Sustainability

Driving Positive Impact is part of Our DNA

Building a Strong Foundation:
Academic Programs

As an organization dedicated to positively impacting lives through global learning experiences, sustainability is at the core of our mission and business operations. We recognize that responsible travel and education require thoughtful environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, and we are committed to making a lasting, positive impact while providing business students with knowledge and tools for sustainable innovation and responsible leadership.

Leading our sustainability efforts is our ESG Lead, who oversees our alignment with global standards, drives impactful change, builds external partnerships, and evaluates key ESG risks and opportunities across our operations and value chain. We take a collaborative approach to sustainability, embedding it into how we design, operate, and evolve our programs and our internal practices. Every team has a role to play in identifying opportunities to reduce our footprint and maximize our impact. To guide our progress and as part of our commitment to transparent and data-driven sustainability, we adhere to the standards developed by B Lab, using the B Impact Assessment as our reporting framework.

Inspiring Action Through Real-World Sustainability Education

At Austral Education Group, we believe that education is our most powerful tool for driving positive global change. Our global learning experiences bring people together, promote cultural exchange, and spark conversations around the role of business in environmental and social responsibility. While we acknowledge the carbon footprint of global mobility, we are equally focused on leaving a positive handprint through the transformative experiences we create.

Our programs connect students with business leaders, industry experts and organizations at the forefront of sustainability innovation, equipping future leaders with the mindset and tools needed to drive sustainable development. Through curated company visits, guest lectures, and experiential learning, participants gain firsthand insights into sustainable business practices and explore real-world solutions to the key global challenges of our time.

Our Key
ESG Impact Areas

Education is at the heart of our positive impact, but we also work to reduce our environmental footprint and strengthen social and governance practices. Guided by the B Impact Assessment and a recent materiality analysis, we’ve identified the ESG factors most relevant to our operations and stakeholders – areas where our actions can make a real difference.

These priorities aren’t fixed. As we engage more stakeholders and advance our ESG work, our focus areas will evolve. Some initiatives are already in motion, others are emerging – all part of our commitment to learning, improving, and driving meaningful progress over time.

Measuring & Improving Our Environmental Impact

We are currently enhancing data collection processes to develop a comprehensive emissions reduction plan aligned with Science-Based Targets, focused primarily on our Scope 3 emissions as the largest contributor to our carbon footprint. Our success depends on collaboration with university partners, providers, and other stakeholders to drive systemic change in the academic travel sector.

GHG
EMISSIONS &
CARBON
FOOTPRINT
REDUCTION
Minimizing non-essential flights and encouraging lower-emission transport options, like trains and public transit, where possible
Annually calculating and offsetting our corporate carbon footprint
Developing a multi-year strategy to measure the carbon impact of our program operations, enabling clients to understand, reduce, and offset their emissions
Energy
Efficiency &
Transition Strategies
Collaborating with providers such as accommodations, venues, restaurants, and transportation to track energy use and encourage efficiency upgrades and sustainability certifications
Assessing the availability of low-impact infrastructure in each region (e.g., electric or hybrid buses, renewable-powered hotels) to integrate more sustainable options into our programs
Biodiversity & Destination
Stewardship
Supporting conservation-oriented activities through service learning projects
Offsetting unavoidable emissions from any flights we arrange through a variety of VCS- and Gold Standard-certified projects
Partnering with One Tree Planted to plant a tree for every travel program participant, contributing to global reforestation efforts while engaging local communities
Waste
Management &
Circular Economy
Reducing single-use plastics and partnering with providers to implement recycling and circular economy practices, such as food waste reduction at program venues.

Strengthening Social Responsibility & Workplace Wellbeing

Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond environmental impact; it includes fostering a fair, inclusive, and supportive workplace while strengthening the local communities where we operate.

Local
Community Support
Partnering with small businesses, service providers, and local organizations to create shared value in the destinations where we operate.
DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion)
Promoting diverse representation among program speakers and inclusive hiring practices to ensure representative leadership
Health, Safety & Wellbeing
Prioritizing employee and traveler safety, while supporting well-being through flexible work arrangements and mental health resources
Employee Engagement & Career Development
Offering skill-building opportunities, leadership training, and engagement programs to empower our team members and enhance professional growth
Training & Education
Including sustainability content in our programs to educate participants to lead with responsibility

Building Trust Through Ethical & Transparent Governance

We are currently enhancing data collection processes to develop a comprehensive emissions reduction plan aligned with Science-Based Targets, focused primarily on our Scope 3 emissions as the largest contributor to our carbon footprint. Our success depends on collaboration with university partners, providers, and other stakeholders to drive systemic change in the academic travel sector.

Using the B Impact Assessment to evaluate and communicate ESG progress
Engaging stakeholders in discussions and transparently communicating sustainability efforts
Conducting annual financial audits through an internationally-accredited auditing firm
Following robust protocols for digital systems and client information to safeguard sensitive data
Risk Management
Identifying and preparing for risks, building contingency plans into program delivery and ensuring compliance
Responsible Sourcing
Collaborating with suppliers that uphold ethical labor standards, developing guidelines in line with our own goals
Ensuring our own workforce receives fair wages and safe working conditions

Turning Positive
Impact into
Lasting Change

We are committed to setting a new industry standard in ESG performance through data-driven decision-making, transparent reporting, and continuous improvement. We are engaging internal stakeholders through events and training to connect ESG to daily operations. By embedding these principles into our day to day practices, we strive to build a more inclusive and responsible business that uplifts our people and the communities we serve.Additionally, through our partnerships with universities, business organizations, and sustainability experts, we will continue to refine our approach, measure progress, and share impact transparently, ensuring that our programs and operations contribute to a more sustainable future for all.