Concierge 
As companies become more environmentally conscious, planning an eco-friendly team retreat has become a top priority for many organisations. Let’s look at how to approach a sustainable company retreat, including sustainable travelling tips and recommendations.
1. Opt for Green Transit and Embrace the Slow
By making minor changes to your travel, you can reduce your carbon footprint and make a positive environmental impact. If flying is necessary, consider purchasing carbon offsets to neutralise the environmental impact of air travel. Look into airlines with the lowest emissions per passenger mile or offset your flight emissions by investing in carbon reduction projects. When it comes to exploring a new place, consider renting bicycles or scooters, walking, or taking public transport.
This way, you and your team can enjoy a more immersive experience of the destination and truly embrace slow travel. Imagine exploring the streets on foot, discovering hidden gems you might have missed in a car. Take a scenic train ride through the countryside or explore a nearby park on a bike-sharing service.
These suggestions promote lowering your carbon footprint, but are an excellent recipe for an exciting company retreat.
2. Travel Off-Peak and Avoid Crowds
Visiting under-the-radar spots is definitely one way to be responsible. If a popular destination is on your bucket list, try travelling off-beat. Over-tourism can overwhelm local communities, leading to increased pollution, strain on resources, and higher carbon emissions. During less popular times, you and your team likely have a more enjoyable experience without having to navigate through crowded streets and attractions. You will also support businesses that struggle during off-peak season.
So why not explore a new destination during the shoulder season or take advantage of some quiet time during the off-peak season?
Read about the top things to consider when choosing a venue for your next company retreat here.
3. Choose Eco-Friendly Accommodation
Opt for hotels that employ sustainable best practices in maintenance, services, and supply chains. There are a lot of eco-conscious places that use renewable energy sources to power their facilities and implement energy-saving and waste-reducing solutions.
Some hotels have recycling programs or source their products locally to support the local economy and reduce transportation emissions. By choosing accommodation that follows eco-friendly practices, you can enjoy your company retreat while considering your environmental impact.
Kudos to staying comfortable and eco-friendly at the same time!
4. Engage in Green Activities
One way to show your company’s commitment to sustainability is to incorporate green activities into your company retreat agenda. Look for eco-friendly team-building activities such as beach cleanups, tree planting, or hiking in national parks. You can also organise educational sessions on sustainability topics, such as renewable energy, reducing waste, and eco-friendly travel tips.
By providing green activities, you can engage employees in environmental awareness and inspire them to make more sustainable choices.
5. Shop Small and Support The Local
When going out and about, instead of purchasing goods or souvenirs from big-box stores or online retailers, consider shopping at small local shops. Actively look for opportunities to shop at local manufacturers or artisans, whether purchasing locally-made products or seeking unique experiences like brewery tours or farm-to-table dinners.
And hey, if you have an extra budget, consider donating to local environmental initiatives or community programs. You will positively impact both the environment and the community you’re visiting.
Final thoughts
Finally, it’s important to encourage sustainable practices among your team members to ensure a successful eco-friendly company retreat. Provide information on how to reduce energy consumption, recycle properly, and minimise waste. Encourage employees to use refillable water bottles and reusable bags, and avoid single-use plastics. Promoting sustainable practices can create a culture of environmental responsibility within your company.
