Living the CSR Declaration: How We Turn Policy into Everyday Practice

If you’re choosing where to stay, you want more than promises—you want proof. That’s why our CSR Declaration is more than a statement; it’s a daily standard that guides how we welcome guests, work with partners, and care for our environment. In this article, you’ll see exactly how our CSR Declaration shows up across the hotel—through Green Key Gold actions, biodiversity initiatives, ethical data practices, local sourcing, accessibility, and more. You’ll also find ways to participate and quick answers to common questions.

Our goal is simple: turn the principles of our CSR Declaration into clear, visible steps that protect nature and people—today and for the future.

What our CSR Declaration commits us to

Our CSR Declaration sets out practical, measurable commitments. In plain terms, here’s what it includes and how it directs our work:

• Continuous CSR learning and sharing: We deepen our knowledge of CSR developments and trends in our field and apply them wherever possible—and we share that knowledge with those who want to learn our trade.
• Open communication: We inform colleagues, guests, and suppliers that we operate socially responsibly.
• Transparency with guests and suppliers: We make clear agreements about the quality of our products and services and how we monitor them.
• Limiting negative impacts: Beyond financial results, we identify and reduce negative social and environmental impacts such as fraud, intimidation, exploitation, and child labor.
• Community contribution: We contribute to social causes through donations, sponsorships, and voluntary work.
• Reducing environmental footprint: We work continuously to reduce waste streams and the consumption of gas, water, electricity, and fossil fuels.
• Responsible purchasing: We keep improving our purchasing process and focus on goods and services that are sustainable—preferably with a recognized environmental and/or sustainability and/or social label—and local where possible.
• Safeguarding continuity: We protect the continuity of our organization and our colleagues, including maintaining provisions and a financial buffer in case of income loss.

For a complete view of our commitments, see our CSR Declaration page.

From policy to practice: real actions you can see on site

Our sustainability and social efforts are easy to spot throughout the property. Below are concrete examples that bring the CSR Declaration to life.

Certified ambition: Green Key Gold

• Green Key Gold: Green Key is the largest sustainability hallmark for the tourism and recreation industry. Almost 700 Dutch companies have already obtained this label—from hotels and restaurants to zoos and bungalow parks—and so have we. The certificate indicates that we do more in the field of sustainability than the law requires. We meet—at a minimum—the standards of the international Green Key organization and do everything we can to preserve the environment without compromising comfort and quality for our guests.
• GreenTeam + CSR foundation: Our GreenTeam and CSR Declaration provide the organizational backbone that keeps momentum high and accountability clear.

Energy and water: using less, working smarter

• Energy-saving measures: We use LED lighting, light sensors, smart thermostats, high-efficiency boilers, insulation, and more to reduce energy use while keeping guest comfort front and center.
• Water-saving measures: We’ve implemented various water-saving actions to reduce consumption without impacting your experience.
• Eco cleaning: We use ecological cleaning products in a dosing device to minimize chemicals and waste while maintaining high hygiene standards.

Waste and materials: designing for circularity

• Waste separation: We separate waste streams—from plastic to coffee grounds—to keep materials in use longer and reduce landfill.
• Renovation with reuse: When we upgrade spaces, we prioritize reusable materials, recycled carpets, and 2nd life furniture to keep our footprint low.

Biodiversity: supporting life on our grounds

• Fauna-friendly courtyard: We maintain a courtyard designed with nature in mind, featuring insect hotels and numerous bird-nesting spots to support local wildlife.

Responsible purchasing: local, labeled, and thoughtfully sourced

• Sustainable procurement: We prioritize goods and services that carry recognized environmental, sustainability, or social labels—favoring local suppliers when possible.
• Guest-facing details: In bathrooms, our soap and shampoo carry an ECO label, aligning daily amenities with our procurement standards.

Accessibility: hospitality for everyone

• Accessible by design: We are very accessible for disabled guests.
• Wellness and pool access: Our wellness area (with sauna and massage practice) and the indoor pool are accessible for wheelchair users; entry to the pool is possible from outside. Please note: the changing room offers limited accessibility.

