Sustainability at zoku
Offering a sustainable solution to make the most out of urban space and people
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.
Our (not so) Corporate Social Responsibility
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, had 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
BREEAM & LEED certified
Our buildings meet the highest standards of environmental responsibility.
100% renewable
The electricity powering our building is sourced entirely from renewable energy.
sustainability is not a hype
CERTIFIED B CORP
Zoku Amsterdam is B Corp certified
Beyond just the energy intensity of our built environment, there are other obstacles we’re eager to address. Declining social cohesion, growing social isolation and the lack of neighborly ties are amongst the greatest problems facing urban citizens in the modern world. Our mission is to create inspiring spaces where human connection is seamless, fun and meaningful. Through research, interviews with our target audience and plenty of prototyping, we were able to create a model that does just that.
In 2018, Zoku Amsterdam proudly achieved both B Corp and Green Key certifications, marking a significant milestone. As the first B Corp certified hospitality company in the Netherlands, we uphold the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance. This includes a commitment to public transparency, legal accountability, and a dedication to balancing profit with purpose.
Our Impact Initiatives
Locally sourced
70% of the healthy food we serve in our Living Kitchen restaurants come from local sources.
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.
Towards climate neutrality
We offset our carbon emissions
Climate justice is a key part of the equation
In 2022, Zoku Amsterdam became Climate Neutral. With the help of an Environmental Management System (EMS), we’ve began measuring our CO₂ emissions.
By identifying our greatest sources of emissions, we can now work on a reduction plan, set measurable goals and head towards a sustainable future. What we cannot reduce – an equivalent of 746 tons of CO₂, based off 2019 – we’ll offset by investing in a technology-based energy production project, Methane Fermentation and Energy Generation in the Netherlands.
