Sustainable Tourism

50 Degrees North was founded in 2010, at the tail end of the global financial crisis. Since then, the company has grown from a small family business to a global company with 60+ employees across three continents. As a leading Nordic destination specialist, we offer boutique, sustainable, and authentic travel experiences above the 50th parallel north. Alongside our growth, we have embraced a serious commitment to sustainability, continually working to reduce our environmental impact and give back to the communities we touch.

B Corp Certification & Travelife Partner

We are proud to be a Certified B Corporation, joining a global community of businesses committed to meeting high standards of social and environmental responsibility. This certification reflects our dedication to ethical business practices, sustainability, and transparency. Achieving B Corp status required an exhaustive assessment of our impact on employees, customers, communities, and the environment. We prioritise purpose alongside profit, striving to make a positive impact on the world.

View our B Corp profile and B Impact Score.

Since 2022, 50 Degrees North has also held the Travelife Partner Certification, recognising our leadership in sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). This certification acknowledges our adherence to over 100 criteria, covering areas such as office management, product range, and partnerships.

Our Key Values & Sustainability Policy

• Distributing Tourism: Promoting travel to less-visited destinations and during the low season to combat overtourism.

• Supporting Local Communities: Partnering with local businesses to ensure socio-economic benefits stay within the community.

• Environmental Partnerships: Collaborating with operators who meet strict environmental standards, such as ISO 14001-certified hotels.

• Low-Emission Travel: Encouraging train travel, electric vehicles, and other low-emission transport options.

• Preservation & Respect: Minimising our impact on local nature, wildlife, and culture while actively supporting conservation efforts.

Read our full Sustainability Policy.

Climate Action Plan

At 50 Degrees North, we are dedicated to reducing carbon emissions and contributing to a more sustainable future. As founding signatories of the Glasgow Declaration - launched at COP26 - we stand alongside the global tourism industry in our shared commitment to achieving net-zero emissions as quickly as possible.

Explore our full Climate Action Plan.

Carbon Labelling

We have carbon labels on our most popular tours to provide transparency about each trip’s carbon footprint. We are also constantly reviewing and adding more tours to this initiative.

Example tour emissions:

• Beautiful Norway: 183kg CO2e
• Scandinavian Capitals by Rail & Ferry: 470kg CO2e

Find out more about our Carbon Labels.

Impact Reports

Our annual Impact Report offers a transparent account of our progress towards sustainability goals. It highlights achievements such as carbon reductions, community support initiatives, and the outcomes of our Impact Fund investments. These reports underscore our dedication to responsible travel and climate action.

Read our full 2023 IMPACT REPORT.

By focusing on measurable actions and transparent reporting, we strive to set a high standard for sustainable travel, ensuring that the destinations we love remain vibrant and resilient for future generations.

Giving Back: Our Impact Fund

Our Impact Fund was established to support projects that align with our environmental and social objectives, fostering positive change in the Nordic region and beyond. Each year we put aside 10% of our company profits (in 2024 this sum totalled 82,000 Euros), selecting projects that support regenerative tourism, actively contributing to restoring and revitalising the destinations we touch.

La Humla Suse

La Humla Suse is dedicated to promoting biodiversity by protecting wild pollinators, particularly bumblebees, which are essential to the survival of many habitats. They offer services such as installing insect hotels, adapting green spaces, and running workshops for employees and communities. Our donation has enabled the organisation to hire a full-time biologist, allowing them to dedicate more time and resources to their important work.

SeaForester

SeaForester works to restore the lost seaweed forests along the Norwegian coast. These efforts are critical for preserving biodiversity and establishing carbon sinks that mitigate climate change. By supporting Seaforester’s new project in Norway, 50 Degrees North is contributing to the restoration of marine ecosystems and the communities that rely on them.

Nærøyfjord World Heritage Park

Located in the iconic western fjords of Norway, this UNESCO-listed site focuses on nature and culture based community development. As one of 50 Degrees North’s key destinations, the Nærøyfjord region holds special significance. The company’s funding will support initiatives that balance tourism with environmental stewardship, ensuring the region’s heritage is preserved for future generations. 50 Degrees North is working directly with the park to identify and support projects that protect the environment while enriching the visitor experience.

Green Offices

At 50 Degrees North, we are dedicated to reducing the environmental impact of our office operations through sustainable practices and innovative policies. Our Green Office Policy serves as a blueprint for environmental management, covering areas like energy conservation, waste reduction, and support for local businesses.

Key Initiatives

• Renewable energy use (100% in AU)
• Energy-saving measures, such as installation of LED lighting and energy-efficient appliances; temperature controls and timers on office equipment to minimise energy consumption.
• Supporting local communities: We actively support local businesses by sourcing office supplies, catering, and services from nearby vendors. For example, our Melbourne office moved to a location close to public transport and bike facilities, encouraging eco-friendly commuting.
• Employee volunteering days
• Green Champions in each office to lead community initiatives

Our Commitment

At 50 Degrees North, we believe in travel that benefits everyone - travellers, local communities, and the planet. We are excited about the future of sustainable tourism and remain dedicated to working with the industry to promote real action for a healthier planet.

Tips for Travellers

• Protecting the Arctic: Clean clothes and equipment before visiting to prevent introducing alien species.

• Avoiding Bottled Water: Nordic tap water is clean and safe — always bring a reusable bottle!

• Choosing Sustainable Airlines: Opt for fuel-efficient airlines like Finnair, KLM, Icelandair, or Qantas.

Explore ways to offset your carbon footprint with recommended organisations, such as:

• Australia & NZ: Greenfleet
• Canada: Ostrom Climate
• US: ClimeCo or Native (Native American)
• Europe: For example MyClimate (Switzerland) or Atmosfair (Germany)