Sustainability

At Aedes we believe that the past, present, and future should co-exist harmoniously. De Durgerdam is a great example. Once the lively hub of the fishing village, its light had begun to fade. We’ve revived it for a bright new future by taking bones from the past, creating an idyll for today, whilst safeguarding the building for over 250 years. Achieving this is a process and requires several actions in all different stages from development to operations. Some are related to the building, some related to our people and the experience we offer, but all equally important. 

Sustainability at De Durgerdam

We go above and beyond the industry standards. That’s why when we approach a project, we take it seriously, with a top-to-bottom look at sustainable design, construction, and working/operating methods.

Stairs at De Durgerdam prior to renovation
Ceiling at De Durgerdam before prior to renovation
Walls at De Durgerdam prior to renovation

For example:

  • 32 PV (solar) panels that produce approximately 11.000 kWh per year.
  • We are a gasless heritage building and instead, installed air sourced heat pumps to heat the building, with which we save more than 100.000kg of CO2 emissions per year.
  • All equipment is AAA, lights are exclusively LED, heat recovery installation and energy saving detecting devices.
  • Windows are fitted with Fineo glass which has the appearance of monumental, single glass, but the quality of isolated, triple glass.
  • Achieved energy label A+ in a listed building, which was previously G-label.
  • An innovative Hydraloop system cares for the recycling of 150 thousand L of water per year which is used for flushing toilets in the building.
  • We re-use all salvageable materials during construction. From facade cladding and window frames, to bricks and roof tiles.
  • Floor is made from reclaimed wood, and re-used wood from the building itself in some areas.
  • Reduced use of virgin materials.
  • A scrutinous purchasing policy ensures that when materials have to be bought new, we use the best, most durable materials with FSC certifications, and for as much as possible local, or at least from European origin.
  • Dismountable detailing, from structure to furniture.
  • Fully optimized ventilation and openable windows.
  • Automatic temperature for controlled energy consumption with thermal comfort function.
  • Compost machine which composts waste from De Mark and generates fertilizer for our herb garden. It is also more than we need in our own garden, so we share with it with our neighbors.
  • Planted native trees and plants to re-generate local biodiversity.
  • Offer electric transportation to our guests and employees for example, electric bikes, electric boats and rewarding train travel.
  • Employee uniforms are made of recycled materials. For example, mud jeans which are made of only recycled cotton.
  • We work towards a zero-waste operation and aim to be 80% zero waste by the end of 2024.
  • We are officially Green Globe certified! 

Sustainability Memo

An Aedes Place