Sustainability at zoku
Welcome to Zoku, where we’re driven by a fundamental truth: there is no plan(et) B. As a proud B Corp, we understand that businesses should do more than just make money. That’s why we’re committed to prioritizing both the planet and people. With sustainability at the forefront of everything we do, we’re setting a new standard for business with a heart.
sustainability is not a hype
Zoku is globally B Corp certified
Besides the energy challenges of our buildings, we’re also focused on other big issues. In today’s cities, people are feeling more isolated, disconnected from their neighbors, and part of weaker communities, and we want to help change that. Our mission is to create inspiring spaces where human connection is seamless, fun and meaningful. Through research, 150+ interviews with our target audience and 7 rounds of prototyping, we were able to create a model that does just that.
In 2018, Zoku Amsterdam became one of the first hospitality company in The Netherlands to become B Corp certified, reimagining what responsible hospitality can look like. Fast forward to 2025, and all four Zoku properties are now officially B Corp certified. We uphold the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance across all four of our properties, which includes a commitment to public transparency, legal accountability and a dedication to balancing profit with purpose.
Zoku Paris Is Proudly Green Key Certified
Our buildings
Did you know that nearly 40% of global CO2 emissions stem from the built environment? Think about it: Most buildings sit idle for a significant portion of the week, wasting valuable resources. But what if we could transform this underutilized real estate into vibrant hubs of activity, all while reducing our carbon footprint?
With cutting-edge technology and evolving work trends, the opportunity to optimize existing space has never been greater. It’s time to reimagine spaces as living ecosystems, where every inch serves a purpose.
At Zoku, we’ve cracked the code on maximizing functionality in minimal space. Our unique approach transforms hybrid lofts into versatile meeting rooms by day and cozy hotel rooms by night. Plus, our Social Spaces are buzzing with a vibrant co-working community, uniting residents, members, and locals alike.
By embracing a hybrid model and repurposing existing buildings, we’re unlocking the potential for spaces to be utilized around the clock, fostering seamless human connections every step of the way. We believe that hybrid use is the future of sustainable and connected urban spaces.
Here's what our Co-founder, Marc, has to say...
“It’s clear that the future of urban developments must be more ambitious than just traditional, single-use buildings. Our ambition is to partner with developers, investors, and municipalities to bring the Zoku concept to new locations, to create a fresh and unique destination that fits with the local context.”
– Marc Jongerius, Co-founder & Managing Director at Zoku
A glimpse into our buildings
Smart use of space
Our aim is to creating a thriving neighborhood for global nomads under one roof.
Rooftop garden
Our moss sedum rooftops cool down our buildings, absorb air pollution and catch rainwater.
Lighting technology
Our use of LED lights, 24V system and motion sensors ensure that we save energy.
Energy-efficient systems
Our Impact Initiatives
Locally sourced
We prioritize local sourcing for the ingredients served in our Living Kitchen restaurants.
Plastic free
As of 2021, we have banned single-use plastic water bottles and straws from all of our locations.
Community conscious
We partner with non-profits and socially-minded businesses to improve our people’s mental and physical wellbeing.
People first
We’ve invested 5000+ hours in our community program, leading to high levels of overall guest satisfaction and fighting travel loneliness.
Ready to See for Yourself?
Find us in Europe's most livable cities:
FAQs
At Zoku, sustainability isn’t a ‘nice-to-have’; it’s who we are.
To help keep us accountable, our locations hold independently verified sustainability certifications. While the specific certifications vary by property, they include B Corp, BREEAM, DGNB Gold, Green Key Gold, and Booking.com Travel Sustainable Level 3+.
Together, these certifications help validate our commitment to responsible hospitality and continuous improvement.
A B Corp-certified hotel is part of a global movement of businesses verified as meeting the highest standards for social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. B Corps are assessed across five impact areas: Governance, Workers, Community, Environment, and Customers. Only companies that demonstrate a commitment to balancing people, planet, and profit can earn the certification.
Zoku Amsterdam became the first hospitality brand in the Netherlands to achieve B Corp certification in 2018, and today all our locations in Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Paris, and Vienna are fully certified.
We outperform global benchmarks in three key areas that define who we are: Environment, Workers, and Customers. From running on renewable energy to fostering an inclusive workplace and building a thriving community of residents and members, B Corp is not a badge we wear, it’s the blueprint for how we operate daily.
B Corp certification is one way we hold ourselves accountable for the impact we have on people, communities, and the environment.
- It gives you confidence that our impact is independently assessed, not just based on our own claims.
- It reflects how we care for our people, through fair working conditions, wellbeing, and opportunities to grow.
- It supports a welcoming and inclusive experience, guided by our JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion) commitments.
- It recognizes the value we create beyond our walls, from community partnerships to meaningful human connections.
- It keeps us improving, so we can continue creating better places to live, work, and connect.
When you stay at Zoku, you’re choosing a hotel that treats sustainability as a responsibility — not a marketing claim.
