Agency
Hello Scotland reduce incentive traveler carbon emissions by 17% in 5 years
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- Category: Agency & Association
- Created on Monday, 21 May 2012 15:43
Hello Scotland reduce incentive traveler carbon emissions by 17% in 5 years
In 2011, the average carbon emissions per Hello Scotland incentive traveler were 0.31 tons CO2e, down 17% since 2006. The study, carried out by the Carbon Masters Project (in association with Scottish Business in Community, The Carbon Masters Trust and The University of Strathclyde) found that although overall carbon emissions had increased with the number of incentive participants travelling to Scotland with Hello, they had been able to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of each visitor.Elaine Hamilton, Project Director, explains the difficulties in cutting the carbon footprint on incentive groups; “It’s not an easy job to reduce the carbon footprint of incentive travel, especially as 99% of our clients arrive by air – our biggest contributor to carbon emissions! We’ve tried to be sensible with transportation etc., without compromising on the quality or experience of the trip.”
Hello Scotland also reduced their direct carbon emissions by 7% through switching to more fuel-efficient vehicles, encouraging low-carbon commuting and sensible energy usage.
Marketing Manager Lisa George says there are still improvements to be made; “This year we want to focus even more on our own direct carbon emissions, and through offsetting incentive traveler emissions whilst they are visiting Scotland, with for example, low carbon producing hotels, carbon neutral tree planting, or other activities that give back to the environment.”
Hello Scotland currently operates a supplier scheme called ‘Going Green with Hello’ where they grade their suppliers on their green & sustainable credentials. Customers can see the grading of each participating hotel, venue and activity on Hello Scotland proposals and choose accordingly. Last year they were awarded Gold from the Green Tourism Business Scheme for their efforts towards sustainable operations.
