Eco-Travel

KNOW YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT BEFORE YOU TRAVEL

New Carbon Tracker tool invented

A tool named "The Carbon Tracker" has been designed by Travelport with the ability to measure and report carbon emissions as part of a sustainable travel programme. It was unveiled this month at the World Travel and Tourism Council summit in Dubai, with an initiative to help travellers be more "carbon mindful".

The tracker claims to take advantage of the latest developments in emissions calculation, though carbon measurement itself is a relatively new and emerging science.

The tool utilises a graphical interface enabling users to calculate and compare accurate CO2 analyses for itineraries when travelling by air, rail and car, before they make a decision or book. The tool combines industry-standard compliance reporting with an advanced calculator that uses operational data and a range of key variables to deliver more sophisticated emissions analysis. It has built-in report-generation capabilities and can merge information from back-office systems.

It sets out to provide a "vital step" towards a better understanding of how to more effectively manage carbon footprints.

The tracker has been developed in conjunction with Agresso and The Carbon Consultancy to provide "robust intelligence" to inform and enable sustainable travel decision-making.

PLANES VERSUS TRAINS

Surveys show travellers are eco- savvy in their choice of transport

Flying short haul is becoming "socially unacceptable", according to a new survey conducted for Eurostar.

The independent YouGov survey of 2,246 people shows that more than half the UK public (57%) is concerned about environmental impact when planning a journey of 300-400 miles. A third (33%) says environmental concerns about a short-haul journey are more or much more important to them than a year ago.

One in 20 (5%) say that over the next year or so, environmental concerns mean they plan to switch from flights to train for journeys within the UK or to closer European destinations.

Eurostar believes between 3% and 5% of its 21% surge in passenger numbers is down to business customers deliberately taking the train to Europe's nearest capitals rather than planes due to more emphasis on environmentally-driven corporate travel policies.

It would appear travellers are snubbing air travel in favour of the railways for a multitude of reasons; for positive effects on the environment, (as trains are a much more eco-friendly way to travel), traffic increases on the roads on route to airports, and endless hassles with flying - the timing aspect in particular.