Divya Kaul (Contributors: K Rohit, Brijesh Saluja, Nitisha)
The sun-drenched beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant cultural experiences offered by the tourism and hospitality industry have long beckoned travellers seeking respite from their daily routines.
Yet, as the world becomes more interconnected and aware of its environmental impact, the once-idyllic images of pristine destinations face the stark reality of degradation. This is where the concept of sustainability steps in, not merely as a buzzword, but as a crucial lifeline for the tourism and hospitality industry. The symbiotic relationship between sustainability and this dynamic sector has the potential to safeguard both the natural wonders that draw tourists and the livelihoods of those who serve them.
Governments Worldwide keen to adopt sustainable practices
Tourism boards both domestic as well as international are keen to adopt sustainable practices that help the industry to grow in a more responsible manner. From hiring experts to promoting homestays and local experiences, more and more NTOs are devising their strategies to focus on responsible and sustainable tourism practices.
“While we continue our efforts to grow the share of tourism in Ras Al Khaimah’s GDP, we also want to implement responsible tourism practices. We hired a company called EarthCheck based out of Australia that helped to create a roadmap for our sustainable and responsible tourism goals. We are looking to be the first certified sustainable destination in the Middle East by 2025,” said Raki Philips, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA).
Philips made the above remarks while speaking at the session, “The Challenges and Opportunities for a Responsible Tourism Industry” during the PATA Annual Summit & Adventure Mart 2023 that took place in Pokhra, Nepal earlier this year.
By promoting responsible travel practices, nations can attract a new breed of conscious travellers who seek authentic experiences and prioritize destinations that give impetus on sustainability. These travellers tend to spend more, stay longer, and engage more deeply with local communities, resulting in a more equitable distribution of economic benefits.
“We recently launched our 5th Tourism Master Plan. Our aim is to make Maldives as the world’s leading sustainable tourism destination. We are making sure that the benefits of the tourism sector reach to the local community and the ecosystem is protected,” said Dr. Abdulla Mausoom, Minister of Tourism, Maldives.
Tourism boards worldwide including in India are recognizing that sustainable tourism can bolster economic growth and job creation in a manner that respects local resources.
“Our efforts include the establishment of eco-friendly homestays that harmoniously blend with the natural surroundings, encouragement of sustainability practices among our partners, active engagement with local communities to ensure direct benefits and improved livelihoods, preservation of the state’s rich cultural heritage, comprehensive training and capacity building programs for the local workforce, and strategic collaborations with reputed organizations. Through these initiatives, we strive to achieve a balance between tourism development and environmental conservation, while empowering local communities and showcasing the diverse cultural tapestry of Madhya Pradesh,” said Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board.
When tourism respects local cultures and traditions, it becomes a force for positive change, fostering a sense of pride and ownership among the local population. By supporting local businesses, employing local residents, and involving communities in tourism planning, the industry is keen to create a cycle of prosperity that benefits all stakeholders.
“Apart from sensitizing travellers and locals about the fragile geography we have in Nepal, we are focusing on promoting homestays at places where ethnic groups stay. The idea is to offer livelihood opportunities to the young population who otherwise is migrating to other places and also encourage them to practice their ‘real’ culture,” said Dhananjay Regmi, CEO, Nepal Tourism Board (NTB).
Traditional models of tourism often prioritized sheer numbers of visitors over the long-term well-being of destinations. However, the tide is turning as governments acknowledge the adverse impacts of unchecked tourism, from overcrowding to ecological degradation.
It is not by surprise that Seychelles is regarded as one of the world’s most environmentally friendly places. The country is deeply committed to conserving its environment, particularly oceans. Despite its limited land mass, approximately 50% of Seychelles is designated as nature reserves, like the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Moreover, with a vast Exclusive Economic Zone encompassing 1.4 million sq. km, of which 30% is a protected area, the country has embraced the ‘Blue Economy’ concept, fostering an integrated approach to sustainable development centred around ocean-based initiatives.
