More and more companies are integrating their CSR commitments into the organization of their internal events. An eco-responsible seminar is not just about image: it’s a coherent approach that strengthens employee buy-in and showcases the host region. Here are 7 concrete ideas for organizing a sustainable seminar in Provence.
Why organize an eco-responsible seminar?
A corporate event generates environmental impacts: travel, energy consumption, catering, waste. According to ADEME (French Environment and Energy Management Agency), a seminar for 100 people over two days can produce between 5 and 15 tonnes of CO2, mainly from transport.
Organizing an eco-responsible seminar means acting on these levers without sacrificing event quality. It also sends a strong signal to your teams: the company applies its values even in its collective moments. Employees are sensitive to this, particularly younger generations for whom CSR consistency is an engagement criterion.
7 concrete ideas for a sustainable seminar
1. Choose a committed venue
Venue choice is fundamental. Prioritize establishments with environmental labels (Green Key, European Ecolabel, Green Globe) or displaying a structured CSR approach: waste management, energy savings, local sourcing.
In Provence, many estates and farmhouses have undertaken virtuous initiatives: solar panels, rainwater harvesting, permaculture vegetable gardens. These venues offer an authentic setting while limiting your event’s footprint.
2. Prioritize local and seasonal caterers
Catering represents a significant part of a seminar’s environmental impact. Choose a caterer working in short supply chains with local producers: market gardeners, winemakers, cheese dairies from the region.
Compose seasonal menus, reduce the meat portion (or offer an attractive vegetarian option) and ban air-freighted products. In Provence, the local produce is rich enough to offer tasty, 100% local meals: vegetables from the Luberon, olive oil from Les Alpilles, goat cheeses, Côtes du Rhône wines.
3. Opt for nature and low-carbon activities
Replace motorized activities with low-impact nature experiences: hiking in the Calanques, cycling through vineyards, Provençal cooking workshop, beekeeping initiation, solidarity grape harvesting or tree planting.
These activities strengthen team cohesion while raising participants’ awareness of the local environment. They create memorable experiences and give meaning to your CSR approach.
4. Limit travel
Transport typically accounts for 70 to 80% of a seminar’s carbon footprint. Several levers can reduce it:
- Choose a central location accessible by train (Marseille, Avignon, Aix TGV)
- Organize carpooling between participants from the same region
- Arrange group transfers from the station by shuttle or minibus
- Avoid flying for mainland participants
Provence benefits from excellent rail connections: Paris-Marseille in 3h10, Lyon-Avignon in 1h. Take advantage of this to encourage train travel.
5. Reduce paper materials and disposable goodies
No more cardboard folders, printed programs and promotional pens that will end up at the back of a drawer. Digitize your materials: program accessible via QR code, presentations shared online, collaborative note-taking.
If you want to offer participants a souvenir, focus on useful and durable items produced locally: Marseille soap, lavender sachet, reusable bottle, recycled paper notebook from a Provençal craftsman.
6. Offset residual carbon footprint
Despite all your efforts, your seminar will generate unavoidable emissions. Carbon offsetting funds environmental projects (reforestation, renewable energy) equivalent to emissions produced.
Calculate your event’s footprint using dedicated tools and offset through certified organizations (Gold Standard, Verified Carbon Standard). Communicate this approach to your participants: it demonstrates a comprehensive and sincere commitment.
7. Raise participants’ awareness of the approach
An eco-responsible seminar is also an awareness opportunity. Explain your approach beforehand (invitation email) and during the event (opening remarks). Highlight the choices made: why this venue, this caterer, these activities.
You can include time for collective reflection on sustainable practices in the company, or invite a local speaker (farmer, circular economy actor) for an inspiring testimonial.
Provence, the ideal territory for a sustainable event
Provence has all the assets to organize a successful eco-responsible seminar. Its rich agricultural heritage enables 100% local and seasonal catering. Its exceptional landscapes (Calanques, Luberon, Alpilles, Camargue) offer ideal grounds for nature activities. And its train accessibility from across France limits the transport footprint.
Organizing a sustainable seminar in Provence also means showcasing a territory and its committed stakeholders: organic winemakers, short-circuit producers, eco-labeled accommodations.
Oleis supports you in your CSR approach
Since 2006, Oleis Travel Events has been organizing corporate seminars in Provence with particular attention to environmental issues. We select committed venues, work with local service providers and design programs that combine performance and responsibility.
Want to organize an eco-responsible seminar without compromising on quality? Contact us to build an event that reflects your values together.
