Starting sustainable initiatives can reap economic rewards, as well as benefiting the environment and society, an Aito event heard.
Delegates at the Aito Climate Crisis Think Tank’s webinar on Thursday heard how responsible and charitable efforts can engage consumers and staff – and boost business.
Clive Stacey, managing director of Discover the World, outlined how the specialist operator was missing out on school trips, because pupils were telling teachers they were concerned about the environmental impact of flying on climate change.
The company produced webinars to demonstrate the benefits that travel brings to communities – and ended up with more bookings.
He said “hard-pressed teachers” were also pleased to have such an educational resource.
The company also does podcasts and Zoom calls for clients about sustainability and climate issues.
“This is a lot of work but the engagement pays off,” he told the webinar. “It shows you are walking the walk.”
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Michael Hughes, founder and managing director of Wild Dog Design, agreed that sustainable initiatives can have a “huge economic benefits for organisations”.
His company tasked its staff with finding good causes to be the company’s supported charity – and they had to “sell” the merits of their chosen cause to colleagues.
“It was really galvanising,” he said, adding that three charities were chosen, covering the issues of homelessness, wildlife and the environment.
When the company told clients about the initiative, they “engaged immediately”, he added.
“If you start the journey, it can only go to a good place,” he advised.
Luis Araujo, president of Visit Portugal, told the webinar how Portuguese tourism has embraced sustainability, with efforts to train staff in the sector while supporting and regulating businesses to ensure responsible practices.
For example, five-star hotels are certified according to their sustainability credentials rather than factors such as 24-hour reception and slippers in the rooms, he said.
Dr Jakki Holland, senior lecturer at Holland Northumbria University’s Newcastle Business School advised delegates at the webinar to make sure their sustainability messages were not “preachy” or “negative”.
“People need to see the positives,” she said.
“There is a lot of really great practice we need to share.”
She also warned against “over-egging” any claims and advised using consumer friendly language rather than “doom and gloom”.
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