Reflecting on the Paris 2024 Olympics: Sustainability lessons for corporate travel
Key Sustainability Takeaways
The Paris Olympics wrapped up just about a month ago and saw an influx of over 15 million visitors – and our corporate travel data shows that flights into the city skyrocketed more than triple compared to last year. Its impact is already fueling critical conversations in corporate travel and other large-scale events, especially as we gear up for significant global events like the FIFA World Cup in North America starting in the summer of 2026 and the World Expo in Osaka, Japan, next spring. The Olympics provided invaluable insights into how we might enhance our sustainability practices within corporate travel.
Attendees jetted in from all corners of the globe for business travel, sponsorship, leisure, competition, training, and, of course, bleisure. Paris 2024 hoped to raise the bar for sustainable practices, not just aiming for gold medals; they strove to be the most sustainable Olympics and demonstrated practices that the corporate travel industry can lean into.
We’ve plucked out a few things the business travel industry 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 aimed to achieve this by reducing their carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions by 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 included more hybrid public transportation options in the fleet and made space for additional walking and cycling amenities. 95% of existing venues were used to minimize new infrastructure, 80% of venues were within 10km (just over 6 miles) of the Athletes Village, and 100% of sporting venues were connected to public transportation.
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 whenever possible. Include eco-friendly hotels in your travel policy options and encourage or incentivize their use. 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 fall short when it came to food-sourcing waste reduction. The game plan included 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.
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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 reduce physical travel (if possible).
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 at FCM Consulting, discusses Paris 2024's 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.
As public events and organizations such as the Olympics will ultimately be held to a higher standard, it can 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.
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Objektmanager Funk bei ISS Deutschland
1 个月I was travelling from Ulm, Germany to Paris2024 with 2 friends. Price with TGV roundtrip per person : € 300. No discounts given, no group discount. So we went by car. Price for all of us (gasoline and tolls): € 250. I'd love to go by train, but if you are more than 1 person and still not a group, going by car is always way cheaper. There seems no interest of governments or train companies or the most sustainable Olympics to change that.