Our Carbon Management
As a business we strive to protect the environment in which we operate and limit wherever possible any negative impact preserving this country’s unique location for generations to come.
But we know we are not perfect and that we can always do better.
In today’s world it is not only about making a social and environmental impact at a local level.
It is also about striving to increase the positive impact we have on our planet.
Travel in all its forms contributes significantly to global carbon emissions and that is why we have been researching and discussing how we can also make a difference in this area.
SO WHAT ARE WE DOING?
From 01 January, 2023, working with Path Net Zero, we will be carbon offsetting all day tours and multi day tours that are featured on our website.
The next step will be to introduce carbon off setting on all tailor made programs and to also carbon offset our office operations.
WHAT IS CARBON OFF SETTING?
A carbon offset is a method of trying to balance out the production of a carbon footprint through the purchase or investment in another environmental project. The primary mission of these projects, which are often located in developing countries, is to reduce carbon emissions and promote environmentally friendly habits.
There are 4 types of carbon off setting projects: Forestry, protection and conservation, Renewable Energies, Community Support and Waste to Energy Projects.
WHY ARE WE DOING THIS?
We understand that carbon offsetting shouldn’t be viewed as a quick win to ease our conscience. But we do believe it is a positive step to assist in our efforts to protect the environment. It will allow us to measure and understand our carbon footprint and take actions to reduce it.
HOW ARE WE DOING THIS?
CALCULATION
As all our tours are different, we have broken down the source of carbon emissions into different areas so we can calculate the emissions of each tour based on the itinerary, suppliers used and the number of inclusions.
We measure the main sources of emissions created on our tours. This will include accommodation, transport, meals, activities and any domestic flights that form part of each tour.
When analysing our carbon output we have calculated the carbon emitted for each tour based on the worst-case scenario. For example where there is a choice of direct ferry or indirect ferry due to days of operation, we have measured the indirect ferry.
REVIEW & REDUCE
On our trips, we use local suppliers, use public transport wherever possible and stay in locally owned accommodation. We intercept single-use plastics and contribute to Parley’s recycling program. We will work with our suppliers to minimise food waste, save water, reduce electricity usage, use eco-friendly products and source wherever possible local produce.
Every little change does matter, no matter how small, these actions will help mitigate emissions and climate change.
OFFSETTING
We offset our carbon emissions by purchasing carbon credits in conjunction with Path Net Zero. Our carbon offset projects are Gold Standard and Verified carbon standard certified projects, which bring additional economic, social, and environmental benefits, including habitat and biodiversity protection.
WHAT IS GOLD STANDARD?
Gold Standard was established in 2003 by WWF and other international NGOs as a best practice standard to help the world ‘Grow To Zero’.
All Gold Standard-certified projects and programmes accelerate progress toward the Net-Zero ambition of the Paris Climate Agreement while catalyzing impact toward the broader Sustainable Development Goals. Its standard, Gold Standard for the Global Goals, allows climate and development initiatives to quantify, certify, and maximize their impacts toward climate security and sustainable development.
Certification against the standard provides the confidence that these results are measured and verified, enabling credible impact reporting. ISEAL Code Compliant and backed by a broad NGO Supporter Network.
Gold Standard has 2000+ projects underway in over 90 countries, creating billions of dollars of shared value from climate and development action worldwide.
WHO WILL BE COVERING THE COST?
Our tour prices now include the cost of offsetting the whole tour. On an average 7 night tour excluding international flights this equates to less than $10 per person. If you wish to offset your international flight we can provide a calculation in order for you to do so.
WHO IS PATH NET ZERO?
“By travel professionals for the travel sector.”
Path Net Zero has developed a technology-driven, data-certified carbon emissions calculator to enable travel companies, airlines and tour operators to accurately calculate their carbon footprint and be precise in the required carbon offset.
Path Net Zero’s carbon calculator platform is unique and tailored to the travel sector. It provides operators with the tool to measure the carbon footprint of individual trips and itineraries. The travel-specific contributors are conveniently aggregated, backed by certified global data and reported in a user-friendly platform.
Path Net Zero are about more than just offsetting emissions – they are dedicated to supporting developing countries, communities and environments. The offsetting projects portfolio is verified to the highest global standards and is strategically curated to deliver maxim impact for planet and people. Partner projects include waste management, biogas, water filters, and cook stoves weighted towards renewable energy.
Want to learn more about how you can reduce your carbon footprint when travelling?