“Tourism is vital to the Seychelles’ economy, accounting for a significant portion of the country’s GDP as well as jobs. However, we are aware of the requirements for striking a balance between environmental conservation and tourism expansion. We are working on diversifying our product offering as part of our sustainable approaches to developing our industry while remaining affordable, not only to provide more experiences to attract different types of visitors and cater to their various interests and preferences, but also to provide visitors with unique, locally made souvenirs and experiences at affordable prices, thus contributing to the local economy,” said Bernadette Willemin, Director General – Destination Marketing, Tourism Seychelles.
Hotel Industry’s Perspective
Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and shifting ecosystems can disrupt travel patterns and damage infrastructure. By adopting sustainable practices, such as carbon offsetting and climate-conscious infrastructure development, the hospitality industry can enhance its resilience to these challenges. As conscious travellers seek accommodations that align with their values, hotels around the world are recognizing the profound impact of adopting eco-friendly initiatives.
Anoushka Boralessa, Head of Sustainability of Sri Lanka based Teardrop Hotels said, “One of the biggest challenges in the early days was getting our staff educated on sustainability. However, we mitigated this through training programs that focused on the positive impacts that sustainable hotel practices have on the environment, our team, and our community.
“We then went on to sign up with Travelife, an international accreditation agency on sustainable practices, that helped us form policies around our sustainability, touching on a range of topics that include child protection, community engagement, employee overtime, health and safety, human rights, and of course broad policies on sustainable purchasing and overall environmental safeguarding. Being a tri-lingual nation, we ensured that all training and policy documents were communicated in all languages among staff for easy understanding.”
In an increasingly interconnected world, hotels that prioritize sustainability are not just lodging options; they are beacons of responsible living, paving the way for a greener and more prosperous future for all.
According to Charintip Tiyaphorn, Owner, Pimalai Resort & Spa, Koh Lanta – Thailand awareness of locals help greatly to meet sustainability goals. “We have a group of local villagers who make bags/baskets from discarded items. Moreover, there is also a group of tour operators who conduct mangrove forest tour using gondola boat instead of engine boat. So, whenever there is a need with help in cleaning public roads, beach, growing more tress, or a competition to create sculpture from trash, Pimalai Resort & Spa always receives good support from our community. Our staff too has a good understanding of benefits of sustainability practices.”
Sustainable practices not only benefit the environment but also elevate the guest experience. Eco-friendly amenities, locally sourced and organic foods, and thoughtful design that incorporates natural elements can create a memorable and rejuvenating experience for guests.
Manoj Khetan, Co-Founder, Naad Wellness said, “Guests genuinely appreciate the unique and environmentally sustainable facilities we maintain at Naad. They often express their delight at witnessing such well-preserved greenery and eco-friendly flooring. Many visitors stay with us for a minimum of three nights, and they find the experience not only refreshing but also quite achievable. For instance, our use of clay pots for indoor plants, though requiring maintenance, provides natural cooling, leading to lush greenery and increased energy levels. This effort does not go unnoticed, and guests also acknowledge the moderate pricing and user-friendly nature of our products.”
Sustainable hotels extend their influence beyond their own walls by engaging with local communities. Collaborating with local businesses for sourcing products, services, and food can support the local economy and minimize the carbon footprint associated with transportation. Hotels can also participate in community events, workshops, and environmental initiatives, forging strong connections that demonstrate their commitment to the well-being of the areas they operate in.
“We strive to ensure active guest involvement in our sustainability activities, an opportunity that’s made aware to them upon arrival at all our properties. Depending on where you stay activities include tree plantation, deeply educational organic garden tours and cooking sessions, waste management and energy saving information, interacting with community, visits to orphanages and nature walks talking through the eco systems with experienced guides,” said Mita Vohra, Board Director and Head of Sales, Marketing, Revenue and Distribution of Kenya based Sarova Hotels & Resorts.
The hotel chain has recently partnered with Tsave Tsavo Restoration initiative of which Sarova Hotels is a founding member. This initiative brings together multiple stakeholders, and the hospitality company is playing an integral part in developing a landscape restoration master plan for the Tsavo Rangelands that support the national parks and water aquifers.
