Environmental Management Policy
Escápate Slow Tourism, aware of the environmental context in which it operates and the expectations of its stakeholders (clients, communities, strategic allies, and authorities), establishes this environmental management policy as a framework for defining and reviewing its environmental objectives and targets, in accordance with the requirements of the ISO 14001:2015 standard.
The organization is committed to:
Complying with current national environmental legislation and other voluntary commitments.
Identifying, evaluating, and continuously managing the environmental aspects and impacts generated by our activities.
Preventing pollution and reducing our greenhouse gas emissions.
Promoting a solid environmental culture among our team, our suppliers, and our clients.
Continuously improving our environmental performance through measurable and verifiable environmental objectives.
Promoting concrete actions against climate change and for the sustainable management of natural resources.
This policy provides the framework for establishing and reviewing the organization’s environmental objectives and targets, which are documented and aligned with our strategic pillars (waste, water, energy, transport, climate change, and awareness).
The objectives will be reviewed annually based on the results obtained, operational changes, context analysis, and regulatory requirements, to ensure their relevance, effectiveness, and continuous improvement.
This policy will be communicated, implemented, and maintained at all levels of the organization, and is available to the public and relevant stakeholders.
Escápate Slow Tourism reaffirms its commitment to sustainability and the conservation of the natural and cultural environment in which it operates. Through this environmental management policy, the organization seeks to prevent pollution, mitigate its impacts, and actively contribute to environmental protection.
The Top Management of Escápate Slow Tourism responsibly assumes its role in environmental protection, committing to strictly comply with current national environmental legislation, as well as other voluntary commitments that reinforce its sustainable approach. We commit to identifying, evaluating, and continuously managing the environmental aspects and impacts derived from our tourist activities, applying preventive and corrective measures as appropriate. We actively foster a solid environmental culture at all levels of the organization, promoting responsible practices among our team, suppliers, and clients. Likewise, we work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote energy efficiency, and make rational use of natural resources. As part of our continuous improvement, we establish measurable and periodically verifiable environmental objectives, and promote concrete actions against climate change and the sustainable management of our environment.
Objective: Guarantee the segregation, reduction, and responsible disposal of 100% of generated municipal waste. By 2026, 80% of waste must be segregated and stored in signposted points in offices, treks, and rural operations. By 2026, it will be ensured that all waste is delivered to authorized managers with formal registration and documented traceability. Actions:
Install differentiated bins (organic, recyclable, non-recyclable) in all spaces.
Train staff, guides, and cooks on proper segregation.
Coordinate with local recyclers or recovery campaigns.
Prohibit the use of expanded polystyrene (Styrofoam) and single-use plastics in the field.
Apply a ‘zero waste left behind’ policy in 80% of operational departures. Collect and return all waste generated on routes; to comply with this action, differentiated bags will be provided to collect organic, usable inorganic, and common waste.
Objective: Guarantee safe management of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). By 2026, 80% of generated WEEE must be stored in safe and signposted points. By 2027, it will be ensured that all WEEE is delivered to authorized operators with formal registration and documented traceability. Actions:
Properly separate and label WEEE.
Install a fixed collection point in the office.
Transport WEEE from the field to the base in Cusco.
Deliver to certified campaigns or managers (RAEE Peru, Comimtel, etc.).
Record all movements and staff training.
Includes used vegetable oil (UVO), chemical cleaning product containers, expired medicines, remains with fluids. Objective: Prevent any inadequate dumping of hazardous waste and ensure its safe disposal. By 2026, 100% of UVO, WEEE, and other hazardous waste generated in our office must be correctly stored and delivered to authorized operators. By 2027, all operational points and suppliers must have formal delivery records and management protocols. Actions:
Store UVO in closed and labeled bottles.
Do not mix these wastes with other types.
Provide safe temporary storage areas (without heat or humidity).
Train cooks and guides on safe handling and transport.
Deliver to authorized operators such as Bioils, Avuempresa, etc.
Objective: Reduce drinking water consumption in operations without affecting service quality. By 2026, saving devices will be installed in 100% of office and camp water points. By 2027, the estimated water consumption in the office and direct operations will be reduced by at least 10% compared to 2025. In 2027, 30% of our partner lodgings will have installed water-saving devices. Actions:
Work with allied lodgings that have water-saving faucets, showers, and toilets in the office.
