Sustainable Commitment

Randonnée Tours is acutely aware of the fragility of our natural environment and committed in all of its operations to minimizing impacts and in donating in ways that will help. Here are some of the initiatives we have taken:

Offsetting our carbon emission:

• In 2009, we have offset our annual carbon dioxide emissions from luggage transfers on all of our self-guided trips.

• We have offset 30,000km - 6.9971 tons of CO2 in 2009 with Sustainable travel International in Gold Standard Projects.
  Gold Standard project are Renewable energy and energy efficiency projects inspected and validated by Clean Development Mechanism accredited Designated Operational Entities including The Gold Standard.

STI invests only in renewable energy and energy efficiency projects and projects that support environmental "additionality" of projects.   

STI Current projects:

• Protecting Biodiversity in Tengchong, China : read more here

• India, Solar technology – Orb: The project will develop a network of franchisees throughout India for the sale, installation, and service of solar water heaters, solar electricity units, and energy efficiency appliances.

• Ghana, Efficient Cook Stoves : read more here.

• Protecting Madagascar's Northeastern Forests : The Makira Forest Project aims to achieve the related goals of conservation, economic development and carbon sequestration. The project will work to reduce deforestation rates down to 0.07 percent, or the rate found in nearby national parks. An independent assessment by Winrock International indicates that 9.5 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions will be mitigated over the next 30 years through these forest protection activities.

• Turkey, Wind farms- Aliaga: The Aliaga Wind Farm is expected to be a 90 MW wind power project in the Izmir region of western Turkey. In total there will be 36 turbines each of 2.5 MW capacity. Construction is due to start in mid 2009, with commissioning due in mid 2010. Its location will make the most of the good wind resource in this Aegean region.

What you can do to offset your flight:

• We encourage you to offset your flight emission. Here's how it works: if you add polluting emissions to the atmosphere, you can effectively subtract them by purchasing 'carbon offsets'. Carbon offsets are simply credits for emission reductions achieved by projects such as wind farms, solar installations, or energy efficiency retrofits. Calculate and offset your flight emission here with STI.

Donation for the environment:

In 2009, we are donating $5 per booking to the World Wildlife Fund Canada . The following projects are receiving support from the dollars we contribute when you purchase a tour:

• Global Warming
  WWF's Climate Change Program is fighting global warming on every scale, from local communities to the international arena. Our goal is to get everyone working together on real solutions – to use less energy, to use clean energy and to help live with the effects of global warming.

• Canada's Pacific
  British Columbia’s Pacific Coast is filled with magnificent species and spaces. From sea floor to mountain summit, this region is home to a staggering abundance of natural diversity. WWF-Canada’s goal is to strike a balance between conservation and development that supports healthy environments, vibrant cultures and sustainable economies.

• Canada's Atlantic
  The Northwest Atlantic Ecoregion (NWAE) is home to a stunning array of wildlife, including more than 20 million seabirds and 17 species of whales, along with magnificent spaces such as The Gully. WWF-Canada’s goal is to help create a diverse, healthy ecosystem that supports fisheries and communities over the long-term.

• Forests & Freshwater
  Canada is covered by hundreds of thousands of square kilometres of sparkling rivers and lakes and millions of hectares of forests. WWF-Canada's goal is to protect, manage and restore this precious endowment through the use of protected areas and sustainable forestry practices.

• Mackenzie Valley
  WWF-Canada’s Mackenzie River Basin Conservation Program aims to protect key habitats, including critical forest and freshwater ecosystems within the watershed, and ensure a network of protected areas is established before any industrial development occurs in the area.

• Cuba and the Greater Antilles
  Cuba is an ecological treasure with over 6,000 flowering plants and 350 bird species. WWF-Canada's current conservation work in Cuba includes a wide range of activities designed to protect the country's rich biodiversity.

• Species
  Across Canada over 500 species are dangerously close to extinction. WWF-Canada’s species program tackles global trade in endangered species, funds research into species at risk and works to reduce the effects of climate change on species.

At our office in Vancouver:

• In choosing suppliers for our office operations, we have chosen companies who demonstrate a commitment to the environment. Examples: FedEx and Novex Couriers, Mountain Equipment Co-op, Hemlock Printing.

• We use 100% recycled paper for all final packages & paper supplies in our offices.

• We recycle our print cartridge with a local company in Vancouver: Print Savers.

• Our brochures are printed on paper from well managed forests, controlled sources and recycled wood or fibers and contain the FSC logo (stimulating responsible management of the world's forests).

• We only send brochures to those who specifically ask for them.

• All employees either bicycle, walk or use public transport to get to and from work.

• Employees are committed to re-cycling and using re-cycled products where possible.

Randonnée Operation:

• In the regions in which we operate tours, we have looked for ‘good environmental practices’ as criteria in selecting hotels and suppliers.
• We use locally owned hotels, B&B’s, restaurants and taxi/shuttle companies in order to stimulate the local economy.

• In everything we do and in all of our communications, we promote travel by bicycle and on foot.