Look for two things:
1) Recognized third-party certifications
2) Transparent reporting
At Zoku you get both:
While the specific certifications vary by location, they include B Corp, BREEAM, DGNB Gold, Green Key Gold, and Booking.com Travel Sustainable Level 3+. Together, these certifications and Annual sustainability reporting through our B Corp Impact Score and sustainability updates help validate our commitment to responsible hospitality and continuous improvement.
We openly share our scorecards because transparency is part of being a B Corp and because we believe accountability is the only way forward.
Zoku was built for responsible business travel from day one. We combine the comfort of a home, the ease of a hotel, and the social buzz of a coworking space to help make more responsible travel feel effortless.
Here’s why business travellers choose Zoku:
- Powered by renewable energy across our locations
- Smartly designed Lofts that reduce the need for multiple spaces (hotel room + office + meeting room → one)
- 24/7 coworking access that minimizes the need for external venues
- Plant-forward menus with around 80% plant-based dishes.
- Community dinners & events that help guests connect with fellow residents, locals, and the city around them in one space.
- Long-stay stays that help guests to put down temporary roots, with living, working, and social spaces under one roof, reducing the need to move between multiple accommodations or workspaces.
Whether you’re relocating, onboarding in a new city, or working remotely, Zoku turns sustainable travel into an effortless, everyday experience.
At Zoku, we’ve reimagined the way people live and work on the road, with spaces and services designed to make responsible choices feel effortless. You’ll enjoy:
- A private home-office hybrid Loft with a 4-person worktable
- Fully equipped kitchens that reduce takeaway waste
- Unlimited access to our rooftop coworking spaces
- Rooftop gardens that improve air quality and help to regulate temperature
- Renewable energy powering your entire stay & Energy-efficient building management
- Local sourcing for food, drinks, and partner products
- Zero single-use plastics in all Lofts
- Bikes, public transport connections, and walkable neighborhoods
Everything you need to work productively, feel connected, and live responsibly: under one green rooftop. Relocating to a new city shouldn’t cost the planet. At Zoku, it doesn’t have to.
At Zoku, we’re always looking for better ways of doing things. Here’s how we’re working to reduce our environmental impact:
- Renewable Energy: green power, plus rooftop solar panels in Paris and Copenhagen.
- Emission Monitoring: an Environmental Management System (EnMS) that helps us track our impact and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Waste Reduction: ongoing waste reduction initiatives across all our locations.
- Green Rooftops: help support biodiversity, water retention, and a more resilient urban environment.
- Plastic-free Lodging: no single-use plastics in Lofts or Social Spaces.
Because we believe small changes, consistently applied, can add up to something meaningful.
Yes.
All Zoku locations provide waste separation facilities for guests in our shared guest pantries, making it easy to sort waste during your stay. Depending on the location, guests can separate paper and cardboard, plastic, glass, metal, food waste, and residual waste. We also have dedicated processes in place for the safe handling of hazardous waste. If you’re ever unsure where something belongs, our team is always happy to help.
We believe responsible choices should be simple, convenient, and part of everyday life at Zoku.
Not at Zoku. We believe comfort and sustainability should go hand-in-hand. You’ll still have:
- A spacious Loft with a king-size bed
- A fully equipped kitchen
- Fast, reliable Wi-Fi
- Beautiful and comfortable design
- Rooftop spaces with stunning city views
- A warm welcoming community
Sustainability shouldn’t feel like sacrifice, it should feel like living better.
Our Lofts are filled with clever and responsible solutions:
- No single-use plastics, helping reduce unnecessary waste during your stay.
- Durable, responsibly sourced materials selected with longevity and maintenance in mind.
- Refillable bathroom amenities, replacing disposable toiletry bottles.
- Energy-efficient LED lighting throughout the loft
- Smart climate controls designed to help balance guest comfort with efficient energy use.
- Modular furniture built for longevity, making repairs and refurbishment easier over time.
Plus, swappable artwork to personalize your Loft, because sustainability is also about longevity and emotional connection.
Building connections is a big part of who we are. Here are some of the ways we engage with and support the communities around our locations:
- Local sourcing whenever possible, supporting businesses in the communities where we operate
- Regular volunteering days, donation drives, neighborhood clean ups, and local improvement projects
- Community events that invite residents, locals, and businesses to learn, share, and connect
- Partnerships with small entrepreneurs who host workshops and activities ranging from creative writing and pottery to yoga or painting. Check out our calendar.
- Partnerships with fellow B Corps and impact-driven brands
- Rooftop gardens that create green spaces for guests to unwind while helping support urban biodiversity.
We’re deeply rooted in the neighborhoods we operate in, and we believe in giving back.
Yes. The SDGs provide a useful framework for many of the ways we create value for our people, communities, and the environment. Our policies, programs, and partnerships contribute to several of the goals, including:
- SDG 3: Good Health & Wellbeing
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption & Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