Raise awareness among tourists and staff about good water use practices.
Promote efficient washing practices in the kitchen and cleaning.
Prioritize lodgings with water saving and/or reuse practices.
Monitor water consumption when possible and establish annual reduction goals.
Objective: Escápate is committed to preventing soil and water body pollution through proper wastewater management. By 2026, 100% of trek routes must have safe, signposted dumping areas. By 2027, all camps and allied lodgings must have formal or natural grey and black water treatment systems. Actions:
Avoid direct dumping into rivers, lagoons, streams, or soils.
Designate safe infiltration zones for greywater on treks (min. 30 m from water bodies).
Use only biodegradable products for cleaning, cooking, or washing.
Install grease traps in fixed kitchen areas.
Ensure formal treatment systems (biodigesters, public network, septic tanks) in permanent spaces.
Train staff in safe, non-polluting wastewater management.
Transport liquid waste in closed containers when necessary.
Objective: Reduce energy consumption and associated emissions. By 2025, 100% of office lighting must be LED, and electrical consumption will be recorded monthly. By 2027, at least 50% of allied lodgings must have proven energy efficiency or clean energy practices. Actions:
Conduct a diagnosis of electricity and fuel consumption in the office and field.
Replace 100% of lighting with LEDs and turn off unused lights/equipment.
Prioritize suppliers and lodgings using solar or bioclimatic energy.
Promote the use of efficient or gas stoves on treks and in rural lodgings.
Avoid diesel generators except in emergencies, and keep them well-calibrated.
Perform regular maintenance on heaters, stoves, and generators to prevent smoke.
Record monthly consumption of electricity, LPG, or diesel.
Calculate indirect emissions from energy consumption and promote their compensation.
Disseminate good energy use practices among staff, allies, and tourists.
8.1. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Objective: Reduce the environmental impact of tourist transport. By the end of 2025, 100% of contracted vehicles must have a valid technical inspection and SOAT (mandatory insurance). By 2027, at least 50% of the transport used must be proven fuel-efficient or low-emission. Actions:
Regularly request and verify each supplier’s valid vehicle technical inspection and SOAT.
Prioritize vehicles using cleaner fuels (LPG, NGV, or hybrids).
Optimize routes and passenger loads to avoid empty or underutilized trips.
Include a minimum environmental clause in the service contract (good condition, no visible emissions, etc.).
Train drivers in eco-driving (efficient driving, no sudden acceleration, turning off engines while waiting, etc.).
Implement a monthly log of kilometers driven and fuel consumption.
Annually calculate the estimated CO₂ emissions generated by transport.
Support or implement voluntary carbon offset projects (reforestation, carbon credits).
8.2. Water Management by Transport Objective: Prevent water pollution associated with transport. By 2025, 100% of vehicles must undergo monthly checks and be washed only at appropriate washing points. By 2027, all suppliers must have environmental protocols, and transport staff must be trained. Actions:
Avoid washing vehicles on public roads or near rivers, canals, or permeable soils.
Prioritize workshops and washing points with greywater collection systems or grease traps.
Regularly check vehicles to prevent liquid leaks (oil, coolant, fuel).
Prohibit the dumping of liquids en route (cleaning waste, etc.).
Train drivers in good practices for leak prevention and responsible washing.
8.3. Solid Waste Generated by Transport Objective: Prevent the abandonment or incorrect disposal of waste generated by passengers and staff, and promote correct segregation and return of waste to the operations center. Actions:
Provide differentiated bags or bins inside vans/buses for common waste.
Explain the “leave no trace” policy to passengers at the start of the tour.
Deliver waste at the end of the service to Escápate collection points (office or allies).
Avoid the use of single-use containers, bottles, and products in provided snacks.
Record and inspect the cleanliness of the vehicle before and after each service.
Objective: By 2026, offset 20% of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, especially CO₂, generated by Escápate’s operations (tourist transport, energy, treks, and logistical activities), through certified mechanisms and/or local ecosystem restoration actions. Actions:
Conduct an annual carbon footprint calculation generated by transport, energy, purchases, and waste.
