INSIGHTS
Bonjour! (Hello)
Paris welcomed over 15 million visitors for the Olympics this year, and our corporate travel data shows that flights into the city skyrocketed, more than tripling compared to last year. Even with only a month to go, people are still scrambling to secure accommodation and event tickets.
Attendees jetted in from all corners of the globe for business travel, sponsorship, leisure, competition, training, and, of course, bleisure. But beyond the excitement of sports, gold medals, and Olympic fever, Paris 2024 hoped to raise the bar for sustainable practices. They didn't just aim for gold medals; they strove to be the most sustainable Olympics and demonstrating practices that the corporate travel industry can lean into.
Here’s what business travel can learn from Paris 2024’s goals for a greener future.
Manage carbon emissions
Paris 2024 goals:
Previous Olympic Games have emitted an average of 3.5 million tons of CO2 (that we know of). Paris 2024 aimed to cut this by 50%. They aim to achieve this by reducing their carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions through embracing 100% renewable energy and low-carbon materials, integrating all venues into a solar grid, and scoring extra points by managing carbon offsets through clever projects.
Lessons for corporate travel:
Corporate travel sustainability can mirror these ambitious goals. Start by measuring and reducing travel-related carbon emissions, investing in renewable energy solutions for buildings and vehicles, and supporting carbon mitigation programs.
Building and transportation
Paris 2024 goals:
Paris went all out on sustainable infrastructure, from solar-powered, eco-friendly venues to an Athletes Village decked out in recycled materials. Plus, they’re including more hybrid public transportation options into the fleet and making space for additional walking and cycling amenities. 95% of existing venues were used to minimize new infrastructure, 80% of venues were within 10km of the Athletes Village, and 100% of sporting venues were connected to public transportation. Paris is setting a high bar.
Lessons for corporate travel:
Take a page out of Paris' book by promoting sustainable transportation options among travelers, like trains, electric vehicles, and public transportation. Include eco-friendly hotels in your travel policy options and encourage, or incentivize, the use of them. Many hotels and venues already have great green initiatives and can be allies in your sustainability journey.
Reduce waste
Paris 2024 goals:
Paris dished out 13 million meals and snacks during the Olympics, but it didn't play games when it came to food-sourcing waste reduction. The game plan includes extensive recycling programs and championing a circular economy. Say goodbye to single-use plastics, and hello to reusable and recyclable materials, plus, they served up more plant-based food, up to 60% to be exact.
Lessons for corporate travel:
Embrace waste reduction and smart food choices by weaving strategies into your travel programs. Business travelers can opt for digital tickets, ditch single-use plastics (hello, refillable water bottle!), and go for accommodation with fool-proof recycling programs.
Partner wisely
Paris 2024 goals:
Paris Olympics rallied all stakeholders—athletes, spectators, suppliers, partners, and sponsors—around their sustainability goals. They were all about education and participation. Paris teamed up with caterers serving plant-based, seasonal, and local food, held suppliers accountable for materials getting a second life, and partnered with rental companies for temporary infrastructure.
Lessons for corporate travel:
Engage your employees and partners in your sustainability initiatives. Provide training on sustainable travel practices and highlight the importance of reducing environmental impact. Offer incentives for employees who opt for eco-friendly travel options and share success stories to inspire others.
Get tech savvy
Paris 2024 goals:
Paris pulled out all the stops with game-changing tech. Think smart buildings, energy-efficient systems, and wrap-around event apps to streamline operations and minimize physical materials.
Lessons for corporate travel:
Adopt travel management software to monitor and reduce carbon emissions, apps that encourage paper-free travel choices, and leverage virtual conferencing tools to cut down on physical travel (if possible).
Walk the talk
Paris 2024 goals:
Paris' international Olympic committee tried hard to maintain transparency. They shared their sustainability goals and progress openly, and held themselves accountable to the world watching.
Lessons for corporate travel:
Be transparent with your sustainability efforts. Set clear goals, track progress, and report achievements. Accountability keeps sustainability at the forefront and drives continuous improvement among business travelers.
Start with a plan
Paris 2024 goals:
Paris had a plan for sustainability from the start. The International Olympic Committee appeared committed to its goals. Early on, they calculated the Games' "material footprint" (a first in Olympic history) and mapped out resources venue by venue. From venues and seating to tennis balls, every detail is accounted for to minimize and control the materials' lifecycle before, during, and after the Games.
Lessons for corporate travel:
This is no different for business travel—set clear, achievable goals and try sticking to them. It could be saying yes to tech, committing to minimal single-use plastics, reducing travel trips, opting for virtual meetings, or staying in one spot longer. Whatever they may be, make a plan from the start.
From our expert
Glenn Thorsen, Global Sustainability Lead, FCM Consulting, weighs in on Paris 2024 ambitions and what this means for corporate travel.
"Large, global, and culturally significant events such as the Olympics (sporting world cups and concerts are other great examples) are huge opportunities for sustainability in travel.
These events are very visible to many of us in a personal context. They have large sponsorship communities that have a strong professional alignment with many of our corporate travel programs. Through events such as these, public commitments and transparent strategies are created and executed, and many of us can see the true extent of how sustainability can be integrated into the world of corporate travel.
A 50% reduction, as the Paris Olympic Committee targets, is a very commendable and ambitious target. It may well exceed or align with many Science Based Target's commitments to global corporate travel programs in line with their own organizational commitments. This ambition allows corporate travel programs to learn from a transparent and highly respected organization, that is in a unique position to strive for reductions that we may not always see as the first line of opportunity.
As public events and organizations such as the Olympics will ultimately be held to a higher standard, it has the opportunity to invest more aggressively in achieving these goals for the broader public good. Serving as inspiration for other industries (such as corporate travel) to follow, with the confidence that there is evidence of the opportunity to be successful in these ambitions."
Some final thoughts
Undoubtedly, hosting the Olympics comes with significant environmental hurdles, and managing events of this magnitude is always a test for sustainability. Some argue that travel is no different. With sustainability as a key pillar of success, Paris 2024 was not just talking about these obstacles; it strove to set a new standard for future Olympic Games, and got a lot of attention for it. Your corporate travel program could follow suit.
Other organizations are even jumping on the movement. For instance, Air France has committed to matching customers' voluntary contributions to its sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) fund during the European summer, coinciding with Paris 2024.