Sustainability & Folks

In the event industry, sustainability touches many aspects. The first we think of is ecology. The environmental impact of an event will never be zero, but there are a great deal of actions that can be taken to reduce and compensate the emissions it produces.

Providing the adequate support
to achieve your sustainable goals

At Folks, our aim is to provide our clients with the adequate support to achieve their sustainable goals when it comes to travel and event matters. To do this, we offer personalized guidance based on their needs.

Our objective is common: being able to measure the sustainability impact of the project and reduce our collective carbon footprint.

By partnering with the Ecological Entrepreneur, we developed a self-made calculation tool capable of provisioning the compensation expenses related to each event or travel. When it comes to choosing how these compensations are made, we propose a panel of projects to collaborate on, selectable by values and objectives. All offer a concrete sustainable impact, locally or abroad.

In addition to this, we have specific policies in place for event and travel planning and our life at the office.

Each Folks employee commits to reinforce our sustainable policies internally while working on your events and corporate travels. We make conscious efforts to take environmental responsibility and contribute to the global goal in creating a more sustainable future.

If you have any questions about our sustainability initiatives, feel free to contact us!

Contact: margaux@wearefolks.be

Event Policy

Venues & Accommodation

Accessibility

We recommend our clients to choose a venue according to the soft mobility options accessible nearby

Prioritize sustainable options

We recommend venues that are committed to sustainability presenting a green label and/or a relevant sustainable policy.

Proximity to destinations

We recommend accommodation located within walking distance of the meeting locations or located near public transportation hubs, reducing the need for additional transportation.

Local Transportation

Program

We always advise our clients on the schedule of the event to avoid peak hours and the relative ecological damage.

Collective means of transportation

We recommend our clients to organize collective means of transportation for the participants to get to the event venue (coaches, shuttles, carpooling, etc.).

Participants awareness

We recommend our clients to share a sensibilization campaign informing the participants on the soft mobility options available to get to the event venue.

Travel emissions offsetting

For every event we organize, we propose to track the travel emissions of the participants to compensate them.

Online streaming

When evaluating event requests, the option of complementary online streaming is explored to extend the number of participants (without increasing the catering and travel expenses).

Furniture, Technical Material & Decoration

Existing material

We always ask our clients if they possess material we can use at the event before thinking about producing new items.

Sustainable production

When producing new materials for our events, we always assess the offer of recycled resources and the end-of-life options, promoting the donation to associations, the upcycling or the recycling of it. Whenever possible, we prioritize providers with relevant sustainable practices.

Renting policy

We always think about renting before we buy any items for the events that we organize.

Quality of the material

We use energy-efficient equipment as much as possible for the events that we organize.

Local economies

We support local economies and reduce transportation carbon emissions by choosing local providers of services.

Food & Beverages

Local provider

We always recommend our clients to choose catering services in the city where the event is held to minimize travel distance

Sustainable provider

We recommend our clients to choose catering services that are committed to sustainability, presenting a green label and/or a relevant sustainable policy.

Diversified menus

We recommend our clients to offer a diversified menu at the event, including all dietary requirements. We always display the list of allergens of each dish.

Quality of the menu

We recommend our clients to choose a seasonal menu promoting fresh and local products. Whenever feasible, we encourage them to keep the number of options provided to the minimum to avoid waste, remove unsustainable products from the menu and offer more vegetarian and organic options.

Water

We always recommend our clients to provide tap water fountains, returnable bottles of water or pitchers on events.

Activities & Experiences

Local economy

We recommend our clients to choose activities supporting the local economy.

Sustainable activities

We aim to organize activities making participants aware of eco-responsibility and environmental issues rather than activities directly linked to unsustainable practices.

Waste Management

Digital

We propose digital means of communication on the events that we organize (invitation, travel documents, signage, program, floor map, etc.).

End-of-life situation

We pay attention to the end of life of the material we produce, promoting the donation to associations, the upcycling or the recycling of it.

No single-use item

We suggest reusable items when we produce event material (eg: badges, notepads, pencils, etc.).

Food donation

We encourage our clients to donate the potential excess food produced for their events. When feasible, we anticipate all actions and logistical arrangements for the collection and recovery of uneaten meals with competent associations.

Waste sorting

We tackle waste sorting on events by proposing several options to our clients: clear visual signage, a dedicated space for waste sorting management and garbage evacuation through an eco-responsible provider.

