Joined forces with the TreadRight Foundation and Uniworld to review the environmental impact of their river cruising operations
PROJECT SCOPE
> Audit water, energy and waste management on a selection of river cruising boats on the Nile, the Danube, the Seine and the Rhine
> Identify performance improvement opportunities to achieve best practice
Identifying Impacts
Photo courtesy of Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
RIVER CRUISING GUIDELINES
Best Practice Guidelines
> Ten principles for sustainable river cruising
> Operational management
> Working with stakeholders
> Checklists and further information
Photo courtesy of Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
ESTABLISH GUIDING PRINCIPLES
> Environmental policy> Code of Conduct & behavioural standards> Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
MONITORING SYSTEMS
> Environmental monitoring system incorporated into the onboard ship management software in 2013
> Baseline data collected
STAFF TRAINING
> Senior management> Captains> All crew and tour staff
Best Practice Initiatives
Photo courtesy of Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
FLEET IMPROVEMENTS
> Technical recommendations incorporated into new build specifications> Refitting of older vessels where viable
ITINERARY PLANNING
> Review distance between ports and fuel efficient cruising speeds
INFLUENCING STAKEHOLDERS
> Meetings with port authorities to lobby for better waste collection/recycling facilities
CUSTOMER COMMUNICATIONS
> Port talks and welcome meetings> Signage, leaflets and stickers in guest rooms
Best Practice Initiatives
DATA COLLECTION
> Establishing robust monitoring systems and streamlining data input has taken significant time and resources
> Obtaining accurate and reliable data has required training and specific skills
Understanding the Challenges
REPORTING RESULTS
> Reporting results and performance improvements has not been possible yet