Our sustainability policy is still a work in progress, with a focus on achieving Travelife certification by 2025.

Travelife is a global certification for sustainable travel, helping businesses align with ISO 26000 standards on environmental protection, biodiversity, human rights, and labor relations.

 

VOS APS – Sustainability Policy

Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to define a framework for identifying, monitoring, and improving VOS APS' environmental and social performance.

Scope
This policy applies to all aspects of VOS APS' operations, from management to the executive level. Employees, suppliers, and partners are expected to support the objectives outlined in this policy to the best of their ability.

 

The Sustainability Coordinator oversees the implementation of the company’s sustainability policy.

 

Sustainability Management & Legal Compliance

Sustainability Commitment
The leadership team at VOS APS is fully committed to improving the company’s sustainability performance and endorses the company’s sustainability mission and policy. VOS APS will utilize the Travelife platform to report on sustainability progress and track performance. These reports will be made publicly available every two years. VOS APS is committed to continuous improvement, focusing on reducing environmental impacts, promoting social responsibility, and ensuring long-term economic sustainability.

 

Internally, VOS APS has made several sustainability commitments, such as developing new products or redesigning existing ones to minimize environmental impact and educating employees about sustainability best practices. We believe that by working together, we can contribute to a more sustainable future in tourism.

 

VOS APS Vision
As a locally based travel agency, VOS APS aims to inspire and engage employees, customers, and suppliers by presenting a positive vision for the future. In the next 10 years, VOS APS aspires to be a leader in sustainable tourism, demonstrating a successful transition to sustainable business practices within the tourism industry. This sense of purpose and unity is integral to the company’s identity.

 

Sustainability Management & Legal Compliance
VOS APS is committed to the continuous improvement of its sustainability practices, dedicating personnel and resources to achieving its sustainability goals. The company adheres to all local, regional, national, and international regulations regarding environmental management, human rights, children’s rights, land use, and wildlife protection. VOS APS maintains a strict Code of Ethics, which includes a zero-tolerance policy for corruption, bribery, forced labor, and discrimination.

 

Internal Management: Social Policy & Human Rights
Employees
At VOS APS, we recognize that our employees are our most valuable asset. To ensure that they can deliver exceptional travel experiences, VOS APS maintains a clear human resource policy that guarantees:
 

• Legal compliance in all aspects of employment

• A safe, healthy, and welcoming work environment

• Fair contract conditions and compensation

• Training opportunities, including training on sustainability, sexual harassment, and exploitation in the workplace

• Employee participation in sustainability planning

• Equal opportunity in hiring, promotion, benefits, and professional development

 

Our Internal Commitments Include:
Energy Efficiency Programs: Implementing energy-saving technologies, such as LED lighting, energy-efficient appliances, and smart thermostats.

 

• Zero Waste Initiatives: Reducing landfill waste by recycling, composting, and reusing materials.

• Sustainable Packaging: Reducing the use of plastics, eliminating single-use packaging, and adopting recyclable alternatives.

• Supplier Code of Conduct: Requiring suppliers to adhere to environmental, social, and ethical standards, including human rights and emissions reduction.

• Sustainability Education & Training: Providing employees with the knowledge and skills to incorporate sustainability into their daily work.

• Green Teams & Employee Initiatives: Encouraging employees to participate in sustainability efforts, such as waste reduction and energy conservation.

• Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion: Promoting diversity in hiring and creating an inclusive work culture.

• Fair Labor Practices: Committing to providing fair wages and safe working conditions.

• Sustainable Commuting: Encouraging employees to use sustainable transport options, such as biking or public transit, and promoting remote work options to reduce commuting emissions.

Internal Management: Environmental Practices
Environmental Management of Office Operations
VOS APS is dedicated to minimizing the environmental impact of its business operations. To achieve this, the company adheres to the following principles:
 

• Compliance with all local and national environmental regulations

• Monitoring and evaluating the use of resources such as water, waste, and energy

• Procuring office supplies that are local, sustainable, fair trade, and with minimal packaging

• Limiting printing, and using FSC-certified paper when printing is necessary

• Using energy-efficient equipment and turning it off when not in use

• Implementing water-saving measures in all common areas

• Separating waste into categories (e.g., plastic, organic, paper, hazardous) for proper disposal

• Using non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning products

• Raising awareness among employees about sustainability, including proper recycling, water conservation, and energy use

 

Carbon Management of Office Operations
VOS APS is committed to reducing its carbon footprint. This is achieved by:
 

• Limiting travel and using sustainable transportation options whenever possible

• Monitoring carbon emissions with the aim of reducing and offsetting remaining emissions

• Installing energy-efficient equipment in the office

 

General Supplier Policy
VOS APS is committed to sourcing products and services responsibly, minimizing harm to society, culture, and the environment. We expect the same commitment from all our suppliers.
 

• Sustainability Commitment: We collaborate with suppliers who share our sustainability goals or have written sustainability policies in place.

• Local Suppliers: Preference is given to locally owned suppliers using local, seasonal products and providing fair working conditions.

