Royal Caribbean – heading to zero landfill
Contributors are not employed, compensated or governed by TD, opinions and statements are from the contributor directly
With the cruise industry facing increased scrutiny for its approach to sustainability, Royal Caribbean has released its latest sustainability report. Documenting the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship it showcases its improved efficiencies across its fleet, in particular improvements in emissions and waste handling.
For Royal Caribbean, 2015 marked the completion of its 10-year Save the Waves goals, which focused on emissions and waste reduction, as well as increasing the number of shore excursions that met an internationally recognised sustainability standard.
In line with these goals, over the past decade Royal Caribbean built its most efficient cruise ships and reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 25 percent. In 2015, 17 ships reported 100 percent re-purposed waste on certain itineraries.
“At Royal Caribbean, we are working to put sustainability into the heart of our business,” said Richard D. Fain, chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
“We bring 5,000,000 guests to nearly 500 ports around the world every year, and we understand our responsibility to do so in a way that protects the oceans that we sail every day. Our mantra is continuous improvement, and that especially applies to our environmental performance.”
In the report, the company noted the expansion of its Advanced Emissions Purification program, as well as a new set of goals for the year 2020 that were established with input from the company’s global conservation partner, World Wildlife Fund.
Headline improvements include achieving a daily water consumption average of 55 gallons/day – nearly half of the U.S. average of 100 gallons/day and an industry-first software, optimising ship speeds and routes to achieve the best possible fuel efficiency.
Royal Caribbean was also added to the 2016 World’s most ethical companies list – a distinction granted to only 130 companies in 21 countries.
For the third year, Royal Caribbean developed its sustainability report in accordance with the internationally recognised GRI G4 guidelines.
Comments are closed.