“As part of this collaboration we are also in partnership with the Common Land Organization in the Netherlands and together we are developing a pilot program that seeks to restore the Taita Hills, a watershed area that supports the water needs of Mombasa City and the Tsavo National Park. The program targets livelihood support and water catchment restoration. The Sarova Group and Tsavo Heritage Foundation will also be partnering to unveil an intensive CEO’s sustainability awareness campaign in the key cities of Mombasa, Nairobi, Nakuru and Kisumu. This will also be a platform for sharing and peer review of practices various organizations are undertaking,” added Vohra.
Hospitality firms can play a crucial role in educating their guests about sustainable practices. By providing information on energy conservation, water-saving tips, and eco-friendly transportation options, hotels need to empower guests to make mindful choices during their stay. Simple actions such as offering reusable water bottles, providing in-room recycling bins, and encouraging towel and linen reuse programs can collectively contribute to a significant reduction in resource consumption.
Diki Bhutia, Director-Environmental Initiatives, Karma Lakelands said, “It is a misbelief that guest comfort gets compromised while implementing sustainable practices, on the other hand, it is enhanced. If a guest has a positive, conscious-minded attitude, he or she will appreciate sustainability measures. For example, it is an incredible sight to observe a large amount of water dropping via pipelines into one of the 23 wells on a rainy day. The gargoyle spouts from the Klub building, throwing large amounts of rainfall from a height of 27 feet, remind us of the architecture of the past combined and fused with a contemporary-style Klub built by the legendary Philippe Starck. So, these features and sustainability practices enhance the guest experience rather than being compromised.”
There are birds, bees, butterflies, and bugs galore, and a lot of birders visit at Karma Lakelands. Recently, there was a moth count event by a famous naturalist from Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), Sohail Madan, who identified many species at Karma Lakelands. Moths are a crucial part of the ecosystem and play essential roles as pollinators and food sources for other animals, including birds and bats. Understanding their importance helps maintain biodiversity and ecological balance. Overall, increasing awareness about moths helps foster a deeper understanding of the natural world and promotes responsible actions for their conservation and preservation.
According to Kush Kapoor, CEO of Roseate Hotels and Resorts the biggest challenge is that many people think that sustainable practices are either difficult to implement or costly or will not be accepted by the guest. “We address such concerns by education, training, monitoring and continuous feedback for improvements. When all these aspects are put together everyone see benefits that are received by adopting sustainable practices.”
“We allow guests to experience our efforts firsthand. For example, guests can visit our hydroponic farm and choose which vegetables they want the chef to cook while preparing their meals. There is a huge difference between trying to explain our efforts and allowing someone experience the process and be a part of the journey. So, our patrons become incredibly involved in the whole exercise and recommend our products or services to their family and friends based on their experience,” added Kapoor.
Rajiv Kapoor, General Manager, Fairmont Jaipur believes that for implementing sustainable practices vendors are extremely important and they must be very carefully vetted. “Hence, we select the right vendors for implementing sustainable practices who have the correct licenses and certifications meeting compliances of our sustainability program. While the cost is slightly higher of the sustainable products and amenities, in the long run it will contribute to betterment of the environment and will ensure a greener and cleaner tomorrow.”
“We ensure that a comprehensive ideation and study is in place with appropriate data as tool to put in place the most efficient technological intervention and any other sustainability initiative. As I emphasised the goal is to make sustainability an intrinsic component and pioneer ways around that vision. There are slew of measures that we will put in a place in a phased manner without it impacting the guests spending, in coming months our organic waste machine set up will start operating, that will help us convert dry leaves and other organic waste into manure for the gardens and lawns, Increasing the capacity of the solar plants would be another step, also installation of water bottling plant. Also, now the industry can look for avenues to incentivize guests for behaving more sustainably, incorporating rewards for sustainable behaviour into their loyalty programs and taking leading role, shared Ajay Sharma, General Manager, Taj Corbett Resort & Spa, Uttarakhand
Steps in the right direction
Over the years, the German National Tourist Board (GNTB) has taken several initiatives to support sustainable development of the destination. In 2020, the GNTB launched a campaign called “Germany Simply Inspiring – Sustainable Travel in Germany” to promote sustainable tourism in the country which is still ongoing under the focal theme ‘Feel Good in Germany’.
