Green Traveling: How to Change the World

In every city there are multiple ways to recycle and live a sustainable existence. Businesses and individuals have been bombarded with toxic chemicals and non-biodegradable materials for so many years that many people don't realize how they're contributing to the pollution of our planet. With the help of a few organizations, it's becoming clearer what we can all do to help the growth of our planet. One industry in particular seems to be at the forefront of embracing the sustainable movement. Businesses within the travel industry have been innovating the green industry.

Most businesses in the travel industry understand that comfort and class means bringing part of the indoor outside. Natural light, solar heated swimming pools; high efficiency windows and outdoor entertainment areas are a few ways that businesses have been able to cut down their dependency on utility companies. At home, individuals are looking for ways to better utilize energy. There are all types of solar heating shingles that transform rooftops into solar energy generators. Many homeowners are remodeling to include sunrooms, skylights, big windows and energy-smart appliances.

Water is a precious resource on Earth. However there's so much waste that occurs because water waste is typical of the way that we build our homes and businesses. There are better ways to cut down on water waste. For one, you can install low flow toilets and showerheads. You can also use tank less water heaters. There are even better systems for reducing water waste for landscaping.

For example, the Palazzo Resort in Las Vegas has a drip irrigation system with moisture sensors that reduce the amount of water necessary to keep planets watered and happy. They also replaced parts of their outdoor areas with artificial turf grass. This has saved eight million gallons of water per year. The Palazzo was even named the “Most Eco Friendly Hotel in America”. 

The worldwide market for green materials continues to grow. It was at $116 billion just for this year and is expected to grow to $254 billion by 2020. However, there is a lot of work to be done in order to reach our worldwide goals. Sustainable facilities like the hotels and casinos found in Las Vegas continue to drive innovation. There are many areas that must go without water and other areas, which are overcome by landfill waste. By recycling, reducing waste and looking for sustainable options, we can reduce our carbon footprints every day and maintain this beautiful planet that we live on. It's imperative that we make the right decision for future generations and the survival of Earth.

What is carbon offsetting anyway?

The average cheeseburger requires about 6.8 pounds of carbon dioxide to produce. This includes raising, slaughtering, transporting, storing, and cooking the food. Surprising, isn’t it?

If we consider all our daily activities and calculate our carbon footprint, we will realize that we do little about global warming other than contributing to it. If you are an active member against climate change which means that you are using green energy and reducing emissions, then carbon offsetting is the next thing that you should do.

Carbon offsetting is a method of countering damage done through the release of carbon emissions from activities such as driving a car, flying or heating a building. For every tonne of CO2 emitted in one place, an equivalent tonne is supposedly removed elsewhere. While it does not undo the harm to the environment, it does become an efficient way to offset future emissions. But we should remind ourselves, offsets are not an excuse for people to continue current emissions.

While it is very difficult to calculate CO2 emissions precisely for every event, one of the best ways of carbon offsetting is to offset flights. It is relatively more effective simply because of the ease of calculating the amount of CO2 released. However, even this can be a challenge and agencies are expected to comply with the strictest measuring adherences.

 Offsetting has a bright future with growing globalization. Yet, it covers only a fraction of the total CO2 emitted. More efforts to reduce emissions are still required. Every time you are going to take the car, think of taking the public bus instead. Climate Change needs your help!

Other related reads: Cheeseburger footprint, Calculate your carbon footprint

Can deployment of technology to reduce carbon in organisations make economic sense in the short term?

There have been a lot of discussions around how technology can intervene in offsetting carbon in industries in India. We chanced upon this wonderful report prepared by the Digital Energy Solutions Consortium India (DESC India) and CII-ITC Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Development, titled, ICT’s Contribution to India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change in Dec 2010. 

In June 2008, the Prime Minister had released the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), outlining the nation’s strategy to manage greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
India has since then, announced a goal of reducing the emissions intensity of its GDP by 20-25% by the year 2020 compared to 2005. The Planning Commission is also in the process of defining a low-carbon growth map for the country. The DESC Report explores potential GHG reduction opportunities via ICT (Information & Communication Technology) solutions in the focus sectors of the three mitigation-related missions of NAPCC – National Mission on Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE), National Mission on Sustainable Habitat (NMSH) and National Solar Mission (NSM).

Just the electricity saved by ICT adoption in the power sector can help electrify more than 14,000 villages with an average population of 2,000-3,000. Implementation of ICT measures in the paper sector in 2030 can reduce emissions by an amount equivalent to that sequestered by 3 million trees. Savings achieved via video-conferencing and tele-commuting with moderate ICT penetration can offset GHG emissions more than 70 times the current GHG emissions due to the annual air traffic between Delhi and Mumbai.


Carbon offset while also saving money for travel seems to be a logical way for organizations to offset carbon. Atmosfair has helped companies like Elektrolux and DHL in Germany to reduce their carbon through simple ICT implementation and consulting in their travel systems. The impact of the same in organizations that are more people intensive in India can be huge.

Becoming carbon neutral for companies in India is not just an interesting brand positioning to have. It also makes immense economic sense. The total cost of ICT usage in NMEEE mission sectors – considering moderate penetration of ICT solutions in 2020 and 2030 – is estimated at INR 49,700 crore and INR156,100 crore. These investments correspond to cost savings of around INR 7,300 crore p.a. and INR 29,200 crore p.a. respectively. Similarly, ICT technologies in Transport, Buildings and Solid Waste Management sectors can lead to cost savings of INR 26,300 crore in 2020 under the moderate scenario. This is approximately 0.5% of India’s GDP in financial year 2009-10!!

It’s a wonder that its even a discussion anymore.