Understanding Sustainability Buzzwords: Carbon Neutral, Net Zero, B-Corp

Terms like carbon neutral, carbon offsets, and carbon onsets are becoming commonplace in the travel industry. As companies in tourism strive to combat the climate crisis, travelers need to discern genuine efforts from mere greenwashing. Here are some tips to help you navigate this evolving landscape.

Clarify Carbon Terminology

The term carbon neutral indicates that there is no net increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This typically involves compensating a third party to eliminate the greenhouse gas emissions you cause, ensuring that your overall emissions remain balanced. Patty Martin, a climate scientist with the Travel Foundation, explains that true net zero is reached when all greenhouse gas emissions from your actions are eradicated, offsetting only those emissions that cannot be feasibly reduced.

For instance, The Travel Corporation, which encompasses 40 brands including Contiki and Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, aims to achieve net zero by 2050. Their strategy includes reducing emissions both within their operations and from their suppliers, utilizing alternative propulsion methods for river cruise ships and exploring diverse transport options for their itineraries. Additionally, Hilton’s Hotel Marcel in New Haven, Connecticut, is on track to become the first net-zero hotel in the U.S. by 2025, supported by the installation of a thousand solar panels.

Look for Credible Certifications

With the rise of sustainability certifications, it can be challenging to determine which are the most credible. The key lies in the acronym GSTC, which stands for the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. This independent nonprofit organization includes a diverse membership of governments, travel companies, tour operators, and NGOs, and it evaluates certifying bodies rather than individual businesses.

For instance, if you see an Ecostars logo on a hotel, it indicates that the establishment has been certified by a recognized entity approved by the GSTC. The council accredits eight certifying organizations covering destinations, tour operators, and hotels, and it provides a map showcasing locations that are making significant strides in sustainability, such as Thredbo mountain resort in Australia, certified by EarthCheck.

Another widely acknowledged initiative is the World Travel & Tourism Council’s Hotel Sustainability Basics. This program allows hotels to implement 12 foundational criteria as a starting point in their journey toward sustainability.

Explore B Corp Companies

The comprehensive B Corp certification process evaluates a company’s overall social and environmental effects. Tour operator Intrepid Travel, a recipient of the 2022 Dinogo Travel Vanguard award, achieved B Corp certification in 2018 after a rigorous three-year effort involving over 30 offices worldwide.

During this process, the company focused on multiple facets of its operations, tackling issues such as modern slavery within its supply chain, reducing emissions, and ensuring fair, livable wages for its employees.

According to Intrepid cofounder and director Geoff Manchester, certification “gives us a framework to continually enhance our impact.” Duncan Grossart, founder of another B Corp tour operator, Journeys With Purpose, adds that it “demonstrates to others what’s achievable.”

Don’t dismiss non-accredited businesses right away

Numerous deserving businesses may not be publicizing their net-zero objectives or seeking accreditation, possibly due to financial constraints, lack of interest, or unfamiliarity with the process. That’s where we, as travelers, can make a difference.

You might come across a hotel or tour operator that isn’t certified yet still demonstrates responsible practices. Roi Ariel, general manager of the GSTC, suggests that this is your opportunity to make an impact! Inquire whether they follow a sustainable tourism standard or if they are pursuing certification. He notes that feedback from customers can serve as a significant motivator for change.