The GNTB also offers a “Green Meetings” program to promote sustainable practices in the meetings and events industry. The tourism board has developed a certification program for sustainable tourism, including the “Green Globe” certification and the certification for sustainable accommodations. The GNTB also promotes sustainable transportation options, including cycling, public transportation, and electric vehicles, through its “Green Mobility” initiative.
“Sustainable practices in post-pandemic tourism are becoming increasingly relevant for Indian travellers visiting Germany. Many Indian tourists are now seeking eco-friendly accommodations, local experiences that promote sustainability, and responsible travel practices. The COVID-19 pandemic has also highlighted the importance of sustainable tourism for the health and well-being of local communities and the environment. As a result, Indian travellers are likely to prioritize destinations and tourism providers that prioritize sustainability and responsible tourism practices in the future,” said Romit Theophilus, Director, German National Tourist Office (GNTO) in India.
“GNTO, India in coordination with GNTB is continuing the consistent focus of its global marketing on sustainable tourism in 2023 with three themed campaigns. The new GNTB campaign “51 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Historic Modern Germany”, for example, focuses on the diverse opportunities for sustainable travel through Germany’s various cultural landscapes,” added Theophilus.
2023 is the UAE’s Year of Sustainability and Dubai is hosting COP28 from November 30 to December 12, 2023. Aligned with the vision of Dubai’s leadership to make the city the best place to visit, live, and work, the destination has achieved significant milestones through the Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST) initiative. The aim is to reduce the carbon footprint and foster a more responsible and inclusive tourism industry.
“To further our vision of sustainable Dubai, we announced the opening of Expo City in October 2022, the dynamic legacy of Expo 2020. Expo City Dubai is a futuristic destination driven by sustainability, innovation, education and entertainment, a model city for the future of the world and an enduring legacy.
“Adhering to Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, the Expo City Dubai is fully pedestrianized, free of single-use plastic and includes more than 1200 LEED-certified buildings. The world’s largest installation of Mindsphere – Siemens’ cloud technology platform that uses smart metering and sensors to monitor energy consumption and efficiency of power, light, water and climate conditioning systems is installed across Expo City Dubai,” said Bader Ali Habib – Head of South Asia, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism.
Seychelles tourism industry’s adoption of a sustainable tourism label stretches back to the 1990s. The former Ministry of Tourism began work on the label in the early 2000s in collaboration with certain Swiss master’s students. In 2011, the Seychelles Sustainable Tourism Label (SSTL) was established. The initiative is a sustainable tourism management and certification programme specifically designed for usage in Seychelles. It is voluntary, user-friendly, and intended to inspire more efficient and sustainable company practices. Currently, the SSTL applies to hotels of all sizes.
“We are revamping the label to encourage all tourism industry owners to include sustainability practices in their operations. We are establishing criteria to extend the project to all sectors of the industry. We intend to accomplish this by giving operators relevant information and meaningful incentives to help them improve the sustainability of their operations. And finally rewarding through the award of the Label, those operations that have successfully improved the sustainability of their operations,” said Willemin.
Closer home, Madhya Pradesh provides specific sustainable practices and guidelines to local businesses, hospitality players and tour operators to encourage responsible tourism. The guidelines have focused on proper waste management, water conservation, local sourcing and support, cultural sensitivity, biodiversity conservation, and community engagement. By adopting these practices, businesses contribute to environmental preservation, support the local communities, and enhance the overall tourism experience in Madhya Pradesh. MP Tourism Board also encourages local vendors to promote the rural and exclusive products of the state while spreading awareness to use renewable resources.
“We address the various potential conflicts between tourism growth and environmental conservation through sustainable development planning and conservation measures. This includes implementing biodiversity conservation programs, promoting sustainable use of resources education, awareness workshops on regulations and guidelines, stakeholder engagement, monitoring and enforcement. By adopting these strategies, we aim to achieve a synergy between tourism growth and environmental preservation, ensuring responsible tourism practices for the benefit of both visitors and the natural environment,” shared Shukla.
