Quarterly Sustainability Report Q4 2016

With our commitment to sustainability, Footprint has been working hard in order to operate our business in an environmentally and socially manner. Our achievement of Travelife Certified on January 2016 has shown our commitment to sustainable travel. Travelife is an international and independent certification process that works to create a more sustainable environment in the tourism industry by setting sustainable benchmarks for its members. After becoming the first Vietnamese-owned tour operator achieving a sustainability certificate, we continue communicate our sustainability actions though quarterly report. Last time, we presented our performance in developing responsible products through Q3 report.

The fourth quarter 2016 report will present our internal management regarding environment

Sustainability training and awareness raising

We commit to apply the corporate social responsibilities within the company and launch code of conduct book for our members. We make sure that our new members are aware of sustainability and include actions in their daily life. With the old members, this serves as a reminder for them to act responsibly as part of their daily routine. Each week we have a person who is in charge to monitor responsible practices of all members and report through system. Based on the records, most of the policies have been complied by all the members.

Paper

There is a reduction of 40% in paper usage. The main reason is the use of management and it software. In order to improve the efficiency for sales and operation department, we’ve switched from paper to electronic records since September. For marketing department, we print an efficient amount of brochure to avoid wasting the resources. Also, 79% of our promotional material is printed using recycled paper including 9 lives silk.

Waste management

Trash is currently separated into plastic, paper, biowaste and residual waste. However, the separation of the trash hasn’t been taken seriously by Footprinters. Hence, our action plan is to place labels of the trash bin on the wall so it’s easier for everyone to see. Also we need to regularly remind staff to bring trash down to the first floor instead of depositing it in their personal bins.

Procurement

This year instead of using fake plastic Christmas tree, Footprint has taken a little bit more time to do a paper Christmas tree out of paper. The result was worth it as some of our materials are really cheap and environmental friendly.

Other than that, Ms Tam still purchases local lotus tea and coffee and chemical free office cleaning materials. We even buy some great quality coffee as a gift for our travelers.

Water & Energy

We need to address the problem with water and energy consumption as the total amounts remained relatively the same over the same period last year. What we are currently do is to place stickers at the key points around the office to encourage everyone to save water and electricity. However, we need to try harder to reduce the consumption by 10% for each. Our action plan is to start shifting to low-energy equipment as well as install water saving facilities.

As the first Vietnamese-owned tour operator achieving a sustainability certificate, we hope to bring the solution to create a sustainable world by promoting responsible tourism and influencing our suppliers within the industry.

Author: Hong Anh

Hong Anh is a true story-teller. For her, travelling is about stepping out of your comfort zone. Each of her stories is a unique travel experience that is told and illustrated by her own distinctive style.