Ways to offset air travel and aim for greener meetings

Suppliers and venues are raising the bar further when it comes to the environment.

Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre has committed to net carbon zero operations by the end of the next financial year.
Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre has committed to net carbon zero operations by the end of the next financial year.

Going carbon zero in Christchurch

Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre has entered into an agreement with carbon programme and certification provider Toitū Envirocare, as part of its ambition to achieve net carbon zero operations by the end of the next financial year. The Centre’s general manager Ross Steele says committing to net CarbonZero operations is a clear indication of the Centre’s desire to lead by example and create meaningful change.

He said: “For us, sustainability and sustainable operations go beyond just measuring waste and offsetting carbon emissions. It’s about legacy – what we leave behind for future generations, and how we instil values that will ensure we are not only environmentally sensitive but leading the way in this area for years to come.”

Toitū carbon programmes are the only ones in New Zealand certified under the ISO 14064 standard (organisation) and ISO 14067 standard (product) by the JAS-ANZ (Joint Accreditation System for Australia and New Zealand), meaning they are internationally recognised.

Marina Bay Sands achieves GSTC certification

Integrated resort Marina Bay Sands has been certified to the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Industry Criteria for Hotels and Accommodations, which aim to promote the best sustainable tourism practices around four main themes: effective sustainability management, minimising environmental impact, maximising social and economic benefits for the local community and enhancing cultural heritage. The achievement recognises the resort’s continued efforts in implementing innovative sustainable solutions.

Marina Bay Sands says it has reduced its carbon footprint by over 50% since 2012. The integrated resort is focused on annual performance goals in energy, waste, water, resource management, sustainable procurement and biodiversity.

Lufthansa Group is the world’s first airline group to introduce green fares.
Lufthansa Group is the world’s first airline group to introduce green fares.

Green fares for the climate conscious at Lufthansa

The Lufthansa Group, Germany’s national flag carrier, has launched ‘Green Fares’, a class of fare aimed at encouraging more corporate climate-friendly travel.

The fare already includes offsetting of flight-related CO₂ emissions, achieved by using 20% Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and 80% by contributing to high-quality climate protection projects for European traffic. Lufthansa Group corporate customers will receive a CO2 mitigation certificate for the CO2 reduction achieved with the Sustainable Aviation Fuel.

Lufthansa Group is the world’s first airline group to introduce such a fare which will be available for business and leisure travellers on flights within Europe and to Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia.

The fares, available from mid-February, can be booked via the airlines' websites. They were introduced following a successful test run for flights from Denmark, Sweden and Norway, which showed a growing interest in sustainable travel.

Conrad Seoul focuses on sustainable F&B

Conrad Seoul says that Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certified menus are increasingly in demand and appreciated by its guests. The hotel offers MSC- and ASC-certified lobster, salmon, shrimp and abalone and general manager Mark Meaney says this certification allows the hotel to pursue seafood menus labelled with seafood sources that are sustainably sourced.

The hotel has also invested in Lumitix, a programme that helps analyse and ultimately reduce food waste. “Additionally we have placed tent cards on buffets to make guests aware and conscious of the food that is wasted and which impacts greenhouse gas emissions,” says Meaney. “We have also invested in water filters, which allows us to limit usage of plastic. Instead, we use glass bottles of two different sizes for guests to pour from.”



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