Hotels have a unique opportunity to champion sustainable practices within their operations. From energy consumption to waste reduction, every aspect of a hotel’s daily functioning can be optimized for efficiency and environmental friendliness. Energy-efficient lighting, smart thermostats, water-saving fixtures, and renewable energy sources are just a few of the initiatives that can significantly reduce a hotel’s carbon footprint while setting a positive example for guests and the wider community.
“Our sustainable initiatives include maximizing natural lighting throughout the day, minimizing electricity usage, and utilizing entirely natural flooring materials to maintain a cool indoor climate. The wellness centre boasts abundant greenery with bamboo plantations and preserved natural soil, facilitating efficient water drainage and preventing water retention.
“Moreover, we have consciously avoided concrete in the building area, opting to preserve the property’s natural state while allowing rainwater to cool the area through underground absorption. By upholding these principles, we have retained the centre’s natural essence, offering an eco-conscious environment that aligns harmoniously with its surroundings, ensuring a refreshing and responsible experience for all our guests,” said Khetan.
Sarova Hotels & Resorts engages and partners with green technology providers for all new projects. Its other focus is to continually and gradually adopt more and more sustainable practices over time, allowing for budget allocations and cost savings in the long run.
An often-overlooked aspect of sustainability is waste management. Hotels can adopt robust recycling programs, composting facilities, and initiatives to minimize single-use plastics. By actively reducing waste and promoting responsible disposal, hotels contribute to cleaner environments and less strain on landfills.
“We have also invested in working towards eliminating single use plastics, renewable energy sources like solar panels and bio mass boiler, tree planting drives and use of glass bottles instead of plastics. Our other sustainability efforts include recycling of waste oil from kitchens, energy efficient air conditioning plants, moving away from small amenities to sustainable bulk amenities, rainwater harvesting besides waste management and wastewater treatments,” added Vohra.
The Karma Lakelands nurseries produce thousands of plants every year. There are seeds to saplings initiatives wherein the golfers, the Klub members, and the residents save seeds from fruits, which are passed on to the nurseries and turned into saplings. The ever-growing forest zones of Karma Lakelands are getting all the trees, seeds, or saplings from within the campus, and the surplus is passed on to the Give Me Trees Trust, founded by the world-famous tree planter Peepal Baba.
Four Forest Zones at Karma Lakelands are already being nurtured by recycled water from the neighborhood residential societies and restaurants. Fifth, the Kailash Sacred Forest is under plantation, with a tree in every 1.2 square meters and more than 10,000 trees yet to be planted.
“At Karma Lakelands, we prioritize guest comfort and experience while implementing sustainable practices. Guests feel a sense of calm and freshness due to the greenery and lush vegetation around every villa and cottage. We use glass cutlery instead of plastic, and all waste food is recycled, reflecting our commitment to sustainability. Our guests appreciate and embrace these efforts, as they allow them to breathe clean, eat clean, and live responsibly in a sustainable ecosystem, relieving them of city-living guilt,” said Bhutia.
While elucidating on the Fairmont Jaipur’s sustainability efforts, Kapoor said, “We have installed a water bottling plant on premises which has helped reduce cost and single use plastic. We have also placed dispensers in guest rooms to avoid replenishment of amenities and wastage of leftovers in the smaller bottles. We are in the process of finding an alternative for shaving blade material as well as for toothbrushes to ensure all amenities are 100% recyclable products.”
Taj Corbett Resort & Spa, Uttarakhand has a Volunteering week programme under “Paathya” that has been instrumental for them to spread the sensitivity and awareness among the masses in person. Paathya is IHCL’s sustainability journey focused on Environmental Stewardship, Social Responsibility, Excellence in Governance, Preserving Heritage, Value Chain Transformation, and Sustainable Growth, has been a game changer in bringing all the team members of IHCL across all the levels to the common cause.