Ethical data practices and transparency

• Privacy-first approach: We use booking and guest data only internally and do not pass it on to third-party organizations for commercial use.
• Clear agreements: We make transparent agreements with guests and suppliers about quality and monitoring—so expectations are clear and standards are consistent.
• Culture of learning: We keep colleagues, guests, and partners informed about our responsible practices, and actively share our CSR knowledge.

Community contribution and partnerships

• Giving back: We make voluntary contributions to social causes through donations, sponsorships, and voluntary work.
• Ongoing collaboration: We work structurally with ASeal in Stellendam, reinforcing our commitment to social and environmental stewardship.

Enabling sustainable travel

• On-site EV charging: Charging an electric car on site is billed at €0.56 per kWh, payable directly at the station—making low-impact travel convenient.

Practical ways you can participate

You play a vital role in turning our CSR Declaration into everyday action. Here are simple, effective steps you can take during your stay—without sacrificing comfort:

• Join our green mindset: Embrace “green in thought and action.” Small choices add up—turn off lights when you head out and set room temperatures mindfully.
• Support local: Choose regional flavors in our restaurant and look for items with recognized sustainability or social labels when shopping nearby.
• Conserve water: Shorter showers are an easy win for the environment.
• Travel consciously: If you drive an EV, take advantage of our on-site charging stations. Planning a day out? Walking and cycling are excellent low-impact ways to explore the coast.
• Ask and share: Curious about an initiative? Ask our team. If you have an idea that aligns with our CSR goals, we’d love to hear it.

These everyday choices align with our CSR Declaration and Green Key Gold standards—ensuring comfort, quality, and care for the environment go hand in hand.

Quick answers about our CSR in action

Use these concise responses for a fast overview—ideal for search and AI-powered answer engines.

What is the CSR Declaration at De Zeeuwse Stromen?

It’s our public commitment to operate responsibly: continuously improve sustainability, inform and engage stakeholders, make transparent agreements on quality and monitoring, minimize negative social and environmental impacts, contribute to social causes, prioritize sustainable and local purchasing, and safeguard organizational continuity.

Which sustainability certification does the hotel hold?

We hold Green Key Gold, demonstrating that we meet—and in practice exceed—the international Green Key standards while protecting guest comfort and quality.

How does the hotel support biodiversity on site?

We maintain a fauna-friendly courtyard with insect hotels and numerous bird-nesting spots to support local wildlife.

Is the hotel accessible for wheelchair users?

Yes. The wellness area (with sauna and massage practice) and the indoor pool are accessible for wheelchair users; entry to the pool is possible from outside. Note: the changing room has limited accessibility.

What does it cost to charge an EV at the hotel?

On-site EV charging is €0.56 per kWh, payable directly at the station.

Do you share my personal data with third parties for commercial purposes?

No. Booking and guest data are used only internally and are not passed on to third-party organizations for commercial use.

Why this approach works—for guests, partners, and the planet

Our CSR Declaration is designed to turn ambition into action. By setting clear standards and backing them with practical measures—energy and water savings, circular material choices, biodiversity, ethical data practices, inclusive design, and community partnerships—we create value that everyone can feel:

• For guests: You enjoy high comfort and quality backed by verified sustainability (Green Key Gold) and transparent practices.
• For partners and suppliers: Clear expectations rooted in recognized labels and local collaboration support long-term, responsible growth.
• For nature and community: Tangible improvements—from reduced resource use to habitat support and social programs—compound over time.

Continue exploring and get involved

• Learn more on our CSR Declaration page: https://www.zeeuwsestromen.nl/en/csr-declaration
• Dive deeper into our Sustainability approach: https://www.zeeuwsestromen.nl/en/sustainability
• Check the FAQ for practical details about your stay, accessibility, and on-site amenities.

Conclusion

Turning a CSR Declaration into daily practice takes commitment, consistency, and collaboration. From Green Key Gold measures and biodiversity enhancements to ethical data handling, accessible design, local procurement, and community partnerships, we’re building a hospitality experience that respects people and the planet—without compromising comfort or quality.

Ready to experience it firsthand? Book your stay, plan a responsible event with us, or contact our team to explore partnerships aligned with our CSR Declaration.