OUR COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY
At Grand Hotel Karel V, we believe that an exceptional stay is about more than luxury and hospitality – it is also about taking responsibility for the world around us. As an independent five-star hotel, located within a centuries-old national monument in the heart of Utrecht, we embrace that responsibility every day.
For us, sustainability is not defined by one major initiative, but by the many conscious choices we make every day. From preserving our historic heritage and working with local suppliers to reducing our environmental impact, we are committed to a future where history, hospitality and sustainability go hand in hand.
MONUMENT MANAGEMENT
Grand Hotel Karel V is settled in a national monument with an impressive history. The realization of this hotel is the result of a striking restoration of the former Land Commandery of the Knightly German Order. This monumental estate, formerly better known as the German House, dates from the fourteenth century and has been used as a monastery and military hospital. The buildings have been restored to their former glory. Interesting historical details and archaeological findings have been kept visible everywhere. Grateful hospital students from Japan donated exotic trees when they left. In our garden, there are unique trees such as an old Japanese walnut tree and an Oriental sycamore tree of more than three centuries old. In cooperation with specialists, we guarantee an optimal care and thus preservation of the monumental trees. Our respect for this historical heritage and our ambition to financially maintain this monument through hotel operations make our vision of corporate social responsibility tangible.
HIGH-QUALITY PRODUCT
Whether it is our 5* hotel rooms with all their allure, our Brasserie Goeie Louisa, Restaurant Karel 5 or our banquet rooms, we strive for a high-quality product on all parts. In our search for the best ingredients for these goals, one thing is certain: only the very best is good enough. And often that can be found in the nearby surroundings. We buy fair products from local and regional suppliers who have incorporated sustainability into their business philosophy. We focus on real farm products and fresh fish, while also keeping in mind the fishing season and the pointer for the fish. We believe that the catering industry has an exemplary function to allow the guest to consume and enjoy more consciously and more responsibly.
MAARSCHALKERWEERD VEGETABLE GARDEN
Restaurant Karel 5 maintains a close partnership with ”Moestuin Maarschalkerweerd” in Utrecht. This organic vegetable garden tries to keep old vegetable varieties culinary and to preserve a unique piece of cultural landscape, Kromme Rijn in Utrecht-Oost. Also, it is a unique project that provides people with less fortunate backgrounds, integration possibilities into the labour market. Young people with an occupational disability are given the opportunity to reintegrate through learning pathways in society. Our Chef de Cuisine Leon Mazaraic orders fresh vegetables for both Brasserie Goeie Louisa and Restaurant Karel 5 every week.
SOCIAL AWARENESS
Grand Hotel Karel V aims to be a reliable and loyal company. Quality, cleanliness, safety, and growth of the direct environment are therefore of paramount importance. We participate in various partnerships at local, regional and national (administrative) level. As a cultural city in the Netherlands, we make our hotel available for various cultural events such as exhibitions, neighbourhood parties and The House of Poetry.
SUSTAINABILITY
Our monumental building limits us in striving for maximum energy savings, but we make optimal choices in equipment and energy management. Our crockery and glassware are cleaned with 100% “green” dishwashing detergents and our cleaning service also works with “green” products. Furthermore, we do maximum waste separation with a temporary storage without hindrance for our surroundings.
GREEN KEY GOLD CERTIFIED
Grand Hotel Karel V is proud to have once again achieved the Green Key Gold certification, the world's leading sustainability certification for the hospitality industry. This certification is awarded to organisations that go beyond legal environmental requirements and demonstrate a genuine commitment to sustainable business practices. For us, it is more than a certification – it is a mission to take that extra step every day, without compromising on comfort, quality or hospitality.
Sustainability is not a one-time initiative, but an ongoing commitment. Our efforts are assessed annually, and we continue to invest in improvements that support environmental responsibility, social impact and a future-proof organisation. This allows both our colleagues and our guests to enjoy a luxurious and sustainable stay with complete peace of mind in the historic heart of Utrecht.
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