This affects you, the traveller, as well so you’ll be happy to know that travelling by coach emits less carbon and other harmful greenhouse gases per passenger than other forms of transport – in fact it’s the most carbon-efficient way to travel above aeroplanes, cars and even trains.
Method of Travel Kilograms of C02 per passenger km
Car* 0.1330
Air 0.1313
Rail 0.0891
Coach** 0.0227
Source DEFRA Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Conversion Figures June 2007 http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/business/envrp/pdf/conversion-factors.pdf.
* Car assumes national average of 1.56 people per car. ** Assumes average of 36 passengers
We are proud to announce our contribution to The Leading Travel Companies Of The World (www.tltcotw.com) Conservation Foundation.
Conservation Foundation
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The Leading Travel Companies of the World Conservation Foundation supports conservation, community and sustainable tourism projects by allocating US$1 million to projects that specifically aim for:
- The conservation and protection of the environment, wildlife and cultural heritage sites preserving these areas for future sustainable tourism;
- The relief of poverty and the improvement of the conditions of life in socially and economically disadvantaged communities through community involvement in sustainable tourism;
- The promotion of sustainable tourism as a means to achieve economic growth and regeneration.
FAQs
What projects will the Foundation support?
In the first year, 2008, the Foundation will support a minimum of three projects with total contributions of US$1million. Conservation projects around the world are currently undergoing a stringent process of evaluation and the projects TLTC will support will be announced in 2008.
Who manages the Foundation?
The Foundation has been established as an independent entity, legally and financially independent from any of the supporting companies. It is managed by Members of the Board who follow the Foundation’s strict principles in selecting projects which support conservation, community and sustainable tourism. (Go to www.tltc.com to learn more.)
Which travel companies support the Foundation?
The Foundation was established as a joint initiative of leading travel companies – AAT Kings, Brendan Worldwide Vacations, Busabout Europe, Eastern Trekker, Shamrocker Adventures, Haggis Adventures, Evan Evans Tours, Insight Vacations, Contiki Holidays and Trafalgar Tours.
How can I support the Foundation?
At this stage the Foundation is funded solely by the contributions from the travel companies that support it. At this time, the Foundation is not set up to receive donations from the public, however by supporting the companies that donate to the Foundation you will be encouraging the good work being done. There are also many other things you can do to help protect the environment so we encourage you to start by making small changes in your own life that will help protect the environment.
Climate Change & Carbon Offsetting
In the fight against climate change reducing carbon emissions has to be the top priority, but carbon offsetting is another small thing you can do to make a difference.
It’s carbon emissions in the atmosphere that are causing climate change. Reducing these emissions comes down to doing simple things like turning off appliances, driving less, and buying local produce. For those emissions that can’t be reduced carbon offsetting allows you to contribute to projects that are working to reduce carbon emissions in other ways.
We have partnered with the following organisations that allow you the option to calculate the carbon footprint of your travel and contribute towards projects that will reduce the C02 emissions.
These voluntary schemes invite you to pay a contribution based on the amount of carbon likely to be generated from your travel. You can choose to offset your air travel, coach travel or the energy consumed on overnight stays.
Where you live Carbon Offset Partner
Australia www.climatefriendly.com/leadingtravel
Canada http://leadingtravel.planetair.inboxfactory.net
Europe http://www.cleanerclimate.com/leadingtraveleuro
New Zealand www.climatefriendly.com/leadingtravel
South Africa http://www.cleanerclimate.com/leadingtravelsa
USA https://sustainabletravelinternational.org/offset/index.php?c=45
UK http://www.cleanerclimate.com/leadingtraveluk
FAQs
How do I impact on climate change?
Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) are emitted when fossil-fuels are consumed. Each time we drive a car, fly in a plane, use electricity, or generate waste these fossil fuels are burnt and CO2 is added into the atmosphere - warming the earth and causing climate change.
What can I do to help avoid Climate Change?
We can all take simple steps to reduce the amount of CO2 we produce. For those emissions we can’t reduce we can neutralise. ‘Neutralising’ means paying someone to reduce CO2 in the atmosphere on your behalf.
By neutralising your carbon emissions you are supporting projects which lower the amount of carbon in the atmosphere. Some of the most effective ways to do this is by supporting energy efficiency projects and the development of renewable energy sources, such as those offered by our partner organisations.
How do I know the carbon projects are effective?
Each of the carbon projects we support are independently audited and meet high quality standards such as the Gold Standard or the Kyoto Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). The Gold Standard is an independently audited, globally applicable best practice methodology for project development that delivers high quality carbon offsets.