5 steps to make your team building sustainable

More companies align internal initiatives with CSR principles, choosing sustainable team building that respects people and planet. Team Building Milano (TBM), certified to ISO 20121 for sustainable event management, supports organisations in planning fully sustainable activities and incentive trips, calculating and offsetting the carbon footprint. Below are five practical steps to make your next programme genuinely responsible.

Choose low-impact venues and logistics

Venue and transport decisions shape the footprint from day one. Prioritise spaces with efficient energy practices, waste reduction policies, and good public transport links; minimise transfers and unnecessary shipments. TBM helps teams select venues and mobility solutions aligned with your sustainability objectives, ensuring every operational choice reflects your commitments.

Prefer sustainable, purpose-led activities

Programmes gain meaning when they generate community or environmental value. TBM has developed social and sustainable team building formats increasingly adopted by companies engaged with CSR. A standout example is “Creative Recycling”: participants, split into squads, clean a pre-identified area and use part of the collected materials to create artworks evaluated by a jury. The result is teamwork with a visible benefit for the local area.

Work with partners who share your values

Consistency across the supply chain matters—from catering to equipment. TBM’s project with Heineken took place within “Puliamo il Mondo”, the long-running environmental initiative promoted by Legambiente. Embedding recognised civic projects strengthens credibility and channels your event effort into measurable impact.

Plan early and manage resources carefully

Early, precise planning reduces waste and unnecessary costs. Anticipate needs to avoid over-production of materials, reuse assets, and optimise budget lines. Leveraging ISO 20121 processes, TBM guides companies through responsible management of energy, water, and materials so that sustainability is embedded, not bolted on.

Measure and offset your footprint

The job is not finished when the activity ends. Calculate the carbon footprint and implement credible offset strategies—tree planting with verified partners or certified offset projects. TBM provides tools to measure, report, and compensate emissions transparently, turning sustainability from a statement into accountable practice.

Towards a new culture of team building

Making team building sustainable means taking decisions that create value for people, communities, and the environment. From creative recycling to partnerships with environmental organisations, each choice can become an authentic expression of company values. With TBM’s support, initiatives evolve from simple entertainment into purposeful programmes that strengthen culture and reputation.