Winner in the MICE venues category thanks to strong focus on sustainability
The Gaia Green Awards 2025 were presented during a festive award show at the sustainable inspiration pavilion of Gastvrij Rotterdam. These awards recognise the most sustainable hotels, restaurants, MICE venues and CARE venues in the Netherlands. Event venue The Field in Leiden was named the winner in the MICE venues category by the professional jury.
The announcement was made by Leon Keekstra (Stadsbemoeial Rotterdam) and Jouke Drijfhout (Euro-Toques). In addition to this award, the winners received a dinner voucher from Euro-Toques. The trophies were designed by Atelier De Wijde Doelen, where artists with intellectual disabilities work.
According to jury member Erik van Dijk (Green Key Netherlands), The Field distinguished itself primarily through its ‘remarkable steps in the field of local circularity’. The site offers a green, inspiring environment for meetings and events and focuses on innovative solutions for energy, water, waste management and social impact.
The Gaia Green Awards
The Gaia Green Awards recognise locations that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, from circular construction and local sourcing to social entrepreneurship and efficient energy use. This year, special prizes were also awarded, such as the Falco Eleonora Award and the public award, both won by ARTIS De Serre.
The professional jury, composed of experts with a strong commitment to sustainability, was impressed by the quality of the finalists. According to jury member Erik van Dijk (Green Key Netherlands), this year saw some remarkable sustainable initiatives: from entirely plant-based menus to hotels opting for a gas-free future and venues investing heavily in their own energy generation. The social commitment of the finalists also stood out positively. These inspiring examples give a powerful boost to the entire sector.
Initiative
The awards are an initiative of Green Leisure Group in collaboration with Green Key, Gastvrij Rotterdam, Worldmeetings, Biojournaal, Made Blue, Amsterdam International Olive Oil Competition, hetWerkvan and Euro-Toques Nederland, among others.
The Field is Leiden's circular testing ground where innovators work together to create a sustainable and resilient economy. The location features the Circular Pavilion, three tiny offices and an exclusive park, and is easily accessible thanks to its location next to Leiden Central Station.