Transport accounts for nearly one-quarter of global energy-related CO2 emissions. The top three carbon footprint creators are cruise ships, short-haul flights, and diesel cars.
I found a study that claims
“Tourism is responsible for roughly 8% of the world’s carbon emissions. The carbon footprint of tourism is comprised not only of transport but also of the energy and commodities purchased by travelers, including food, souvenirs, and accommodation.”
The hospitality industry‘s major players have readily embraced the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) model and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint.
This commitment has become an integral part of their business operations, as they recognize the importance of reducing their activities’ impact on the environment and society.
The DP World Tour is no exception. Have you heard of their Green Drive sustainability program?
DP World Tour‘s Impact Report found
“Spectator travel accounts for an average of 45% of greenhouse gas emissions per tournament – the largest single emissions source.”
The DP World Tour‘s new tool for golf fans
The DP World Tour has launched a new tool that enables fans to calculate and offset their greenhouse gas emissions when traveling to and from tournaments. This is part of the tour’s efforts to address the climate crisis.
The easy-to-use tool is being customized and deployed with AQ Green TeC, a Hamburg-based carbon management solutions provider.
Ticket Holders at 12 tournaments in 2024 will automatically receive an email link to a new portal. There, they can input their event travel-related information, including flights, accommodation, and ground transportation, and then purchase verified carbon credits to offset their calculated GHG emissions.
The tool’s carbon credits come from Gold Standard accredited projects that support various United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The tool will also be promoted at tournaments via QR codes across the site and DP World Tour digital platforms.
Helping spectators mitigate their GHG emissions when traveling to tournaments is an important part of the Tour’s wider Green Drive program.
The program is committed to reducing emissions by 50% by 2030 and reaching net zero carbon by 2040.
To help drive engagement with the new tool, the DP World Tour will run a series of competitions for fans who choose to offset their travel, offering once-in-a-lifetime prizes.
Range of initiatives
A range of initiatives are already in place and being expanded to encourage lower carbon transport options at many events, including
- free shuttle services from local train stations, such as the BMW PGA Championship and Genesis Scottish Open,
- free bike parking at all events,
- encouraging carpooling and
- priority parking for spectators using electric vehicles.
Measurements are also being undertaken to quantify the impact on carbon emissions of the new structure of the 2024 DP World Tour season, which has seen events clustered together into regional “Swings”.