Our sustainability policy

SUSTAINABILITY POLICY – CHINA TOUR OPERATOR

1. PROCUREMENT

1.1 Reduction of Disposable and Consumable Goods

Operating from a home office enables us to maintain strict control over single-use items. As we do not employ onsite staff or host regular client meetings, we avoid stocking disposable products such as paper cups, paper towels, plastic cutlery, plastic bottles, brochures, pens, or branded gifts. Our office requires minimal supplies, and any essential items—such as A4 paper—are purchased locally and in bulk to reduce packaging and transport-related emissions.

1.2 Sustainable Purchasing

As a very small, home-office–based tour operator, we apply responsible purchasing principles to all office consumables and services, in line with our scale of operations.

We primarily use recycled and responsibly sourced office paper (over 90%), and we prioritise digital communication for itineraries, contracts, quotations, and administrative documents. Printing is limited to essential accounting or legal purposes, with double-sided and reduced-page printing settings applied.

For other office consumables (e.g. stationery, ink cartridges, cleaning products), we aim to prioritise recycled, refillable, reusable, and durable products, minimise single-use items and packaging, and select suppliers with responsible environmental practices where possible.

IT equipment is purchased only when necessary, selected for energy efficiency and durability, maintained for long-term use, and recycled appropriately at the end of life. Business travel is minimised through remote meetings, with low-impact transport prioritised when travel is required.

1.3 Certified Coffee, Tea & Office Supplies

We select sustainably sourced coffee, tea, and other consumables with recognised certifications, supporting ethical production and responsible consumption.

1.4 Environmentally Friendly Cleaning Materials

Eco-friendly and, whenever possible, organic cleaning products are used to reduce indoor pollution and maintain a healthier workspace.

2. PAPER MANAGEMENT

In compliance with France’s upcoming mandatory e-invoicing system (2026), we are preparing to adopt 100% digital invoicing in collaboration with our bank and the relevant government platform. All communication, marketing, and promotional materials are distributed digitally. No printed brochures or flyers are produced. A sample digital brochure is available upon request.

3. ENERGY MANAGEMENT

3.1 Energy Reduction Policy

As a home-office business, we take proactive steps to reduce electricity consumption:

  • LED lighting is used throughout the office, with over 75% of fixtures being energy-efficient.
  • Lights and equipment are used only when necessary and switched off manually when not in use.
  • Natural daylight is prioritised during working hours.
  • Appliances and electronics (laptops, chargers, routers) are turned off or unplugged at the end of each workday.
  • Energy-efficient equipment that meets high European energy standards (A+++ or equivalent) is selected. Our most recent purchases prioritised Energy Star certification and long-term efficiency.

3.2 Heating Efficiency

Heating is essential during winter months. To reduce energy consumption and emissions:

  • Indoor temperature is maintained at a maximum of 19°C, following ADEME recommendations.
  • Portable electric heaters are used on milder days to avoid heating unused areas.
  • Air conditioning is not used, as it is unnecessary in western France.

3.3 Monitoring Energy Use

Electricity and heating consumption are tracked regularly, and measures are taken to improve efficiency. Green electricity is purchased to support France’s transition to renewable energy.

3.4 Equipment Efficiency Modes

Energy-saving settings (e.g., automatic sleep mode) are enabled on all laptops, printers, and mobile devices to minimise unnecessary use.

4. WATER MANAGEMENT

4.1 Water Reduction

Water consumption is limited to household use, as our business is home-based and we rarely host clients onsite.

4.2 Water Monitoring

Water consumption is metered and billed regularly, with annual checks to ensure accuracy and detect leaks.

4.3 Water-Saving Infrastructure

A dual-flush toilet system is installed, contributing to lower water consumption.

5. WASTE MANAGEMENT

5.1 Waste Reduction

Non-reusable and non-recyclable waste is minimised through smart purchasing decisions, recycling, and upcycling. Organic biowaste is composted in our garden, in line with France’s waste-management standards.

5.2 Packaging

As we do not sell physical products or distribute gifts, no packaging materials are used, and this low-impact approach will be maintained.

5.3 Elimination of Plastic Water Bottles

Tap water is consumed using reusable glasses, eliminating non-refillable plastic bottles.

5.4 Recycling Practices

All recyclable materials are sorted into dedicated bins, and non-recyclable waste is transported to a local disposal centre within 5 km of the office.

5.5 Toner, Ink & Cartridge Management

  • Long-lasting, refillable cartridges supplied by a local provider are used.
  • Ink is purchased in bulk to reduce packaging and transport emissions.
  • End-of-life cartridges will be taken to authorised recycling points.

5.6 Battery Recycling

Rechargeable batteries are used whenever possible. End-of-life batteries are delivered to certified collection points.

6. POLLUTION PREVENTION

6.1 Wastewater

Wastewater is limited to domestic greywater from routine activities. No industrial or hazardous wastewater is produced.

6.2 Pollution Reduction

Chemical pollution is minimised by:

  • Using non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaning products.
  • Avoiding chemically treated paper and toxic paints.
  • Preventing unnecessary use of hazardous substances in all operations.

7. MOBILITY & BUSINESS TRAVEL

7.1 Staff Travel Policy

Operations are fully home-based, eliminating daily commuting. Team members meet exclusively via digital tools (video calls, emails, online platforms), resulting in near-zero transport-related emissions.

