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Calculating Carbon Footprint
Eero Kiukas • Jul 20, 2020
What is a carbon footprint and how can it be used to compare our tours?
Carbon footprint is the amount of greenhouse gas (usually CO2) emissions caused by human action. A carbon footprint can be caused by an individual, organization, service or a product – like in this case our tour. The tour itself is not generating any emissions but as a guest goes through it, different services create emissions which are then calculated together for a carbon footprint.
Comparing the carbon footprints of our tours is valuable in many ways. Firstly, our customers can compare and choose a holiday that is corresponding with their values. Secondly, our guests can learn which services are more sustainable than others and how to travel sustainably. Thirdly, we can compare the emissions of our tours and strive to design tours with even smaller impact on the environment.
A "carbon footprint" in Urkin Piilopirtti, Tampere.
How is a carbon footprint calculated?
Carbon footprints in our tours consist of different services such as transportation, accommodation, meals and activities. We then calculate the emissions of all of these services together using carbon footprint calculating tools. After we get the total carbon footprint of the tour, we divide it by the amount of nights in the tour. This way we get a comparable number that is then expressed in kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent (kg CO2eq) per person, per night. For example a total of 70.8kg CO2eq / 4 (nights) = 17.7kg CO2eq.
To learn more about our calculations click
here.
Comparing a tour:
| Tour | Nights | Total carbon footprint (kg CO2 eq) | Carbon footprint / night (kg CO2 eq) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low Carbon Tour | 8 | 213.81 | 26.73 |
| Meat diet* | 8 | 230.19 | 28.77 |
| Mixed diet & car** | 8 | 347.21 | 43.40 |
| Meat diet & car*** | 8 | 358.83 | 44.85 |
| No ecological accommodation**** | 8 | 346.81 | 43.35 |
| No ecological accommodation, meat diet & car | 8 | 491.83 | 61.48 |
| Driving 1000km by car***** | 197.15 |
*vegetarian diet changed to meat diet
**vegetarian diet changed to mix diet and all transportation done by car
***vegetarian diet changed to meat diet and all transportation done by car
****all ecological accommodations changed to a not ecological accommodation
*****petrol car with 1 passanger
Pioneer Work for Sustainable Travel
Our long-term commitment to sustainability has now been certified by Biosphere Sustainable.
Based on the frequently asked questions we have collected some tips for your summer tours in Finland.
Talking about the sustainability of winter activities in Finland, such as dog sledding, reindeer farm visit and snowmobiling.
Giving some tips how to travel more sustainably in Finland. Ecological activities, transportation and local culture.
This post tells you about our new plan to manage our sustainability as a company and as tour operator.
An introduction to our journey towards a sustainable travel planning.
Introduction to our Low Carbon Tours and the sustainability behind them.