At Blomgren TravelGroup, we work continuously to help reduce environmental impact and increase sustainability within the travel industry.
Travel does not only affect the environment; it also impacts people, culture, and the economy. Through commitment and properly set requirements, improvements can be achieved across multiple areas.
Stopping travel is not the solution to environmental challenges. However, by working together to change the way we travel, it is possible to reduce environmental impact and create more sustainable solutions.
Blomgren TravelGroup is currently not environmentally certified, but our ambition is to be at least as engaged and knowledgeable in environmental and sustainability issues as a certified travel agency. In the longer term, our goal is to obtain the global sustainability certification Travelife, which is tailored to the travel and meetings industry.
Another part of our contribution is to provide information to our corporate clients and travelers about environmentally friendly transport options, eco-labelled products, and services.
Most importantly, it is about considering sustainability in both big and small ways—every effort counts.
Our environmental and sustainability efforts are not limited to external activities. We also apply these requirements internally in our day-to-day operations and office environment. Our employees are committed and consider environmental and sustainability aspects at every stage.
Some examples of what we do ourselves:
We are careful to select the right suppliers and partners.
On our own business trips, sustainability and environmental aspects are prioritised.
Paper consumption is reduced by using double-sided printing.
Fewer printouts of emails, and almost exclusively in black and white.
Travel documents, invoices, and letters are almost exclusively sent by email.
All lighting is switched off outside office hours.
Only LED and energy-efficient light bulbs are used.
When purchasing, environmentally adapted products and materials are prioritised.
All computers are modern and set to automatic power-saving modes.
Office cleaning is carried out using environmentally friendly products.
Recycling and waste sorting of office materials.
A growing number of companies are placing higher demands on sustainable and environmentally friendly travel. This means that more eco-friendly modes of transport and services will play an increasingly important role in the future—a development that Blomgren TravelGroup actively encourages.
Therefore, we also place high demands on our subcontractors and partners. We inform them about the environmental requirements our clients expect for their products and services. Our subcontractors and partners include hotel chains, airlines, car rental companies, shipping companies, etc., and this may also apply to partners abroad.
We have close cooperation with several of our international partners, especially in connection with group bookings, meetings, and events. We request—and they now offer—more well-considered concepts in which environmental and sustainability aspects are integrated throughout the process. We also take social, economic, and ecological sustainability into account, with respect for the local population in the destination country. This may include hotels, restaurants, food, attractions, and activities, all based on the same sustainability principles.
Some examples of suppliers’ sustainability work:
Airlines – Several of the major airlines are making significant efforts and environmental investments to achieve more efficient and environmentally friendly flights. However, air traffic is still considered one of the largest environmental offenders, even though it currently accounts for about 2% of global carbon dioxide emissions.
To make good individual environmental choices when booking flights, you should choose departures with high load factors and airlines that operate newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft. This helps reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
Hotel chains – Most hotels and hotel chains have environmental certifications, for example Scandic Hotels, Nordic Choice Hotels, Radisson Hospitality, Best Western, and others.
Car rental companies – Several of Sweden’s leading car rental companies are actively working to prevent and reduce environmental impact. Environmental targets have led them from focusing on the share of eco-friendly vehicles in their fleets to calculating the environmental impact in terms of fossil carbon dioxide produced by their fleets.
Trains – Train travel is both energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, with very low emissions. Sweden’s main rail operator, SJ, purchases 100% renewable electricity from hydro and wind power to operate its trains.
Boat/ferry – Travelling by boat may sound environmentally friendly, but in general shipping is one of the most polluting modes of transport when it comes to emissions of sulphur and nitrogen oxides. However, several of Sweden’s most well-known shipping companies are now making significant environmental investments, for example Destination Gotland, Viking Line, and Tallink Silja.
If you would like more information about our sustainability work at Blomgren TravelGroup, you are welcome to contact us.