AE Expeditions reveals B Corp ambitions in first impact report
AE Expeditions has revealed it is pursuing B Corp certification after publishing its first-ever impact report, detailing its progress on its sustainability targets while setting out its longer-term objectives.
The report, entitled "Protecting the world’s wild places", outlines the line’s vision to become a global leader in sustainable expedition travel, said chief executive Michael Heath.
“This is about transparency and accountability for us as a business, and acknowledging where we are on our sustainability journey," said Heath. "We are acutely aware of the planet’s rapidly evolving climate crisis and the urgency with which we must all work together to help protect and regenerate our shared planet.
"Expedition travel holds a unique opportunity to educate and inspire people, which we believe is pivotal to safeguarding the wild and awe-inspiring places we visit."
The report consolidates AE’s sustainability aims, splitting them into two overarching areas of focus – planet and people – with each objective aligning with one or the other, or both. At their core, AE’s objectives commit the line to supporting seven of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
Planet-focused targets include achieving 100% climate neutral operations; reducing emissions and embracing renewables; supporting biodiversity conservation projects; reducing plastics; conserving water; and enacting better waste management practices.
The line’s people focus extends to educating passengers via onboard experts and citizen science projects; honouring female conservationists; supporting access to climate change education for young people globally; and collaborating with individuals and organisations sharing the company’s vision.
AE said its pursuit of B Corp certification was a "natural progression" of its overall plans; it is currently at the evaluation stage, and expects to complete this process by 2024.
"AE Expeditions’ portfolio of sustainability programmes, actions and measures have the overarching goal of reducing negative impacts on the environment and communities, contributing to building a more sustainable world for future generations," said the line.
"This inaugural impact report acknowledges the company’s emissions reduction is ongoing, committing to be part of the movement of innovative thought leaders and advocating for the development of new technology that makes the expedition cruise industry more sustainable."
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