What can you do as a tourism business to reduce the rate of climate change?
Most greenhouse gas emissions are associated with energy use. Reducing energy consumption has two important effects; it will cut your electricity and fuel bills and will make an important contribution to preventing climate change accelerating even faster. By using energy more efficiently or choosing to buy from a renewable source, you can also reduce the impact of increased energy costs on your business. For example, greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced by implementing energy conservation measures, such as energy efficient lighting, or using renewable energy.
There are four recommended stages in reducing your tourism businesses’ greenhouse gas emissions:
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Determine Your Carbon Footprint
The first step is to determine the extent of your business’s greenhouse gas emissions – your carbon footprint, and then set a target for reducing this footprint. There are many good carbon calculators online. -
Improving Energy Efficiency
Improving energy efficiency not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere, it is good for your business’s bottom line. An example is replacing incandescent globes with compact fluorescents and reducing unnecessary travel. See smart and simple tips.
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Purchase or Invest in Renewable Energy
Purchasing or investing in clean energy technologies (wind, solar, biomass, small hydro and co-generation) can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy efficiency. Renewable energy, such as from new solar and wind power projects, does not rely upon the use of fossil fuels and thus does not increase greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. There are two ways an organisation can use renewable energy: -
Offset Your Emissions
While reducing energy use should always be the first priority, purchasing carbon offsets is one way to encourage the transition from fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy, and show your support for action on climate change. Once energy use is reduced to the extent technically or financially feasible, carbon offsets can be purchased for some or all of the remaining emissions.
EPA Victoria have prepared detailed guidance on carbon offsets and to provide helpful hints to help navigate the marketplace.