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Folder D2 Reducing pollution

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GSTC HTO Environmental Benefits and Impacts

D2.1 Reducing Pollution –  Minimize Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Greenhouse gas emissions from all sources controlled by the organization are measured, procedures are implemented to minimize them, and offsetting remaining emissions is encouraged.

INDICATOR:

• Total direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions are calculated as far as practical. The Carbon Footprint (emissions less offsets) per tourist activity or guest-night is monitored and is not increasing year on year.

• Carbon offset mechanisms are used where practical.

GUIDANCE:

• The rigor of the greenhouse/carbon measurement and offset program should be commensurate with the level of energy used.. e.g. a wilderness trekking tour operator may focus on the pre/port trip transport aspects whereas a city hotel or large resort should have detailed carbon measurement systems in place.

GSTC HTO Environmental Benefits and Impacts

D2.2 Reducing Pollution –  Minimize Transport Emissions

The organization encourages its customers, staff and suppliers to reduce transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions.

INDICATOR:

• Customers, staff and suppliers are aware of practical measures/opportunities to reduce transport related greenhouse gas emissions.

GUIDANCE:

• The measure is customer/staff/suppliers awareness.

GSTC HTO Environmental Benefits and Impacts

D2.3 Reducing Pollution –  Wastewater

Wastewater, including gray water, is effectively treated and is only reused or released safely, with no adverse effects to the local population and the environment.

INDICATOR:

• Wastewater is either disposed to a municipal or government approved treatment system OR there is a system in place to treat and ensure no adverse effects on the local population and the environment.
GUIDANCE:
• The level of treatment and rigor of assessment should be commensurate with the sensitivity of the local environment.

GSTC HTO Environmental Benefits and Impacts

D2.4 Reducing Pollution –  Solid Waste

Waste is measured, mechanisms are in place to reduce waste, and where reduction is not feasible, to re-use or recycle it. Any residual waste disposal has no adverse effect on the local population and the environment.

INDICATOR:

• There is measurement and recording of waste types and amounts disposed and the amounts and types of waste recycled.
• Waste disposal is to a government run or approved landfill or there is evidence that the landfill is managed and has no effect on the environment.
GUIDANCE:
• Best practice is to have a solid waste management plan which is implemented, with quantitative goals to minimize waste that is not reused or recycled.

GSTC HTO Environmental Benefits and Impacts

D2.5 Reducing Pollution –  Harmful Substances

The use of harmful substances, including pesticides, paints, swimming pool disinfectants, and cleaning materials, is minimized, and substituted when available, by innocuous products or processes. All storage, use, handling, and disposal of chemicals are properly managed.

INDICATOR:

• There are material safety data sheets for each chemical held/used. There has been a review of each chemical used to identify available alternatives which are more environmentally innocuous. Chemicals, especially those in bulk amounts are stored and handled in accordance with appropriate standards.

Example Travelife for Accommodations:

The business minimises the use of potentially hazardous substances against a baseline.

INDICATOR:

The business has established a baseline for the amount of hazardous chemicals it uses and demonstrates how it is actively working to minimise their usage

GSTC HTO Environmental Benefits and Impacts

D2.6 Reducing Pollution –  Noise , Light, Air Water and Soil

The organization implements practices to minimize pollution from noise, light, runoff, erosion, ozone-depleting compounds, and air, water and soil contaminants.

INDICATOR:

• There is minimal pollution from:
•Noise
•Light
•Runoff
•Erosion
•Ozone depleting compounds
•Air pollutants
•Water pollutants
•Soil contaminants
GUIDANCE:
• Only in exceptional or emergency situations should there any pollution which affects natural ecosystems or the local community.

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