Establish an internal carbon neutrality goal (e.g., from 2028).
Identify and prioritize local offset projects such as reforestation in the Cusco region.
Purchase certified carbon offsets for unavoidable emissions.
Participate in or co-organize native tree planting campaigns with allies and communities.
Sign agreements with NGOs or local nurseries to guarantee tree survival and monitoring.
Include a voluntary compensation option for tourists as part of their package or direct donation.
Communicate results: number of trees planted, credits purchased, tons offset, etc.
Generate an annual report of CO₂ offset and publish it publicly (website, social networks, etc.).
Objective: Reduce the environmental footprint and strengthen the local economy by increasing purchases from sustainable suppliers. By 2025, 50% of total purchases and 70% of food are expected to come from local sources. By 2027, the goal is to reach 70% local purchases, all with at least one environmental or social criterion. Actions:
Design an updated list of preferred local suppliers (by category: food, textiles, services, etc.).
Prioritize purchasing local, fresh, seasonal products with minimal packaging.
Establish environmental and ethical criteria for selecting suppliers (origin, packaging, transport, footprint).
Promote the history of local producers in menus and briefings (e.g., coffee, handicrafts, quinoa).
Raise awareness among tourists about the importance of consuming responsible local products.
Integrate the “km 0” or “responsible origin” criterion into institutional purchasing decisions.
Annually measure the percentage of purchases from certified or identified sustainable local suppliers.
Objectives:
Promote tourists’ active participation in environmental conservation during their visit.
Support the cleaning of routes, rivers, rural roads, or archaeological sites affected by waste.
Strengthen environmental education and a sense of co-responsibility in tourism.
Highlight Escápate’s environmental commitment through high-impact community actions. Actions:
Include an optional cleaning activity in itineraries (e.g., the last stretch of a trek or city tour).
Inform and motivate the tourist from the pre-briefing: objective, impact, and voluntary nature.
Provide gloves, reusable bags, and signage during the activity.
Coordinate with local communities or municipalities to define critical zones and promote collaboration.
Classify the collected waste and transport it to a collection point or recycling center.
Document the action (photos, estimated weight, cleaned area) and publicly thank participants.
Record tourist participation and comments to improve the experience.
Incorporate the guide as a facilitator of the educational approach and respect for the environment.
Strengthen the environmental competencies of Escápate’s staff and suppliers, promoting responsible practices, regulatory compliance, and a commitment to sustainable and regenerative tourism. Annually train 75% of staff in environmental management; solid waste management, water management, climate change, among others. Actions:
Design an annual training plan with quarterly sessions on customer service, conflict resolution, and quality management.
Implement certification programs for guides and collaborators in responsible tourism and efficient operations.
Objective: Prevent and minimize negative environmental impacts generated by emergency situations (spills, fires, mudslides, leaks, accidents, etc.) in Escápate’s tourist operations, through preparation actions, risk reduction, and staff training. Actions:
Develop and implement an Environmental Emergency Response Plan by activity type (office, treks, kitchen, transport).
Identify and evaluate environmental risks associated with each operation (oil spill, fire, overflow, etc.).
Establish and signpost safe zones for evacuation, material storage, and containment.
Provide and maintain environmental emergency kits (lime, dry soil, bags, gloves, absorbent cloths, fire extinguishers).
Regularly train staff and suppliers in responding to environmental incidents.
Simulate an environmental emergency situation once a year (e.g., spill or fire in the kitchen or field).
Prohibit open fires and campfires in unauthorized natural areas.
Verify that all hazardous waste is correctly stored and labeled.
Establish a rapid communication channel between the field and the office in case of an emergency.
Document every emergency that occurs and improve the plan according to lessons learned.
This policy will be actively disseminated among all Escápate staff, suppliers, and clients through training, briefings, digital documents, and publications in institutional media. All collaborators are responsible for applying this policy and actively contributing to the improvement of environmental performance. The policy will be reviewed annually to ensure its validity, effectiveness, and alignment with the organization’s values and objectives. Date: 05/28/2025
