Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Tourism is responsible for nearly 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
While flights often receive the most attention, many of the most consistent and overlooked contributors to greenhouse
gas (GHG) emissions in tourism come from accommodations and tour operators. Large hotels consume vast amounts of
energy for lighting, air conditioning, heating, laundry, pools, and kitchens, which often comes from fossil fuels. In
many regions, high-end resorts use more water and electricity per day than the surrounding local community, placing
significant strain on local infrastructure and ecosystems.
Tour operators, too, have a role. Large-scale, conventional tour companies often rely on private vehicles,
diesel-powered boats, and carbon-intensive logistics to transport their guests to and from attractions. These
operations may carry a heavy environmental footprint, and most large tour companies offer little transparency about
their impacts on the planet.
Why This Matters
Tourism is responsible for nearly 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions—and emissions from accommodations and
on-the-ground travel are an important part of that total. These emissions not only contribute to the global climate
crisis, but also directly impact the very destinations that travelers dream of visiting. When tourism operators ignore
their environmental impact, local communities are left to bear the burden, facing reduced air and water quality,
resource scarcity, and a loss of biodiversity.
How We Evaluate Our Providers' Carbon Consciousness
At ECPC Travel, we ensure that the tourism experiences we promote are not only culturally respectful but
environmentally responsible. We evaluate accommodations and tour operators using the following key criteria:
- Energy Efficiency: We prioritize providers that have made measurable efforts to reduce their energy consumption. This includes actions like: using energy-efficient appliances and lighting, sourcing renewable energy, and designing buildings with passive heating and cooling strategies.
- Carbon Tracking and Reduction: We look for partners who actively track their greenhouse gas emissions and have set reduction targets. Operators that can demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement in this area are prioritized.
- Low-Impact Transportation: We favor tour operators who minimize vehicle use, support walking or cycling tours, and offer group transport to reduce per-person emissions where possible.
- Local Sourcing: Accommodations and tour providers that source food, materials, and staff locally help reduce the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transport and global supply chains while strengthening the local economy.
These categories make up just a small portion of our comprehensive environmental assessment. When you book a trip with
ECPC Travel, you can feel confident that your vacation makes a positive impact on the planet.
Choose Low-Carbon Travel
Join us in supporting travel experiences that prioritize energy efficiency, carbon emissions reduction, and sustainable transportation to minimize the climate impact of your journeys.
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