carbonneutraltourism.co.uk

A Simple Switch is an online resource launched by Philips which demonstrate the reduction in CO2 emissions by switching to using energy saving light bulbs. To date the campaign has led to 3.3 million light bulbs being switched to energy saving bulbs.

Natural Logic a company which works in the area of strategic sustainability consulting has developed a list of carbon footprint calculators. You even have a chance to rank the different carbon footprint calculators (currently they list 71 different calculating services)!

The NZ Herald reports that “Carbon emissions from visitors’ air travel to New Zealand equal total emissions from the country’s coal, gas and oil-fired power generation, say University of Otago scientists.”

The Arcola Theatre in London aims to become the world’s first carbon neutral theatre. They will be installing biomass heating, solar panels and other energy saving technologies. Via Arcola Energy they have also set up an ‘incubator space’ which provides a workspace for engineers and people working in the creative sector to help develop solutions to tackle climate change! Arcola Energy has generated considerable interest in the press.

Stagecoach one of the leading operators of buses and trains in the UK is running a trial in Kilmarnock where eight of their buses are powered by bio-diesel, which has resulted in an 82% reduction in CO2 emissions.

The really clever element of this project is that customers are encouraged to exchange their used cooking oil in exchange for discounted travel vouchers.   Consumers on the bus route have been given a container to collect their used cooking oil in which is taken to the local council’s recycling plant.

Trying to figure out your carbon footprint when you have been on a journey?  Well Carbon Hero is a new service which helps you to work out your carbon foot print.  The software which can run on most mobile phones calculates your carbon footprint.  The service has been developed by Andreas Zachariah and Nick Burch.  Find out more here.

EasyJet have called for the introduction of a ‘green efficiency tax’ to replace the air passenger duty. EasyJet believe that the ‘green efficiency tax’ could be based on the type of aircraft and distance travelled.

Andy Harrison, EasyJet Chief Executive, commented: “We have long argued that the current structure of APD is in need of reform. A tax that penalises families but excludes private jets; and charges passengers travelling to Marrakech the same as those travelling to Melbourne, is just plain wrong. A structure that taxes a passenger in the newest, cleanest aircraft the same as someone in an old gas-guzzler cannot be allowed to continue.”

Invest Northern Ireland has announced that it is supporting a £6 million project which is being lead by Bombardier which is helping to develop the next generation of jet engines which will have a lower impact on the environment. Read more here.

Ken Livingstone, the Mayor of London, has recently announced that he is working with theatres in London to reduce their carbon emissions. For example, at the National Theatre they have recently introduced energy efficient lighting. Read more here.