Goodies

No goodies option

Whenever feasible, we avoid offering goodies on events to reduce to zero those costs and carbon emissions.

Quantities

We always reduce the quantities of objects produced by incorporating the forecast of no-shows.

Quality of the goodies

Whenever feasible, we suggest local and handcrafted products over items not respecting environmental and social standards.

Dematerialization

We suggest alternatives to goodies such as donations for social and/or ecological purposes.

Offsetting

Calculation and compensation

For every event that we organize, we propose to compensate for its carbon emissions. Based on the calculation tool we set up with the Ecological Entrepreneur, we can anticipate the needed donation allowing to cover fully or partially the carbon emissions of an event. We propose a panel of collaborative projects, selectable by values and objectives. All offer a concrete sustainable impact, locally or abroad.

Social

Gender mainstream

We always promote diversity in the human resources we hire at events (stewards, waiters, speakers, animators, etc.).

Social integration

Whenever feasible, we collaborate with associations working in social integration and/or education services to bring their support to the event.

Reporting

Feedback and improvement

We provide feedback on our experiences, including suggestions to improve sustainability in event management.

Travel Policy

Destination

City consideration

We recommend our clients to choose green cities and we conduct thorough research on the sustainability policies and development of the potential destinations.

Travel distance

We encourage our clients to choose a local, national, or bordering country destination to minimize the travel distance of the participants.

Accessibility

We recommend destinations that are easily accessible and offer soft means of transportation within the city.

Period

We contribute to the prevention of mass tourism by recommending our clients to avoid busy periods and destinations that are too touristic.

Long distance transportation

Prioritize sustainable means of transportation

When available, we recommend our clients to choose sustainable means of transportation such as train, bus, or other public transport options over air travel.

Flight Considerations

When air travel is necessary, we opt for eco-responsible companies and direct flights to minimize carbon emissions associated with take-offs and landings.

Travel Class

Economy class is preferred, considering that higher seating density reduces individual carbon footprints.

Offsetting considerations

For all travel bookings, we track carbon emissions data and calculate the emissions compensation that can be made.

Local transportation

Prioritize sustainable means of transportation

We recommend our clients to use public transportation, such as buses, trams and metros and/or collective means of transportation such as carpooling and shuttles, reducing the number of vehicles as much as possible.

Electric or Hybrid Vehicles

When renting vehicles, we consider selecting electric or hybrid vehicles.

Travel efficiency

We plan trips efficiently, combining multiple meetings and activities within the same geographical area to minimize the number of trips required.

Accommodation

Proximity to destinations

We recommend our clients select accommodation within walking distance of the meeting location or allowing the use of public transportation.

Type of accommodation

We recommend accommodations that are committed to sustainability, presenting a green label or a sustainability policy.

Activities & Experiences

Waste Reduction

We avoid single-use items and provide reusable items such as water bottles.

Energy Conservation

We are mindful of energy usage, such as turning off lights, air conditioning, and unplugging electronic devices when not in use in hotel rooms or other accommodations.

Support Local Communities

We support local economies by choosing locally-owned restaurants, shops, cultural activities and service providers that prioritize sustainable practices.

Offsetting consideration

For all travel bookings, we track carbon emissions data and calculate the emissions compensation that can be made. A list of offsetting projects and local associations is submitted to compensate the emissions directly linked to the event.

Reporting

Feedback and improvement

We provide feedback on our travel experiences, including suggestions for further improvements to promote sustainability in travel arrangements.

Internal Policy

Transportation

Commuting

Whenever feasible, while going to the office, a meeting or external activity, we favor carpooling, public transport and low emission means of transportation such as walking, biking, etc.

Energy consumption

Awareness

Our teams are trained in data management and low energy consumption of IT devices. They know how to manage effectively the storage and the charging of their devices.

Food & Beverages

Supporting local economy

We share a list of local suppliers to our teams for buying lunch within walking distance.

We always try to group our orders to reduce the number of deliveries.

Sustainable eating

When delivering food for our internal meetings and events, we opt for local suppliers and biological food. We always buy appropriate quantities (no overstock).

Well-Being

Socialization

We organize various internal events and gatherings to foster a positive and fun atmosphere and ensure the well-being within our teams. Every month, teams are updated on company news, creative ideas, new partners, and more. Additionally, we hold an annual team-building event and celebrate each team member’s birthday.

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