From 2023, VDV DH may add to the list of hotels that have received recognition from the international sustainability label. Within the Van der Valk group, ecological and sustainable business practices are of paramount importance.
Looking back in history, Dennenhof was purchased by the Van der Valk family during the expo year in 1958. Since 2013, several renovation phases have been completed. “On the one hand, we strive for comfort and contemporary luxury, and on the other, we want to reduce the ecological footprint and work in a sustainable environment,” said management couple Marc and Marie-Paule Wohrmann.
The hotel has been working with architectural firm Luc Elsen and main contractor Van Hout Pro for almost 10 years. Both the first and second phases of the renovation were realised by these two companies. Thanks to the many conversations that have taken place over the years, Luc Elsen has a clear idea of the vision that the Wohrmann family wants to follow, especially in terms of the environment and climate. This also has to do with the hotel’s “green” location.
Thanks to the government’s incentive programme, it was decided to give the annex a complete “makeover”. “For these renovations, we chose sustainable materials and local suppliers,” says Seppe De Rooij. Together with his father-in-law, Marc Wohrmann, they led the renovation works. “The company Vorsselmans installed the window frames. “The windows are fitted with Hr++ glass” says Stefaan Beyers of the Vorsselmans company. Firm ELVE BVBA, also from the region, arranged the electrical works.
“Achieving the Green Key label is not only a matter of separating waste, installing light sensors, applying water-saving techniques… but also a responsible way of working,” explains manager Pierre van den Broek. ” Not only do the employees who work for us contribute, we also ask guests to be environmentally aware. For instance, guests staying longer than 1 night can take advantage of a “green stay”. “They get a consumption voucher as compensation for skipping the room,” Van den Broek says. ”
Are there any remodelling plans? “A third phase is in the starting blocks” Lindsey, daughter of Marc Wohrmann, manages to tell us. “In terms of structure, the restaurant has remained the same as before. To keep up with the times, this part also needs an overhaul. The restaurant will be enlarged and hotel rooms will be added. Here again, the architect has taken into account the necessary ecological and sustainable materials,” Lindsey explains.
Official presentation of the Green Key is on 30 January.