• Certified Suppliers: VOS APS prioritizes suppliers with recognized certifications like GSTC, B Corp, or ISO.

• Code of Conduct: All suppliers must follow our Code of Conduct, ensuring legal compliance, respect for human rights, fair labor practices, anti-corruption policies, environmental protection, and support for local communities.

• Zero-Tolerance: VOS APS will terminate relationships with suppliers found violating the Code of Conduct, particularly in cases of corruption or human rights violations.

• Collaboration & Improvement: We work with suppliers to enhance their sustainability performance, encourage ongoing learning, and conduct audits or assessments to ensure alignment with our standards. Suppliers must sign our Code of Conduct and commit to continuous improvement through regular reviews and goal-setting.

• Communication: VOS APS maintains open communication with suppliers, encouraging feedback and fostering dialogue on sustainability.

Transport & Accommodations
Transport
VOS APS works only with transport providers that follow our Code of Conduct and prioritizes sustainable transportation to reduce carbon emissions, conserve energy, and support local communities.
 

• Sustainable Travel: VOS APS selects the most environmentally friendly options for guest and business travel, considering distance, cost, and comfort.

• Transport Options:

  • Preference for ground transport over air for short trips (under 1000 km).

  • Sleeper trains as alternatives to flights.

  • Boats and trains within destinations to minimize flights.

  • Public transport or rail-and-fly services to/from airports.

  • Electric vehicle options for car rentals.

 

Accommodations
VOS APS partners with accommodations that adhere to the company’s sustainability standards. We prioritize properties that implement sustainable practices, such as energy efficiency, waste reduction, and respect for local culture and architecture.

 

Excursions & Activities
VOS APS is committed to reducing the environmental impact of tourism by only offering ethical excursions and activities. All activities respect local customs, traditions, and natural resources, and avoid harm to humans, wildlife, and the environment. VOS APS also promotes responsible tourism through guest education and adherence to "leave no trace" principles.

Tour Leaders, Local Representatives, and Guides
VOS APS is committed to hiring qualified local guides, porters, drivers, and other staff, ensuring they receive living wages, safe working conditions, and fair treatment. The same standards are expected from our suppliers hiring local staff on behalf of VOS APS.

We recognize that guides serve as intermediaries between our guests and the socio-cultural and environmental context of the destination. Therefore, all guides hired or leading tours for VOS APS are regularly trained and are knowledgeable about sustainability practices specific to each destination.

 

Our guides and tourleaders will have free access to the Travelife online learning platform, providing training on various sustainability topics, including crucial issues like preventing the sexual exploitation of children in tourism.

 

Destinations
VOS APS carefully selects destinations that avoid overtourism and offer unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences. As a specialist in Scandinavian destinations, we focus on promoting sustainable options, such as:

 

• Green Infrastructure: Scandinavia's efficient public transport systems, including bike lanes, electric buses, and renewable energy-powered train networks.

• Renewable Energy: Norway’s nearly full reliance on hydropower and Sweden and Denmark's leadership in wind and solar energy generation.

• Eco-Friendly Accommodation: A wide range of eco-lodges and sustainable accommodations with certifications like Nordic Swan Ecolabel or Green Key.

• Nature and Conservation: Large wilderness areas, national parks, and protected zones that promote sustainable tourism.

• Culinary Sustainability: The New Nordic Cuisine movement focuses on locally sourced, organic, and seasonal ingredients, often reducing food waste and offering plant-based options.

• Support for Local Communities: VOS APS promotes responsible tourism by supporting rural and indigenous communities, such as the Sami people in northern Sweden and Norway.

 

We do not offer destinations that fail to meet our sustainability criteria. VOS APS collaborates with local representatives to develop new products that reflect our values and sustainability goals.

 

Contribution to Local Communities
VOS APS is dedicated to making a positive contribution to the destinations where it operates by:

 

• Sourcing local products and supporting traditional arts and culture

• Encouraging responsible shopping and cultural experiences

• Collaborating with local tourism stakeholders to promote sustainable development

 

Environmental Stewardship in Destinations
VOS APS takes an active role in protecting natural resources in the destinations we serve. This includes preserving wildlife, promoting eco-friendly accommodations, and educating guests about responsible travel behavior. VOS APS also works to reduce overtourism by offering off-season and off-the-beaten-path travel options.

 

Customer Protection & Communication

Privacy
VOS APS is committed to protecting customer privacy and maintaining transparency about how personal information is used.

 

Marketing & Communication
VOS APS ensures truthful marketing, delivering on promises made, and avoids greenwashing by standing behind all sustainability claims.

 

Sustainability Communication
Customers are informed about the environmental and social impact of their travel choices, and are encouraged to make sustainable decisions through clear communication about accommodations, excursions, and responsible shopping.

 

Contact & Implementation
All VOS APS staff are responsible for promoting and implementing this sustainability policy. The Sustainability Coordinator is the primary contact for any questions regarding the policy and can be reached at vos@vos.to.

 

Effective Date
This policy takes effect on October 28, 2024, and will be reviewed by October 28, 2026.