. This not only led to operational improvements but also to a more motivated and environmentally conscious team. Moreover, hotel managers gained deeper insights into how sustainability initiatives contribute not only to environmental goals but also to the long-term operational success of their hotels.
Future vision for the hospitality sector
The collaboration between CFP Green Buildings and Considerate highlights the importance of combining local expertise with international sustainability experience to achieve tangible results. As the hotels continue to work towards their sustainability goals, this successful partnership has set a clear path for the future.
Looking ahead, Considerate expects certifications such as BREEAM and Green Key to become the standard within the hospitality sector. William noted, “They offer more than just validation; they offer a framework that helps hotels plan and implement sustainable practices effectively.” As the industry continues to evolve, these certifications will become essential tools for hotels aiming to meet both regulatory requirements and the growing expectations of eco-conscious travellers. “Ultimately, these certifications will play a crucial role in embedding sustainability into the core of hotel operations, helping properties not only to meet current standards but also to continuously improve and innovate in their sustainability efforts”.
