Sustainability

The venue provided an unforgettable experience.

Piet – ING Bank

An eye for the past and the future

Sustainability is at the heart of DeFabrique. For us, it's not a marketing ploy, but the way we do business for generations to come. Repurposing buildings, reusing materials, and working with local suppliers allows us to connect the past and the future as one continuous story. Curious about how we put sustainability into practice? Read on!

Repurposing with vision

With vintage showers as decor, silos as planters, and toilets in oil drums, you step into a 100-year-old factory where history comes alive. Reused spaces and materials tell the story of the factory and show how sustainability shapes our work. This is how we pass on this unique location to future generations.

Responsible business practices as standard

DeFabrique works on environmental care in several areas without visitors having to compromise on quality and comfort. For example, DeFabrique has been awarded the international 'Green Key Gold' quality mark. This is the quality mark for companies in the tourism and recreation sector that are verifiably committed to sustainability and go beyond regulations.

What we do next...

Electric shuttle buses

Between Maarssen station and location

14+ charging points

For electric cars

Own water barriers

To reduce transportation

Recyclable disposables

All disposables are plastic-free

Staff clothing

Made from recycled material

99% LED lighting

Both outside and inside

Bright future

Since the summer of 2017, the roof of the Havenloods has been shining brightly. 334 solar panels have been installed to generate more than 87,000 kWh of electricity per year, which is enough to organize energy-neutral events. We use 100% green electricity during peak times.

Repurposed materials

UTD to DFE

The glowing yellow letters on the silo have been replaced several times since the Twijnstras moved in. Now it reads DFE: an abbreviation for DeFabrique Event Venue. The former UTD letters have been welded into a new shape and polished.

Just like clockwork

Some things never change, like the clock on the towering silo. Its big yellow hands have been telling you what time it is ever since the UT days.

Restrooms in an old oil drum

The restroom area between the Copraloods and Smederij was built inside an old oil drum that once held 100,000 liters of fuel oil. This fuel was converted into steam to power the factory. Fun fact: the round sink comes from the factory workers’ shower room.

Giant vacuum cleaner

The elevator is the centerpiece of our facility. This massive “vacuum cleaner” was installed in the 1950s to suck coconuts from ships and trucks into the storage sheds.

Rinse

After a hard day’s work, the factory workers would wash the grime off themselves under these showers. The showers now serve as the backdrop for this unique sub-space.

Just let it warm up

These heaters come from the former changing rooms used by factory workers. They used them to dry their clothes. They are now used to heat the passageway between the Copra Shed and the Blacksmith’s Shop.

Delicious local produce

DeFabrique limits food miles by purchasing from local suppliers and strives to expand its procurement of organic and regional products. Our range includes many quality labels such as the Milieukeur, EKO, and Fairtrade labels.

Organize your event at DeFabrique

Tell us what you what to organize, and let’s explore the possibilities together.

Schedule a site visit