A Carbon Footprint Analysis of Travel

Abstract

The tourism sector accounts for 8% of the world’s total annual carbon emissions. This project quantified carbon emissions associated with a trip taken by Duke Travels to the Italian Lakes region which was organized by their tour operator partner, AHI Travel. Using the Greenhouse Gas Protocol’s reporting guidance, a carbon inventory was created for the trip, spanning lodging, flights, ground transport, food, and beverages. To explore decarbonization options, the group examined the impact of pulling different levers on overall trip emissions and business operations. For ease of future carbon emission tracking, the group developed a customized tool for AHI Travel to measure the emissions of each of their land-based itineraries and the impacts of potential decarbonization initiatives. Additionally, through interviews with industry experts, the group devised a list of sustainability recommendations to help AHI Travel become a leader in the sustainable tourism industry.