Introduction
Corporate activities can have a significant environmental footprint. According to BCD Travel, a five-day conference for 2,500 participants can generate the consumption of up to 62,500 plates, 87,500 napkins, and 90,000 cans or bottles. The good news? There are sustainable alternatives for corporate programmes and practical ways to reduce this footprint without compromising the participant experience.
In the world of team building, embracing sustainable practices not only reinforces organisational culture but also enhances brand image and strengthens team spirit. At Boost Events, we see sustainability as a core value, and through specific programmes, we strive to make a meaningful difference. Activities such as “Toy Building”, where recycled materials are used to create gifts for children in need, or the “Empathy” experience, which raises awareness of social and environmental challenges, allow companies to combine positive impact with genuine enjoyment.
Sustainable practices for team-building events
Creating a sustainable team-building event goes far beyond ditching single-use plastics. Success lies in a series of thoughtful, strategic choices:
- Choose eco-friendly venues – Opt for locations with recognised sustainability certifications that adopt practices such as renewable energy use, water efficiency, and waste reduction.
- Favour reusable and digital materials – Cut down on unnecessary printouts by using digital tools for registration, event schedules, and communications. It’s practical, cost-effective, and far more sustainable.
- Incorporate activities with real environmental and social impact – Include challenges that promote hands-on action, such as creative reuse of materials, or immersive programmes that raise awareness of environmental and social issues.
For example, some of our team-building activities are designed to boost creativity and teamwork while giving a new purpose to objects that would otherwise be discarded. Others allow participants to step into the shoes of people facing different social realities, encouraging greater awareness around responsible consumption and inclusion.
It’s an innovative and meaningful way to reinforce essential values within the workplace — while keeping the experience fun, memorable, and engaging.
The business benefits of sustainability
Investing in sustainable events delivers benefits that go well beyond reducing your environmental footprint. Companies that embrace these practices cut operational costs by minimising waste and adopting more efficient solutions; they strengthen their corporate image by aligning with environmental and social values increasingly valued by the market; and they boost internal engagement – employees feel more motivated when involved in activities with a greater sense of purpose.
What’s more, running a sustainable team-building event can help attract and retain top talent. Studies show that professionals – especially from younger generations – are more likely to choose employers who demonstrate a genuine commitment to sustainability.
Conclusion
Sustainability and team building can and should go hand in hand. Companies that embrace eco-conscious and socially responsible practices in their events don’t just reduce their environmental impact; they also create more meaningful experiences that resonate with their team’s values.
At Boost Events, we believe a corporate event can be far more than just a fun break it’s a powerful tool to build more conscious, innovative, and motivated teams.
It’s time to rethink how we approach corporate activities. After all, teamwork has never made more sense than when we come together for a better world.
