Sustainability at First Camp – Our Climate Efforts
Towards a Greener Camping Experience
First Camp is Scandinavia’s largest campsite chain, and with great size comes great responsibility – especially towards the environment and our planet. We are facing a crucial time when it comes to taking responsibility for the Earth and future generations. Climate action is a key part of our sustainability work, aimed at reducing our environmental impact and promoting more sustainable development in every aspect of our operations.
By implementing energy-efficient solutions, reducing waste, and raising awareness about sustainable practices, we strive to create positive change – both within our company and in society at large. Join us, and we’ll tell you more about how we make it happen!
Every Little Step Counts
With over 70 destinations, everything we do matters. That’s why we strive to work sustainably across all our concepts and processes.
Our Goal
From 2022 to 2024, our goal has been to reduce our emissions by 5% per year. So far, we have succeeded in cutting our emissions by 15% per year.
What Are We Doing for the Climate at First Camp?
We Measure and Report Our Annual Greenhouse Gas Emissions
To understand where we can have the greatest positive impact on the climate, we calculate our emissions across the entire chain. Over the past three years, we’ve achieved a significant reduction in emissions – despite business growth – thanks to phasing out oil boilers and increasing our focus on electric vehicles.
Emission Reduction Goals
Since 2022, we have aimed to reduce our emissions by 5% (Scope 1 and 2) per year through 2025. So far, we have succeeded in cutting our emissions by 15% per year 💪
For more details, see the First Camp Group Sustainability Report: Sustainability Report
Water Consumption
Monitoring Total Water Usage
By regularly monitoring water usage, we can quickly detect leaks or inefficient usage patterns that lead to waste.
Most destinations can track their consumption monthly. In some cases, however, readings are only possible annually or quarterly due to water-filled or hard-to-reach wells.
We’ve Introduced Limited Water Flow
To reduce our water consumption and protect shared resources, we have set limits on water flow in taps and showers. By controlling flow rates, we promote more sustainable water use without compromising guest comfort. An annual check after the summer season ensures that our measures are effective. This way, we take responsibility for both the environment and future generations’ access to clean water.
Once a year, after the summer season, all destinations measure water flow to ensure that all taps and showers comply. Water flow should not exceed 5 litres per minute in taps and 9 litres per minute in showers.
For more details, see the First Camp Group Sustainability Report: Sustainability Report
Energy Consumption
Monitoring Energy Use
Electricity consumption is tracked monthly, while other energy sources are recorded quarterly. By combining monthly and quarterly monitoring, we gain a more detailed view of our energy use and can make better-informed decisions on energy management.
Increasing Our Use of Renewable Energy
Using renewable energy for heating and operations reduces CO₂ emissions and contributes to a more sustainable future. It can also lead to lower long-term energy costs and improved energy efficiency.
- Electricity – About 98% of First Camp’s total electricity purchases come from renewable sources (hydropower, solar, and wind).
- Oil – First Camp has 7 destinations still using oil boilers. These are being gradually replaced with more sustainable alternatives.
The energy mix in the chain often changes as we acquire new destinations, and we continuously replace non-renewable sources with renewable ones. We track energy sources centrally on a quarterly basis.
For more details, see the First Camp Group Sustainability Report: Sustainability Report
Adjusting Energy Use Based on Occupancy
We have routines in place to reduce energy consumption when cabins and service buildings are not in use, helping to ensure more sustainable and cost-efficient operations.
External Energy Audits Every Five Years
An external energy audit is an important process to ensure that we use energy efficiently and sustainably. It provides us with key insights into areas for improvement and highlights actions that can have the greatest positive impact on energy use.
Energy-Efficient Lighting
When light sources need to be replaced, we switch to energy-efficient alternatives to reduce both energy consumption and costs. Energy-efficient lights also last longer, which reduces waste and the need for frequent replacements.
For more details, see the First Camp Group Sustainability Report: Sustainability Report
Environmentally Friendly Vehicles
Where possible, we choose vehicles with lower emissions and better fuel efficiency – a step towards a more sustainable and resource-efficient operation.
For more details, see the First Camp Group Sustainability Report: Sustainability Report
We Reuse and Refurbish Furniture Instead of Buying New
We promote the reuse and refurbishment of existing furniture to reduce environmental impact and waste. This also helps lower costs and preserves the unique character and history of First Camp.
Explore Our Sustainability Report
First Camp is part of the First Camp Group. In our sustainability report, you can learn more about our shared goals, initiatives, and results.
Everyday Actions for a Greener Future
Many small streams make a mighty river! And if there’s one area where we truly benefit from being a large chain, it’s in our sustainability efforts. When all our destinations work together, even the smallest actions can make a big difference. Sustainability is part of everything we do – from concepts and routines to everyday operations on site. Here are some examples of how our destinations are helping make a holiday at First Camp kinder to our planet.
Water Consumption
To care for the environment, we focus heavily on reducing our water usage. We minimize consumption with water-saving taps and time-limited showers to conserve water.
Electric Cars
We are gradually replacing our fossil-fuel vehicles with electric alternatives, and more and more electric cars are joining our fleet. We are also continuously installing more charging stations to make it easier for our guests to make eco-friendly choices.
Green Electricity
We always purchase green electricity from renewable sources, helping to reduce our climate impact. During the winter season, we also shut down facilities that aren’t needed to save energy at our destinations.
Year-Round Stays
We offer accommodations and experiences all year round to maintain an even occupancy rate and reduce the risk of overtourism. With us, you can enjoy warm summer days by the sea or action-packed adventures on the ski slopes.
Electricity Consumption
We are constantly working to reduce electricity use at our destinations. For example, we use efficient heating systems and LED lighting. We also unplug devices that don’t need to stay connected unnecessarily.
Bike Rentals
Many of our guests want to explore the local area during their holiday. To avoid short car trips, we offer bike rentals at many of our destinations. And if we don’t have our own bikes, we’re happy to recommend nearby rental options.
Workwear
Our workwear is comfortable and made from eco-labeled textiles! Older garments without certification are used until worn out, and then replaced with new, environmentally certified clothing.
A Sustainable Booking System
We are very proud that our booking system, Compusoft, is an environmentally friendly choice – it runs entirely on 100% sustainable solar energy.