The brand is working with net zero consultancy ecollective to measure and reduce its carbon footprint, and revealed that on average it produces 171kg CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) per guest, per night. It now plans to reduce this by 7% during this coming season.
Managing director Ceri Tinley said while “there is a lot of good intention across the industry to do better”, a “step change” is needed. She added: “The luxury sector is known for its innovation and high standards of customer experience, so is perfectly placed to lead the way in developing solid sustainability action plans which make a real difference.
“Although there may be initial costs involved in changing operations, these are massively outweighed by the long-term implications on our planet. Plus, there is a growing expectation from consumers to be more eco-conscious so having a more sustainable proposition also provides commercial opportunities.”
An audit by ecollective found Consensio’s 17 chalets in the French Alps generate a total of 281,154kg CO2e per year, which equates to 784kg CO2e for a one-week stay, per person. This includes all operational activities, including running the office, website and properties, alongside guest hosting.
Meals accounted for 31% of CO2e produced, while electricity used by the properties generated 28%.
To reduce its carbon footprint Consensio plans to reduce the number of flights staff take and focus on recycling, waste reduction and slashing electricity consumption at its properties. It will also promote meat-free days during guests’ dietary consultations.
Consensio will also work with its suppliers and partners to encourage more sustainable approaches to the goods and services they provide.
Tinley added: “It is our responsibility to minimise our environmental impact, precise measurement and firm targets are the crucial key first step to becoming a more sustainable business. Identifying a footprint per guest brings to life the impact of a holiday and provides a tangible focus for finding new ways of working.”
EXCLUSIVE SKI DATA
The brand also revealed how skiers are seeking smaller chalets, more self-drive trips and longer stays, according to the Consensio Chalets Luxury Ski Insights 2022 report.
It surveyed 25 luxury ski agents and operators in the UK, France and Switzerland, focusing on their bookings for the 2021/2022 season. Concerns around Covid saw the average group size drop from nine in 2018/19 to eight in 2021/22.
The number of clients travelling by scheduled airline decreased from 78% to 71% in the same period, with many instead choosing to drive, up from 9% in 2018/19 to 15%, the report said.
The resort retains top position for deciding factor, with price dropping from second place in 2018/19 to third place last season, swapping positions with location. The size of a chalet also moved from 6th position up to 4th, as clients opted for smaller properties.
Tinley said: “People hadn’t travelled for a couple of years, so had two or three years’ budget to spend.”
The report found that 40% of respondents’ clients stayed for more than a week, which Tinley expects to be repeated this season.
The results were revealed at a Consensio event in London on 22 September, and Tinley said trends are already changing again for the upcoming winter season. Larger group sizes are already returning, with more celebration parties and groups of families travelling together again.
When asked about the sustainability changes agents and operators were making, 13% were measuring their carbon footprint and 13% had also set targets to reduce it.
NEW PRODUCT
Consensio has also expanded into Switzerland, with the introduction of the Tivoli Lodge in Davos Klosters. The chalet is part of the brand’s Ultimate Catered Chalet collection and is located opposite the piste. It offers seven bedrooms and 700-square-metres of space, accommodating 12 adults and three children.
It features a pool, spa, indoor multi-storey soft play gym, library, TV lounge, gym and games room, with south-facing balconies. Guests will be looked after by a team of staff including a private chef, chalet manager, hosts and an in-resort private 4×4 chauffeur. Prices start from £67,400 for a week’s stay.
