Sustainability report shows 4.8% reduction in energy consumption and 11% decrease in sulphur emissions
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Costa Cruises reduced its carbon footprint by 2.3 % in 2015, according to its 10th sustainability report.
The Sea You Tomorrow – On course for the future report indicated that the cruise line’s various energy efficiency projects have decreased fuel consumption by 3% per passenger per day and reduced energy consumption by 4.8%. By installing the ECO exhaust gas cleaning system on seven ship (equivalent to 46.6% of the fleet), Costa has reduced sulphur oxide emissions by 11%, and nitrogen oxide and particulate matter emissions by 3% each.
Meanwhile, its waste management initiatives led to 100% of shipboard waste being collected and separated for disposal and recycling. In addition, 69% of the water required for onboard use was produced on the ships themselves.
Last year, Costa renewed its commitment to protecting the biodiversity and ecosystems in the destinations on its itineraries. The line partnered the Whalesafe Life+ project for conservation of sperm whales in the waters in the vicinity of Savona port, and also joined with the Italian National Research Council - Institute of Marine Sciences to increase research in oceanography and marine science.
Costa also focused on reducing, reusing and recovering the materials and products it uses onboard its vessels with the help of guests and crew. For example, its multi-year partnership with Italy’s National Consortium for the Recovery and Recycling of Aluminum has helped the line to recycle around 334 metric tons of aluminum between 2007 and 2015.
Costa has also continued work to strengthen its links with the local communities in the fleet’s 261 ports of call. It now has more than 10,000 suppliers located on five continents and also employs people from 70 different countries. In 2015 the average number of employees on Costa’s ships rose in all geographic areas, with a year-on-year 9.5% increase.
In 2019 and 2021, Costa plans to launch the first LNG-powered cruise ships and will also focus on developing a more transparent supply chain and sustainable nutrition. Already, the cruise line has joined with the Università degli Studi delle Scienze Gastronomiche di Pollenzo to review its food service and focus on the links between food, culture and traditions in Costa’s ports of call. Together, the two organisations plan to prioritise developing shipboard menus based on seasonal availability of local produce. Guests and crew members will be called on to play an increasingly active part in responsible consumption initiatives aimed at reducing food waste.