Financial Benefits of sustainability
While adopting sustainable practices requires an initial investment, the long-term benefits are substantial. Energy-efficient technologies and waste reduction initiatives often result in significant cost savings over time. Reduced energy and water consumption, lower waste disposal costs, and improved operational efficiency can contribute to a favourable return on investment, benefiting both the environment and the hotel’s bottom line.
“We have prioritized sustainability projects based on their potential return on investment (ROI) and impact on cost savings and operational efficiency. We have implemented energy-saving measures, such as usage of LED lightings, which often result in immediate cost reductions through lower utility bills. Implementing waste reduction and recycling programs also help to reduce waste disposal costs and, in some cases, generate revenue through recycling initiatives. We work with suppliers who are committed to sustainability. This leads to cost savings through more efficient supply chain processes,” said Boralessa.
Naad Wellness by capitalizing on natural elements has derived significant financial advantages during daylight hours, reducing its dependence on electricity, particularly due to the presence of greenery and innovative flooring that negate the need for excessive air conditioning.
As per Vohra while in the short run the sustainability initiatives are capital intensive, the financial benefits do start to show results through energy savings, water conservation, waste reduction (reducing, reusing, and recycling), marketing and brand reputation, operational efficiency, competitive advantage, and long-term cost stability over a period.
“We have taken into account that the financial benefits and savings resulting from sustainability efforts may vary depending on factors such as the scale of implementation, the initial investment, local utility rates, and the commitment to long-term sustainability practices,” commented Vohra.
Karma Lakelands has observed significant financial benefits and savings through its sustainability efforts. By locally growing its own vegetables, fruits, and herbs, the property has saved on the cost of importing produce while also offering guests an organic culinary experience.
“The solar energy is also being termed as green energy, with a five- to seven-year payback and therefore a worthwhile investment that Karma Lakelands has made. The best use of this has been in our 110-car parking lot, where solar panels give shade to the cars, and therefore, the visitors feel that their vehicles are given as much respect as they are because of the most beautiful and shaded golf course imaginable at the surface level rather than in a dingy basement building,” said Bhutia.
“We have not really looked at the financial benefits, but we know that we are living in a world that is undergoing rapid changes, faster than ever experienced before. Without sustainable practices, we will not be able to sustain our business. So, it is not the matter of how much we save from practicing sustainability but a matter of how we are going to keep our business running in long term,” noted Tiyaphorn.
We have gained some phenomenal success, and the return on investment has been equally encouraging. Our electricity bills have gone down drastically than before, the usage of water has reduced by at least by fine margin with the use of new technology. Our sustainable purchase model has helped us reduce the wastage of raw materials and helped us get better quality. The air quality in the resort too has improved even more than before, an approx. 9000+ plants in the resort were planted in last one year. Other steps such as introduction of EV charging station, EV buggies for transit within the premises, 100% reuse of STP water, zero single use plastic in the resort and save the environment card for linen in the guest’s rooms are among the various steps that has made tremendous impact,” exclaimed Sharma.
Aviation take
The aviation sector, known for connecting the world and making distances seem trivial, is at a crossroads. As the world confronts the urgent challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, the aviation industry is facing mounting pressure to adopt sustainable practices. The importance of sustainability efforts in aviation extends far beyond the industry itself; it affects the global environment, economies, and the very future of air travel.
Aviation is responsible for a substantial portion of global greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide. The rapid growth of air travel over the past decades has intensified these emissions, contributing to the depletion of the ozone layer and exacerbating the effects of climate change. Recognizing the environmental impact of aviation is the first step towards understanding why sustainability efforts are not just beneficial, but imperative.
In a significant development in the decarbonization of the aviation sector, India’s first commercial passenger flight using an indigenously produced Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blend was successfully flown on May 19. AirAsia India flight i5-767 departed from Pune to New Delhi using a blend of indigenous Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) supplied by Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) in partnership with Praj Industries.
Aloke Singh, CEO, Air India Express and AirAsia India said, “As part of the Tata group and a subsidiary of Air India, we are committed to innovation and collaboration in order to mitigate environmental impact. This flight marked a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts towards a more sustainable future for Indian aviation.”
