Climate-Neutral Travel
We believe that ecologically-sensitive travel offers many positives, such as economic opportunities for local communities and a sprit of stewardship among locals and travelers alike. However, we recognize that there are environmental consequences as well.
REI Adventures (Tons CO2)
Highlights
To address the carbon dioxide (CO2) generated due to REI Adventures customer travel, we've partnered with the Bonneville Environmental Foundation to create the nation's leading carbon neutral travel program. Throughout 2007 we automatically offset all GHGs generated by REI Adventures through the purchase of renewable energy credits. In 2007 we offset an estimated 30,822 tons of CO2, which accounts for every trip taken by every REI Adventures customer, from their home airport and back again.
Challenges
In 2007 GHGs generated from travel associated with REI Adventures grew by 17.6 percent over 2006. While we were able to offset these emissions entirely we still consider them part of our overall inventory.
Looking Forward
Perhaps other solutions will eventually be found, but currently carbon offsets present the best option for addressing GHGs impacts of air, water and ground travel associated with all REI Adventures excursions.
Methodology
REI has chosen to take ownership of the climate impacts for every REI Adventures and Outdoor School customer trip. We account for the on-the-ground portion of each trip, as well as the impacts of the flights taken by REI Adventures' customers to get from their home airport to their destination and back. When a customer flies to reach their destination, the climate change impact of air travel is significantly larger than the on-the-ground impact of their travel. Calculations for GHG impact of travel are done by our partner BEF using an factors approved by the Climate Neutral Network as a means of assuring independent verification.
