Welcome to the Leading Green Frequently Asked Questions section. Here you will find the commonly asked questions regarding Leading Green. We hope you find them helpful and informative.
How can renewable energy and energy efficiency projects reduce greenhouse gas pollution?
Simply put, purchasing Carbon Offsets reduces greenhouse gases emissions by replacing fossil fuels used for power with renewable energy. By employing energy efficiency techniques such as using compact florescent light bulbs and energy efficient appliances we can reduce the energy we use and offset the rest of our energy use by using clean, renewable sources for power.
How does The Leading Green Carbon Neutral program work?
Greenhouse gases (GHG), like carbon dioxide (CO2), are emitted when fossil-fuels are consumed. We all emit CO2 emissions when we drive a car, fly in a plane, use electricity, or generate waste. You can use less energy, travel less, or use public transport, but some emissions are unavoidable.
In order to provide our guests with a carbon-neutral experience, The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. supports Sustainable Travel International’s (STI) Carbon Offsets Program, which supports:
- Forest conservation, restoring wildlife habitat and protecting local forestry jobs in the heart of California’s Redwood
- The continued development of clean, renewable wind energy in rural Texas
- Establishment and preservation of Wildlife Corridor in Belize
STI and its project partners are focused on increasing access to renewable energy, conserving important forestry projects and supporting sustainable development initiatives in the developing world.
How much carbon dioxide do I have to offset for a one-night stay and how much does it cost?
The U.S. Energy Information Administration calculates that the average building uses 29.3 kilowatt-hours of electricity per square foot per year. Based on this number Sustainable Travel International has computed the total amount of pounds of greenhouse gas emissions emitted per room night.
Although determining total kilowatt-hours of electricity utilized on an annual basis and dividing the amount by the total number of rooms (including their exact square footage) in a hotel would be ideal, this information may not be available, so this calculation is the next closest approximation.
How much of a carbon footprint do I make when I travel?
Travel is a contributor to climate change, accounting for almost one-third of worldwide climate damaging emissions, according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. And the fastest-growing contributor of global climate change is air travel.
In terms of staying in hotels and other accommodations, the U.S. Energy Information Administration calculates that the average building uses 29.3 kilowatt-hours of electricity per square foot per year. Based on this number Sustainable Travel International (STI) has computed the total amount of pounds of greenhouse gas emissions emitted per room night.
Is my investment tax deductible?
STI is registered as a non-profit organization and has been granted 501(c)(3) status by the IRS. When you make a contribution to STI for the express purpose of buying Carbon Offsets you are directing STI to buy them on your behalf. They are then retired and taken out of the market. Although this means that you won't personally own the emissions offsets as your property, you will help accomplish the desired environmental outcomes.
Upon request, STI will gladly send you an acknowledgement of your contribution, up to 20 percent (20%) of which may be tax deductible to the full extent allowed under the law if you operate a U.S.-based business or if you are a U.S. citizen.
What does the term "carbon-neutral" mean?
Being carbon neutral involves calculating your total climate-damaging carbon dioxide emissions, reducing them where possible, and then balancing your remaining emissions, often by purchasing a carbon offset such as investing in "green" technologies like solar and wind power.
What is a carbon footprint?
A Carbon Footprint is a measure of the impact of human activities have on the environment in terms of amount of greenhouse gases produced, measured in units of carbon dioxide.
What is carbon offsetting?
Carbon Offsetting is a way of compensating for unavoidable greenhouse gas emissions like carbon dioxide by reducing or displacing the equivalent amount of carbon dioxide in another place, such as reducing the use of fossil fuels used for power.
What is the impact of my contribution to carbon offsetting?
The good news is that together we can prevent global warming. The solution is found in reducing our dependence on fossil fuels by supporting the use of renewable energy. By contributing to the carbon offsetting you stimulate demand for renewable energy, increase energy efficiency and provide incentives for increases in the production of renewable energy. You also apply pressure on corporations to take action on global warming and that, in turn, can have a long-term effect on public policy and may ultimately inspire federal regulation. Individuals should also recognize that collectively they can make a difference.
What is The Leading Hotels of the World's Contribution?
LHW is proud to lead the way in responsible travel by providing a carbon-neutral travel experience for any reservation made through our website or when "Leading Green" is mentioned to any one of our world-wide reservation centers. The room rates offered in the Leading Green Experience have not been inflated to support this program, and are uniform in every distribution channel. All funds are being donated entirely by The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd.
When do I emit carbon dioxide?
Activities that affect your carbon footprint include the burning of fossil fuels such as car travel, air travel, boat travel, bus or train travel, electricity use, home or hotel heating, waste disposal, and buying carbon dioxide-intense products.
Who is STI?
STI is a United States-based 501(c)(3) non-profit focused on helping tourism communities thrive, through solutions that strengthen the positive impacts of international travel. In partnership with global destinations and tourism companies of all sizes, our innovative programs deliver measurable results and build sustainable futures.