Turning Commitment into Action at Club Level
Understanding the Project
Sustainability has become a defining issue for tourism worldwide, and Skål has long recognised its responsibility to promote ethical, responsible and forward-looking tourism practices. Across the Skål world, many clubs are already active in sustainability—sometimes formally, sometimes informally—through local initiatives, partnerships and member engagement.
Building on this existing momentum, Skål Europe is introducing the Sustainability Champions Network, fully aligned with the Skål International Global Sustainability Champions Network and inspired by successful implementations already operating in countries such as Australia, the United States, Mexico and New Zealand.
The objective of the Sustainability Champions Network is simple and pragmatic: to support clubs in integrating sustainability into their regular activities, to connect initiatives across countries, and to give visibility to concrete actions already taking place.
This is not a new layer of bureaucracy, nor an obligation to launch complex projects. Instead, it is a light, flexible framework designed to help clubs:
- identify and encourage sustainability-related activities,
- share good practices with other Skål clubs,
- align local initiatives with Skål International priorities,
- and progressively build a sustainability portfolio that reflects each club’s reality.
At the heart of the project is the idea that sustainability starts at the club level. Each club operates in a unique social, cultural and economic environment. The Sustainability Champions Network respects this diversity while creating a shared European and global structure for collaboration and learning.
In practical terms, the Network works through designated Sustainability Champions at club and regional level, supported by the Skål International Sustainability Committee. This structure has already proven effective in other regions, where clubs have successfully embedded sustainability into events, communication, community engagement and member awareness.
Skål Europe’s role is to facilitate this approach, adapt it to the European context, and ensure that clubs receive guidance, inspiration and visibility, without losing their autonomy or flexibility.
Questions & Answers
What exactly is the Sustainability Champions Network?
It is a global Skål initiative that connects clubs and members who are active or interested in sustainability. The Network helps collect, showcase and share sustainability initiatives, while encouraging clubs to integrate sustainability into their ongoing activities rather than treating it as a separate topic.
What does this mean for my club in practical terms?
Each club is invited to designate one Sustainability Champion—a contact person who helps keep sustainability visible within the club. This does not require creating a new committee or major workload. The Champion’s role is mainly to:
- encourage sustainability-minded actions,
- act as a liaison with the European and global network,
- and help share the club’s initiatives when relevant.
Is participation mandatory?
No. Participation is voluntary. Clubs are free to engage at their own pace and according to their capacity. The Network is designed to support and inspire—not to impose obligations.
Do clubs need to launch new projects?
Not necessarily. Many clubs already carry out activities that align with sustainability, such as choosing responsible venues, supporting local communities, reducing waste at events, or highlighting sustainable member businesses.
The Network helps clubs recognise, structure and communicate these actions, and—if they wish—gradually develop new initiatives over time.
How much work does this represent for a club?
The workload is intentionally kept light. In other Skål countries where the Network is already active, clubs have successfully integrated sustainability without adding administrative burden. The focus is on practical actions, shared learning and simple reporting, supported by templates and guidance.
How does this relate to what Skål clubs in other countries are doing?
The Sustainability Champions Network is already active in several regions worldwide. For example:
- clubs in New Zealand have embedded sustainability into events, education and community engagement;
- clubs in Australia, the United States and Mexico are sharing local projects through the global network;
- regional champions help coordinate efforts while respecting local realities.
Skål Europe is building on these proven models, adapting them to European diversity and regulatory environments.
Will clubs receive support?
Yes. Clubs will benefit from:
- shared examples and good practices from across Europe and beyond,
- guidance from regional and global Sustainability Champions,
- alignment with Skål International tools and initiatives,
- and increased visibility for their actions through Skål communication channels.
Does this link to Skål’s global sustainability priorities?
Absolutely. The Network aligns with Skål International’s sustainability strategy and supports broader objectives such as responsible tourism, ethical business practices and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
What is the long-term vision?
The long-term ambition is for every Skål club to have sustainability naturally embedded in its activities—at a level that makes sense locally—while being part of a wider European and global movement.
Small steps are as valuable as large projects. What matters is consistency, credibility and shared progress.
Further information on how clubs can designate their Sustainability Champion and connect to the European network will be communicated in the coming weeks.