One of the primary objectives of sustainability efforts in aviation is to reduce the carbon footprint of flights. Airlines are investing in cutting-edge technology, such as more fuel-efficient aircraft and advanced air traffic management systems, to minimize fuel consumption and emissions. Research and innovation are driving the development of alternative fuels, including biofuels, that have the potential to significantly reduce the sector’s reliance on fossil fuels.
Sir Timothy Clark, President, Emirates Airline while touching on the airline’s sustainability strategy at ATM 2023 remarked, “The fuel from the aviation industry accounts for 2-2.5% of global emissions. As passenger numbers grow, so must our efforts to mitigate our carbon footprint. Emirates runs a number of sustainability initiatives across the business. Our first flight using SAF took to the skies in 2017 and earlier this year we operated a demonstration flight using 100% SAF. We also recycled 500,000 kilograms of plastic and glass over the course of 2022. As far as we can, we try to offset.”
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has released Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) regulations that have defined a target of reducing CO2 emissions from the aviation sector by 50% by 2050. An alternative to the current use of fossil fuels is to use SAF that can result in high greenhouse gas (GHG) savings.
Saminda Perera, Head of Marketing, SriLankan Airlines said, “SriLankan Airlines is compliant with the ICAO standards for emission monitoring. We also have our own emission monitoring system to capture and convert data into meaningful information that helps us keep our activities in check.”
“SriLankan Airlines is in the early stages of planning for a future fuelled by sustainable energy. The process of converting to SAF operated flights is not devoid of challenges, especially for a relatively small airline such as ours. We are currently building resources and engaging with relevant stakeholders to develop policies for the eventual uptake of SAF. The economic viability of using SAF will also improve as worldwide supplies increase with more airlines turning to SAF,” he added.
Sustainability efforts are not just a matter of environmental responsibility; they also yield economic benefits. Fuel-efficient aircraft consume less fuel, resulting in substantial cost savings for airlines. Moreover, adopting sustainable practices can improve an airline’s reputation, leading to increased customer loyalty and brand recognition.
“Fuel efficiency is an important factor in SriLankan Airlines newaircraft purchasing strategy as new aircraft are almost always more fuel efficient than predecessors. For example, we were one of the first airlines in South Asia to invest in Airbus A320neo aircraft fitted with LEAP engines by CFM owing to its fuel efficiency. Additionally, the engines and fuselages of all existing aircraft in the SriLankan fleet undergo regular maintenance checks to ensure optimum fuel efficiency,” shared Perera.
SriLankan Airlines has a project in the works to do away with single use plastics from its flights. It has a comprehensive waste management system in which organic waste is used to generate biogas; recyclable waste such as paper is sent for recycling; and unrecyclable waste material from flights such as seat covers and blankets are upcycled through the carrier’s community-based, award-winning upcycling project ‘Mathaka’.
American Airlines, Google Research and Breakthrough Energy are collaborating to lessen the number of aviation contrails – the thin, white lines left behind by aeroplanes. By collecting data and using AI, the businesses are looking to develop forecast maps for contrails, to see whether alternative routes can be taken by pilots.
Saudi Arabia’s low-cost airline flynas has signed an agreement with Saudi Investment Recycling Co. to embrace integrated waste management practices. The memorandum of understanding will help the airline explore partnership opportunities in sustainability to work toward an advanced circular economy. It will also look into recycling solutions from the operational waste collected from airlines, including oils, plastics and batteries.
Bander Al-Mohanna, CEO, flynas said, “We are confident that this step will enhance our efforts to build a sustainable growth model that combines profitable economic returns and low impacts on the environment, in line with the national goals to neutralize greenhouse gas emissions by 2060.”
The importance of embracing eco-friendly practices is undeniable, as the allure of pristine landscapes and vibrant cultures fuels the very essence of the tourism industry. By fostering responsible travel, respecting local communities, and prioritizing conservation, tourism, hospitality and aviation industry stakeholders are not only securing the future of their nations’ tourism sectors but also contributing to a more sustainable global future.