 

8. TRANSPORT

8.1 Transport to Destination (International & Domestic Travel)

We aim to balance sustainability, comfort, and affordability when arranging travel. Priority is given to transport modes with lower environmental impact:

  • High-speed trains for intercity travel (e.g., Beijing–Shanghai).
  • Direct flights instead of itineraries with multiple stopovers.
  • Collaboration with airlines and partners demonstrating strong sustainability commitments.

8.2 Local Transport

Local transfers and excursions prioritise:

  • Public transport for city transfers.
  • Electric or hybrid vehicles where available.
  • Shared or small-group transfers to reduce per-traveller emissions.

Sustainable alternatives are reviewed regularly, and more eco-friendly options are implemented as availability increases.

9. DESTINATIONS

9.1 Sustainable Destinations

Destinations are selected with a focus on community involvement, cultural heritage preservation, and environmental protection. Lesser-known destinations with proper infrastructure and commitment to sustainable development are prioritised.

9.2 Accessible Destinations

Accessibility via sustainable transport options is considered when selecting new destinations. Locations reachable by trains or direct flights with lower environmental impact are preferred, balancing convenience with environmental responsibility.

 

  1. SUPPLIER SUSTAINABILITY COMMITMENT

We carefully select our partners and suppliers based on their commitment to sustainable, ethical, and responsible tourism practices. Suppliers are evaluated and chosen according to the following criteria:

  • Preference is given to suppliers offering low-impact transport (electric/hybrid vehicles, shared transport, public transport, rail).
  • Accommodations must demonstrate energy and water efficiency, waste reduction, recognised sustainability certifications, integration of local culture, and respect for local communities.
  • Suppliers who prioritise locally produced, sustainable goods and services are preferred.
  • Partners should actively support cultural preservation, community wellbeing, and reduction of environmental impacts.
  • Suppliers must implement effective waste minimisation, recycling, and use of reusable alternatives, with minimal reliance on single-use plastics and packaging.
  • Suppliers are encouraged to measure, reduce, and offset carbon emissions and share progress annually.
  • Suppliers must ensure that all tour leaders, local representatives, and guides are qualified, trained regularly, and informed about our sustainability policy ([link]).
  • Access to Travelife online courses on sustainability and child protection is provided to ensure knowledge and compliance.
  • Guides and staff should have strong destination knowledge, including environmental, social, and cultural considerations.
  • Compliance with all applicable labour laws, fair working conditions, non-discrimination, and a harassment-free workplace is mandatory.
  • Suppliers must prevent any form of child exploitation, comply with laws and guidelines, and report any incidents immediately.
  • Suppliers must uphold high standards of animal welfare and conservation and minimise negative impacts on wildlife and ecosystems.
  • Suppliers are expected to report on sustainability performance and continuously improve practices, adopting new technologies and collaborating on emerging initiatives.
  1. INITIATIVES

11.1  Client Communication

  • We actively manage communication with clients to promote sustainable tourism. This includes regular advice and guidance on responsible travel behaviours when we create their made-to-measure tours, and promotion of cultural sensitivity and environmental protection during tours.

11.2  Donation Policy

  • We have a long-standing commitment to supporting local communities and charitable causes. For more than 10 years, we have made regular donations (around 50000 euros) to associations such as Couleurs de Chine, Lab Dra Khampa, and Enfants du Mékong, alongside one-off contributions, including the creation of a hiking trail in northern Yunnan, supported by a donation, as well as the planting of 18,800 trees through the Yves Rocher Foundation.
  • Enfants du Mékong – https://www.enfantsdumekong.com/don
  • Fondation Yves Rocher – https://www.yves-rocher-fondation.org/
  • Couleurs de Chine – https://couleursdechine.org/
  • Lab Dra Khampa – end of charity existence and support in 2020
  1. SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVES 2026-2028

Short-term Objectives

  • Communicate the company’s sustainability policy to staff and partners.
  • Conduct surveys and collaborate with partners/suppliers.
  • Maintain an overview of partners and suppliers’ sustainability performance.
  • Provide staff with environmental training and information.
  • Communicate about Travelife Partner award on our channels.

Medium-term Objectives

  • Provide health and safety training and sustainability knowledge for guides.
  • Communicate the sustainability agreement and codes of conduct to DMCs and accommodations.
  • Share destination-specific sustainability information, including activities’ do’s and don’ts, with staff and clients.
  • Deliver staff training on the prevention of sexual exploitation of children for guides.

Long-term Objectives

  • Motivate our suppliers to take part in sustainability training opportunities.
  • Develop an HR policy.
  • Offer ongoing training on personal development and sustainability for staff.
  • Explore suitable carbon offsetting schemes for emissions generated by fossil energy used in the office.
  • Develop and implement a simple system to track staff-related business travel to offset.
  • Participate in training and educational programs for accommodation partners.
  • Improve tours and activities with sustainability considerations.
  • Include destination information, guidelines, and sustainability tips in client documentation.
  • Digitalise client feedback forms and implement feedback collection.
  • Communicate internal procedures to all agents via email/WeChat.
  • Conduct public reporting on sustainability initiatives and progress.