Aurora Expeditions has purchased enough carbon credits from two climate action projects to become certified carbon neutral.
The line has calculated its annual greenhouse gas emissions across its business operations and will compensate for these by purchasing carbon credits from climate action projects in Taiwan and Australia.
The Australian expedition line said achieving carbon neutrality is part of its long-term green strategy.
Certification has been achieved in partnership with the South Pole Climate Neutral Company, which takes regular carbon credit payments from Aurora and distributes the funding among Aurora’s chosen projects in exchange for carbon credits.
The South Pole Climate Neutral Company offers an end-to-end service with consultation, climate neutrality certification, renewable energy solutions and a portfolio of climate protection projects.
Aurora has chosen to support The InfraVest Tongyuan Wind Farm in northwest Taiwan, which harnesses wind power, and the Mount Sandy Conservation on South Australia’s Limestone Coast which promotes conservation partnerships between traditional Ngarrindjeri landowners and non-Indigenous Australians.
Monique Ponfoort (pictured), the line’s chief executive, said: “As one of the world’s leading polar expedition operators, we are always seeking ways to innovate, educate and create a positive impact for our planet.
“We plan to accelerate meaningful changes in our active care programmes that will make a lasting difference for our people, our expeditions and importantly the future of our planet.”
Aurora also has ambitions to champion women in conservation. All seven decks on incoming vessel Sylvia Earle – due to launch in spring 2022, after originally being slated for launch this month – are to be named and themed after ocean conservationists.
Each deck features a curated gallery experience dedicated to these women and highlighting their global environmental causes.
More: Aurora Expeditions’ UK boss unveils educational plans for 2022