Zebras standing in shallow, muddy river

Sustainability Policy

  1. Homepage
  2. Sustainability Policy
Kandoo Adventures is committed to promoting sustainability in our base in the UK and across all Kandoo destinations. We understand the negative impact travel can have on local environments and communities and the planet and recognise our responsibility to develop more sustainable practices which will continue to inform all product development to ensure lasting positive impacts both locally and globally.

 

Our Sustainability Policy is based on the following principles:


  • To adhere to all relevant national laws, regulations and codes of conduct
  • To incorporate sustainability factors into all business decisions
  • To ensure all employees in the UK, Kandoo DMCs and suppliers are informed about our Sustainability Policy and are dedicated to implementing and improving it
  • To reduce the environmental and local impact of our UK office and travel products
  • To make customers aware of our commitment to sustainability and promote to them ways to make their travel more sustainable
  • To review, report and improve our sustainability performance

Core Values

 

Human Rights

Kandoo Adventures is committed to promoting human rights for all employees of Kandoo and people employed by businesses that contribute to Kandoo Adventures trips, including all employees should be treated fairly, equally and with respect as outlined in our Code of Ethics.

 

Environment

Kandoo Adventures is committed to reducing our environmental footprint by avoiding negative impacts wherever possible. When they cannot be completely avoided, we work actively to minimize, prevent and mitigate any environmental risks as outlined in our Environmental Policy. Our UK office and all Kandoo and suppliers are supported to follow our Sustainable Procurement Policy.

 

Working Conditions

Kandoo Adventures is committed to ensuring fair all employees of Kandoo and people employed by businesses that contribute to Kandoo Adventures trips follow national guidelines for labour standards, including fair pay, better working conditions, health and safety considerations, equality in the workplace, employee welfare and no child labour as outlined in our Code of Ethics.

 

Anti-Corruption

Kandoo Adventures is committed to maintaining the highest standards of honesty and integrity across all operations. Guided by our Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct, we will not tolerate corruption and bribery in any form in our office in the UK and all Kandoo DMCs and suppliers.


Sustainability in the Company Structure

 

Kandoo Adventures has appointed a Sustainability Coordinator to oversee the implementation of the Sustainability Policy and its corresponding action plan. The Sustainability Coordinator maintains regular communication with colleagues and management regarding the impact of current initiatives, the status of our objectives and recommended next steps.

 

Responsibilities of the Sustainability Coordinator

  • Coordinate Travelife reporting and certification;
  • Promote a comprehensive understanding of sustainability principles and company policy among all staff members;
  • Manage the company action plan while securing input and active support from colleagues to ensure successful implementation;
  • Enhance the sustainability of our product offerings and supply chain operations;
  • Schedule and deliver regular updates to company management regarding the company’s sustainability progress and challenges;
  • Facilitate internal and external communications regarding the company’s Sustainability Policy, associated policies and initiatives

Access to the Sustainability Policy

  • The Kandoo Adventures Sustainability Policy is accessible to all employees, suppliers as well as the general public;
  • At monthly Kandoo Adventures team meetings with staff in the UK office, sustainability will be an item on the meeting agenda;
  • A summary of our sustainability principles are published on Kandoo Adventures website;
  • Our current sustainability policy is available on the Kandoo Adventures website;
  • Regular updates on sustainability progress published on Kandoo Adventures website

Action Planning

Kandoo Adventures maintains an annual sustainability action plan detailing clear targets, actions, responsibilities and timelines. This plan is updated yearly with input from all employees.

 

Action plans will identify which employees are responsible for implementing specific actions and Kandoo Adventures will support them to continue to improve sustainability.


Monitoring

Kandoo Adventures holds monthly team meetings with all UK office staff, where sustainability is a standing agenda item. These sessions serve to monitor and valuate the implementation of our Sustainability Policy and action plan, discuss new ideas and record key updates and decisions.

 

Kandoo Adventures holds general meetings with Kandoo and suppliers where sustainability targets are discussed and evaluated.

 

Corrective Measures

Should any discrepancies between planned targets and actual progress be identified (e.g. delays or obstacles), the sustainability coordinator will collaborate with the team to develop corrective measures. We will then establish as alternative plan in order to overcome these challenges and achieve a successful result.

 

If it becomes clear that an item on a previously agreed action plan cannot be achieved, we will replace item and, if viable, add it to a longer term list of potential actions for the future.


Sustainable Office Operations

 

Starting with our UK office in Penrith, Kandoo Adventures has established sustainable office operations.

 

Energy

  • Lights are turned on only in rooms that are being used
  • Appliances such as fridge, toaster, kettle have high energy efficiency ratings
  • Computer equipment such as monitors and printer are set to stand-by when not in use
  • The office is heated by electric radiators that can be switched on or off by an App
  • All heating is turned off when the office is not in use

Water
  • Our office is connected to the mains water supply
  • Taps are regularly checked for leakage and repaired when necessary
  • The toilet has two flush options (one which uses less water)
  • Staff bring their own drinks bottles and flasks which are refilled when empty – we do not use any disposable cups or bottles
  • Our waste water is treated through the systems owned and monitored by United Utilities. We do not have any control over this.

Paper
  • Kandoo Adventures is paperless – all payslips, correspondence with customers and DMS and invoicing is digital
  • Recycled paper preferred where possible
  • Both sides of all paper in the office are used; either by printing on two sides or by using the blank side of a piece of paper as note paper

Waste
  • Our office minimises waste in all possible ways
  • Recycling bin is provided for card / paper, cans, glass and plastic and this is sorted and taken to a local recycling centre
  • Non-recyclable waste is disposed of at a local waste facility
  • Use of batteries is kept to a minimum

Health and Safety
  • All office staff know the location of the office first aid kit and have access to it whenever needed
  • Fire extinguishers are available in the office and these are professionally checked annually
  • There is a trained fire warden and an evacuation procedure which all staff are aware of
  • Government issued Health and Safety at Work documentation is on display in the office and all staff are aware of it’s location

Transportation
  • Office staff are encouraged to use public transport, walk or cycle to work (this is not possible for all members of staff due to where they live)
  • Where appropriate, staff work from home for some of their working year
  • When several members of staff are travelling, transport should be shared where possible or public transport used

Food
  • Preference is given to locally produced food
  • Food waste is limited

Tea and Coffee
  • Where possible, locally brewed or Fair-Trade tea and coffee is preferred

Cleaning
  • Cleaning products do not contain harmful ingredients such as pesticides
  • Eco-friendly products are preferred
  • Cleaning products are stored and disposed of safely and responsibly

Office environment
  • Our office is home to oxygen-generating plants
  • Our office produces minimal light and noise pollution

With regard to the offices of Kandoo DMCs and suppliers in destinations where we operate trips, we will work with each team to establish similar practices.

Sustainability and public relations

Kandoo Adventures is committed to properly communicating its sustainable practices and achievements to all UK employees, Kandoo DMCs and suppliers, customers and the general public.

Employees are trained to respond to respond to sustainability questions or refer them to the Sustainability Coordinator.