Aurora & Locals Sustainability Policy

Effective Date: 1st September 2026
Version: 1.0

Our Commitment

At Aurora & Locals, sustainability is not an add-on — it is foundational to who we are. Operating in some of the world's most pristine and fragile environments, we recognize our responsibility to protect the landscapes, communities, and cultures that make our experiences extraordinary. We are committed to leaving every destination better than we found it, ensuring that the aurora skies, geothermal waters, and Nordic food traditions we celebrate today remain vibrant for generations to come.

Guiding Principles

1. Regenerative over Extractive — We aim to go beyond "do no harm" to actively restore and enrich the ecosystems and communities we operate within.

2. Local First — We prioritize local ownership, local sourcing, and local benefit in every decision.

3. Transparency — We measure, report, and hold ourselves accountable to clear sustainability targets.

4. Science-Based — Our environmental commitments are grounded in climate science and aligned with the Paris Agreement.

Pillar 1: Climate & Carbon

Targets

• Achieve carbon-neutral operations by 2028

• Reach net-zero emissions (Scope 1, 2, and 3) by 2035

• Reduce per-guest carbon intensity by 50% by 2030 (against 2027 baseline)

Actions

• Prioritize partnerships with suppliers using 100% renewable energy (Iceland's grid is already ~99% renewable)

• Offset unavoidable emissions through verified carbon removal projects in Nordic regions

• Encourage and incentivize low-carbon travel options (direct flights, rail, electric ground transport)

• Track and publicly report annual carbon footprint using recognized frameworks (GHG Protocol)

• Transition all ground transportation to electric or hydrogen-powered vehicles

Pillar 2: Responsible Nature & Wildlife Practices

Aurora Viewing

• Operate in designated viewing areas that minimize light pollution and habitat disturbance

• Limit group sizes to reduce environmental footprint and preserve the experience

• Educate guests on dark-sky preservation and responsible aurora photography practices

• Support International Dark-Sky Association initiatives in our operating regions

Geothermal & Wilderness

• Partner only with geothermal facilities that practice sustainable water management and mineral recycling

• Follow Leave No Trace principles across all wilderness excursions

• Avoid sensitive nesting areas, protected habitats, and fragile geological formations

• Contribute to trail maintenance and habitat restoration in areas we operate

Pillar 3: Sustainable Gastronomy

Sourcing Standards

• Source a minimum of 80% of food ingredients locally (within 250 km) by 2029

• Prioritize organic, regenerative, and wild-foraged ingredients

• Eliminate single-use plastics from all dining experiences by 2027

• Partner exclusively with fisheries holding MSC certification or equivalent sustainable practices

Food Waste

• Target zero food waste to landfill across all experiences

• Implement composting, fermentation (aligned with New Nordic traditions), and donation programs

• Track food waste per guest and report annually

Community Benefit

• Feature local farmers, foragers, fishers, and producers by name in guest experiences

• Pay fair and transparent prices that exceed commodity market rates

• Support emerging local food entrepreneurs through mentorship and platform access

Pillar 4: Community & Cultural Stewardship

Economic Impact

• Ensure a minimum of 70% of guest spend flows to locally-owned businesses and individuals

• Hire locally first — target 90%+ local employment across all operating regions

• Invest a minimum of 2% of annual revenue into community development funds in each operating region

Cultural Respect

• Co-design cultural experiences with communities, not about them

• Obtain informed consent and provide fair compensation for all cultural storytelling and knowledge sharing

• Respect and protect Indigenous knowledge (particularly Sami culture in Nordic expansion) through formal partnership agreements

• Never commodify sacred or sensitive cultural practices

Dispersal & Overtourism Prevention

• Align itineraries with government dispersal strategies (e.g., Iceland's regional development priorities)

• Operate in shoulder seasons and underserved regions to distribute economic benefit

• Cap guest volumes per destination to prevent overcrowding and community fatigue

Pillar 5: Wellness & Wellbeing

• Partner with wellness facilities that use natural, locally-sourced, and non-toxic products

• Ensure wellness experiences respect the therapeutic traditions of each region (e.g., Icelandic geothermal bathing culture, Nordic sauna rituals)

• Prioritize guest and staff mental wellbeing through thoughtful pacing, digital detox options, and nature immersion

• Avoid greenwashing in wellness claims — all health and wellness benefits communicated must be evidence-based

Pillar 6: Partnerships & Supply Chain

Partner Standards

• All partners must meet our Sustainable Partner Code of Conduct (to be published separately)

• Conduct annual sustainability assessments of key partners

• Prioritize partners holding recognized certifications: Vakinn (Iceland), Nordic Swan Ecolabel, Green Key, Travelife, or equivalent

• Terminate partnerships that demonstrate repeated non-compliance with environmental or social standards

Asset-Light Model

• Our partnership-based model inherently reduces resource consumption from new construction

• When influencing facility development, advocate for sustainable architecture, renewable materials, and energy efficiency

Pillar 7: Measurement, Reporting & Accountability

Certifications Pursued

• Vakinn (Icelandic Tourism Board quality and environmental certification)

• Carbon Neutral Certification (via recognized standard such as PAS 2060)

• B Corp Certification (target: 2030)

• Alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)

Reporting

• Publish an annual Sustainability Impact Report beginning in 2028

• Report against GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) standards

• Include guest satisfaction metrics related to sustainability

• Disclose progress against all targets transparently, including where we fall short

Governance

• Appoint a dedicated Head of Sustainability by end of 2027

• Establish a Sustainability Advisory Board including community representatives, environmental scientists, and Indigenous voices

• Conduct third-party audits of sustainability claims biennially

Guest Engagement

• Provide pre-trip sustainability briefings to set expectations and inspire participation

• Offer optional carbon offset contributions at booking (with full transparency on offset projects)

• Reward guests who choose lower-carbon travel options with experience upgrades

• Share post-trip impact summaries showing each guest's positive contribution

Living Document

This policy is a living commitment. We will review and update it annually as we grow, learn, and as best practices evolve. We welcome feedback from our guests, partners, communities, and team members.

Aurora & Locals — Where wonder meets responsibility.