COLUMBUS ESG

Use of Renewable Energy and CO₂ Reduction

We are committed to minimising our ecological footprint by implementing energy-efficiency measures, reducing resource consumption, and using renewable energy sources wherever possible.

To achieve this goal, we implement the following measures:

• Comprehensive renovation of our company headquarters
• Heating and cooling of our headquarters on Vienna’s Ringstrasse is powered by heat pumps
• COLUMBUS uses green electricity generated from hydropower

Energy-saving measures in the office and on business trips

Our employees are encouraged to act in a resource-conscious manner both in the workplace and while travelling for business.

To achieve this goal, we implement the following measures:

• All electronic devices must be switched off after working hours.
• Lighting, heating and air conditioning are used responsibly.
• Water is conserved by using energy-efficient programmes and the stop button on toilets.

Selection of environmentally friendly suppliers and means of transport

We promote eco-friendly mobility and support our employees in using sustainable means of transport — not only on business trips but also for daily commuting.

To achieve this goal, we implement the following measures:

• Use of electric and hybrid cars as company vehicles
• Support for public transport job tickets
• Business trips are taken by train whenever possible
• Bicycle parking spaces
• We use sustainably certified sources for tea and coffee in our company headquarters.

Recycling and Waste Reduction

Our primary goal is to prevent waste wherever possible. When this is unavoidable, we ensure correct disposal.

To achieve this goal, we implement the following measures:

• Use of digital resources instead of printed materials whenever possible
• Use of recycled products
• Waste separation according to the Waste Separation Guide
• Collection and proper disposal of batteries
• Environmentally friendly cleaning products are used in our headquarters

Promotion of Sustainable Tourism

We respect the cultural diversity and local traditions of the destinations we visit and work closely with local partners. We encourage exchange between our customers and local communities to foster respectful understanding and appreciation of different cultures. In both tourism and in the MICE and business travel segments, we offer our customers experiences that respect and protect local culture and cultural heritage.

To achieve this goal, we implement the following measures:

• COLUMBUS is a Travelife Partner
• Austrian Ecolabel for Green Meetings & Events
• Dedicated rail travel department for business travellers
• We also offer sustainable travel options

COLUMBUS Group Code of Conduct

Our goal is to create a positive and respectful working environment in which every employee can reach their full potential. We place great importance on ensuring that all employees are treated fairly and equally, and that discrimination, harassment, or any form of unprofessional behaviour is not tolerated. The following Code of Conduct applies to everyday interactions:

Equal Treatment:

Every employee is treated fairly, regardless of gender, age, race, ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, or disability.
It is prohibited to discriminate against or disadvantage colleagues based on personal characteristics.

Respectful Behaviour:

All employees must treat one another politely and respectfully.
Offensive, derogatory, or dismissive remarks or gestures toward colleagues or supervisors must be avoided.
Conflicts should be resolved respectfully and constructively.

Harassment:

Sexual, verbal, physical, or psychological harassment is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
Every employee has the right to work in an environment free from harassment.

Privacy:

Respect the privacy and confidentiality of colleagues’ personal information.
Personal data may only be used in accordance with applicable data protection regulations and for professional purposes.

Collaboration:

Promote a cooperative and team-oriented working atmosphere.
Communicate openly and constructively with colleagues and supervisors.
Support colleagues and share knowledge and information to achieve common goals.

Balanced Feedback:

Provide honest and constructive feedback — both praise and constructive criticism — in an appropriate manner.
Feedback should be given privately and respectfully.

Compliance with the Policy:

Every employee is required to comply with this policy.
Violations may result in disciplinary action, including possible termination of employment.

Data Protection and Information Security

Protecting your data is a key priority for us. Below is an excerpt of measures we have implemented to ensure data security:

Internal IT policy to protect data from unauthorised access
All systems that receive, process, store, and transmit payment data comply with current PCI DSS standards
Implementation of the NIST guidelines for password security
Compliance with GDPR

Integrity in Dealings with Partners and Customers

COLUMBUS is committed to the highest ethical standards and to complying with all applicable anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws. We apply the following principles:

• Zero Tolerance:

COLUMBUS does not tolerate any form of bribery or corruption.

• Gifts and Invitations:

Gifts, invitations, or other benefits may only be accepted or offered if they are appropriate and compliant with legal regulations.

• Travel and Accommodation:

Business travel and accommodation expenses may only be covered if they serve a legitimate business purpose and comply with company policies.

• Transparency:

All business activities must be documented in a transparent and comprehensible manner.

Sustainability Goals and Internal Governance Mechanisms

At COLUMBUS, we are committed to building our business practices on the principles of sustainability and social justice. Our aim is to promote responsible travel and to make a positive impact on the environment and society.

• Environmental Protection:
  We actively work to protect the environment by offering environmentally friendly travel options and by continuously improving the sustainability of our internal operations. This includes reducing CO₂ emissions, minimising waste, and using resources responsibly.
• Sustainable Products:
  We carefully select new partners and suppliers, favouring those who apply sustainable practices.
  We are expanding our portfolio of in-house operated trips; our goal is to offer at least seven sustainable travel products by 2026 and to grow this portfolio continuously in the following years.
  In our advisory role, our travel specialists are required to offer customers at least one sustainable hotel option in the same price/performance segment for every request.
  We refrain from CO₂ flight offsetting, as we prioritise booking locally run (often family-owned) hotels and working with local agencies for the trips we organise.
• Education and Awareness:
  We inform our customers about the importance of sustainability and encourage them to make environmentally conscious choices.
  Through training and informational materials for our employees, we promote broad awareness for sustainable travel.

Implementation and Monitoring

• Transparency:
  We communicate openly about our sustainability and social practices and ensure that customers and partners are kept informed of our progress.
• Continuous Improvement:
  We regularly review our practices and processes to ensure we meet and continually improve upon our sustainability and social responsibility goals. For this purpose, we also bring external experts into the company.
• Responsibility:
  All COLUMBUS employees are responsible for adhering to our Code of Ethics and actively contributing to the achievement of our sustainability and social goals.

This sustainability agenda serves as a framework for our company and is continuously reviewed and improved to meet evolving sustainability requirements. We are committed to protecting our employees, our customers, and the environment, and to making a positive contribution to sustainable development.