Commitment to Sustainable Practices Leads to a 31% Improvement in Self-Assessment Score
Tourism HR Canada demonstrated its commitment to sustainability by signing the Sustainable Tourism 2030 Pledge last year. The organization pledged to enhance its sustainability performance annually through 2030, using assessments based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria and aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
At Tourism HR Canada, sustainable values have always been central to the organization’s workplace culture. In early 2022, like-minded team members initiated a conversation about structuring the organization’s sustainable journey towards its mandate: growing a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable workforce. The leadership team and the Board of Directors fully supported the idea of developing this sustainability journey, leading to the establishment of a staff-led committee. The team’s main driver was to formalize internal sustainable practices before embedding these into projects and partnerships, a way to “walk the talk.” The committee, named “Common Ground,” was empowered by the leadership team to assess the organization’s footprint, identify priorities from the SDGs that best represent the mandate, and undertake additional training to build an integrated and inclusive action plan.
When the first Sustainable Tourism self-assessment was completed and scored at 30%, it seemed like a daunting task to raise the bar. However, it also presented an opportunity to delve deeper into the organization’s structure and practices, a challenge the Common Ground team eagerly embraced.
Having open and honest internal conversations about sustainability status and future goals is paramount to ensuring diverse viewpoints are heard. Sharing a common vision, language, values, and goals is a priority for the organization. From small steps to improve waste management and raise awareness among team members to significant decisions like moving offices to a LEED-Certified building, the sustainable journey became easier to integrate into daily activities and larger projects. Despite some natural growing pains and hesitations, productive actions and meaningful recognition led to successful outcomes:
- Invitations to present at the Impact Conference in Victoria and its regional chapter in Ontario
- The newly funded Belong project, an initiative to strengthen tourism’s capacity to offer inclusive, diverse, equitable, accessible, leading (IDEAL) workplaces
- Invitations to participate in several sustainability initiatives, such as the Culinary Tourism Alliance DEI Committee and the TIAC Sustainable READI Advisory Committee
- A full review and update of our brand and communication tools to make them more accessible
When it was time to retake the self-assessment in late spring of 2024, the team was nervous but excited to see whether their efforts had paid off. The Preliminary Sustainable Tourism Assessment Report revealed a score of 61%. Although some criteria were not applicable to a national support organization, the improved rank indicated a potential Silver certification level.
Taking the pledge was primarily about commitment and solidarity. While there are many achievements possible as an organization, collaboration is essential. The tourism sector is often fragmented due to its size, diversity of industries, and regional realities. Participating in a global movement, showing leadership, and supporting national and provincial/territorial partners makes all the difference.
Looking Ahead
Tourism HR Canada remains dedicated to its sustainability journey, continuously striving to improve and inspire others in the tourism sector. The organization’s progress serves as a testament to the power of collective effort and the importance of sustainable practices in building a resilient future.
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