Hermes Group, with over 16 years of experience in event management, has always aimed not just to create successful events, but also to have a positive impact on people and the environment. The company was founded with a vision that entrepreneurship means more than just running a business – it’s about making a difference in the world.
Sustainability has always been a central part of Hermes Group’s operations. Anna Hermes, who founded the company, runs the business today together with Vianei Hermes. Both have a strong connection to nature; Anna from Småland, Sweden, and Vianei from rural Brazil. Their shared interest in living in harmony with nature and striving to improve people’s well-being has shaped the company’s sustainability efforts.
“We realized early on how strongly an event can impact both people and the planet, both positively and negatively,” Anna says.
Key factors for sustainable events
Over time, Hermes Group has identified the factors that are crucial for creating sustainable events and corporate travel. By making well-informed decisions from the planning stage, they ensure that every event has a positive impact. For instance, they choose destinations that can be reached with low or no emissions, prioritize local and sustainable suppliers, and advocate for physical activities in nature. Food choices are also central, focusing on locally produced, organic, and seasonal ingredients.
Another important aspect of Hermes Group’s work is spreading knowledge and inspiring clients who are not yet engaged in sustainability. Anna explains that they always start by raising awareness about carbon emissions and suggesting alternative ways to travel and organize events.
“We show the difference, often in the form of CO2 emission estimates. For example, we might suggest replacing red meat with more sustainable options or swapping a speedboat tour for kayaking,” she says.
The event industry faces several challenges when it comes to sustainability, and one of the biggest is the lack of knowledge. Anna believes that if companies knew more about sustainability, it would be easier to implement more sustainable events. Another challenge is the traditional ways in which many events are still organized, something Hermes Group wants to change.
“The best thing for us is when sustainability starts from within”
An example of how Hermes Group has successfully made an event more sustainable is when they replaced a 4-hour flight to Athens with a 2-hour bus ride to Dalarna. This change resulted in a reduction of 75 tons of CO2 emissions. Hermes Group worked closely with the client, who also wanted to raise awareness about sustainability among their employees. Meetings were held outdoors, with the forest and lake as the workplace. Local food from the farm was served in a beautiful greenhouse, followed by a party in the barn. Employees also attended a one-hour talk on the planetary boundaries and what has led us to the climate crisis we are in. Additionally, the event overall delivered a cheaper, more economically sustainable outcome.
“The best thing for us is when sustainability starts from within. For us, it’s a true passion and it has an immediate effect,” Anna concludes.