Go Sustainable | Business Lucerne

Successful practical example of a study trip focusing on sustainability

The demand for ESG-compliant meetings and sustainable events is increasing, also driven by EU directives on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) reporting.
There is still a lack of orientation and practical guidelines for planning business events that incorporate a sustainability strategy across all three dimensions: social, economic, and environmental.
Providing practical examples for professionals who will be responsible for organizing future events is crucial.

Goal: Reduce the environmental impact of the event. (5 Rs: Rethink / Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Recycle)

Public Transport only - for arrival and departure as well as on site
Measures to avoid waste (e.g. no single use plastic bottles, no print products, herbs instead of flower bouquets, reuse of lanyards)
Selection of local partners with certified efforts for environmental sustainability

Goal: Creating an inclusive, socially responsible event that fosters the exchange among the participants and between guests and locals

Guided running or walking tours with locals
Collaboration with partner companies that promote social inclusion
Support of social, integrative organizations

Goal: Achieving added value for the local economy without depleting resources. Involve as many local companies as possible.

Employing local catering companies with exclusively regional cuisine
Choosing guild house as a venue: indirect support of local manufacturers
Connecting local players (hotels, venues, etc.) with potential clients resulting in concrete business inquiries

Clear messages and communication about the vision of the event are important for the understanding and acceptance of choices concerning programming, logistics, catering, etc.

Involving all partner companies from the outset was essential as it strengthened the identification with the goals of the project. Particularly noteworthy was the openness and interest from social institutions and projects, which played a significant role in the success of the event.

Measuring food waste proved to be difficult, as waste can already be generated when products are purchased. The dependency on local suppliers and services is high, which requires careful selection.

Choosing trains over planes is a major lever for reducing an event’s emissions. Making train travel easy and comfortable for participants, as well as clearly communicating the event’s vision, is key to its acceptance. Using public transport during the event works well for groups, and the 'shared adventure' can enhance the communal experience.

Selecting a sustainability-focused theme for the study trip positively influenced participant choice. By tailoring the venues, program, and lectures around this theme, the event attracted a targeted audience with shared interests. This, in turn, enhanced networking opportunities and overall satisfaction with the event.