Sustainable Travel International | Travel Without a Traceª

Boulder, CO (June 2005) - Many companies from around the world are well aware that global climate change may impact the economy and their business. Whether it's related to energy consumption, travel related product distribution, or simply doing business in Europe, where stringent greenhouse gas emissions' policies already exist, smart companies are taking the lead in addressing their emission-related impacts. One easy, effective and profit-enhancing way to do this is to 'offset' travel related greenhouse gas emissions.

"The travel industry, for example, has a great opportunity to benefit from carbon offset programs," explains Peter D. Krahenbuhl, Vice President of Sustainable Travel International (STI), a U.S.-based non-profit. "First of all, travel and tourism - the largest industry in the world - arguably has the greatest global warming impact." With a record number of 760 million people who traveled for business and leisure in 2004, air travel alone is the fastest growing contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. "Second, the tourism industry has the most at stake, with many destinations located in areas that are most susceptible to global climate change, such as low-lying beach island nations and polar regions. Finally, travel related companies may gain a competitive advantage, differentiating themselves in the market by offsetting their own greenhouse gas emissions and selling carbon offsets to their clients which can certainly enhance their bottom lines."

But it's not just the travel industry that can benefit from offsetting greenhouse gas emissions. From mom and pop-operated businesses to the largest multi-national corporations in the world, progressive companies are already enhancing their bottom lines by offsetting their emissions. For example, NIKE partnered with Delta Air Lines to offset travel related carbon-dioxide emissions. The result was a 27% increase in bookings of NIKE clients on Delta flights. BP energy company recently created a "Climate Cool Fuel" gas card for business customers. As a result, BP has increased sales by five times with participating businesses and has achieved its carbon emissions reduction goal seven years ahead of schedule.

What these companies are realizing is that they can 'do well by doing good.' The estimated number of LOHAS (Lifestyles of Heath and Sustainability) consumers alone is 63 million strong, and research indicates that this segment is growing rapidly. These consumers represent a market conservatively estimated to represent more than $226 billion in annual sales in the U.S. and more than $540 billion worldwide. In fact, when price and quality are equal, 76% of consumers would switch brands or retailers if a company was associated with a good cause, and 90% of consumers will pay a premium to purchase from companies that share their values. These statistics, however, don't take into account mainstream consumers, which are becoming more aware of global warming and responsible purchasing decisions.

But how do carbon offset programs work? MyClimate™, for example, is a new service offered by STI that employs the use of a carbon calculator, allowing companies to offset their carbon emissions from air travel. Funds that are invested in the program are channeled to energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that reduce an equal amount of carbon emissions out of the atmosphere, while jointly operating as a sustainable development tool in developing countries.

"Through MyClimate™, companies can generate revenue while offsetting the greenhouse gas emissions that result from their clients' and their employees' air travel. And this isn't limited to just corporations. Consumers, non-profits, governmental agencies, and destinations can directly offset their emissions as well, all while preserving our atmosphere," Krahenbuhl concludes.

Those interested in learning more about MyClimate™ are requested to visit www.My-Climate.com or call Peter Krahenbuhl at 303-448-0967 for more information.