FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Why should I register?
Answer: There are six compelling reasons to do so:
- The CFT Registry is the only direct link from the tourism sector to the U.N. Climate Action Platform and the Paris Climate Agreement
- The CFT Registry also connects to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), to help reduce environmental impacts.
- Reducing carbon emissions will typically reduce operational costs.
- Travellers are increasingly going green and clean when planning trips. Join the CFT Registry to attract discerning customers.
- Words are not enough. We need committed action now. By joining the CFT Registry and providing carbon data and reduction targets, you can monitor progress.
- Governments from the EU and US to China are legislating for Climate Neutrality. Join the CFT Registry and stay ahead of the curve.
Q: What do I have to do?
Answer: First, fill in Part A of the Registry committing to the principles of Climate Friendly Travel. Then you have two years to complete your carbon reduction plans in Part B.
Q: I've not filled in such a plan before. How do I do it?
Answer: Don’t worry, we have an experienced team to assist you, led by our Registrar Hans Friederich. You can also see examples of other plans on the Registry website. We are continuously building the database, so more examples will appear as we develop.
Q: Why is there a fee?
Answer: The 50 Euro annual fee covers SUNx Malta’s administration costs in running the Registry.
Q: We are a small company. What difference can we make in combatting global warming?
Answer: Every journey starts with a first step. We are the only travel and tourism registry directly linked to the UNFCCC’s database. Your input contributes to the global efforts to keep global warming to within 1.5 degrees. Every Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) consists of the sum of individual contributions like yours.
Q: Can I offset my carbon? What is the best offset system?
Answer: Not all carbon reduction measures can be implemented now. In the interim we support offsetting of carbon emissions. However, this should only be an interim solution. As we move towards 2050, we need real carbon reduction measures. On the Innovation Hub is a paper that explains more about carbon offsets.
Q: I am in the hospitality sector, how can I offset my carbon emissions?
Answer: There are many things you can do. Examples are shown on our innovation hub. We also suggest that you check: https://sustainablehospitalityalliance.org/resources/resources-guide-climate-action/
Q: Do you have a methodology to help us measure our carbon emissions?
Answer: I am afraid we do not. But we do suggest you work this out through recognised in-house expertise or external consultancy. You may wish to check with www.greenview.sg
Q: Do I have to re-register each year?
Answer: No, you don’t, but you do have to report on progress by listing your emissions each year. The annual registry fee of 50 Euro will be collected automatically so we can continue to maintain the Registry.
Q: We have made some significant progress and would like to announce this. How can we?
Answer: We have an innovation hub, where examples of good practice are listed. Any exciting activity can be listed here as well. We also report on activities on the Registry. You can ask for your action to be included in our news section. Finally, our visibility partners – notably Sustainable First, Green Maps, and the Good Tourism Blog can promote your innovation publicly.
Q: Will I be able to see what my competitors are posting?
Answer: Yes, you can. The general information on the Registry is freely accessible to everyone so you can see what your peers are posting. Likewise, they will be able to see your activities. We believe that transparency is important – not the least for travellers.
Q: I do not use PayPal. How can I pay my fee?
Answer: We are installing wide credit card sign up facilities. In the mean time you can pay directly to the Belfius Bank account of the not-for-profit Green Growth & Travelism Institute in Brussels, Belgium. BIC: GKCCBEBB IBAN: BE79068896028433.
Q: What happens if I do not pay next year?
Answer: If you miss a payment we will contact you to ask whether you wish to continue to be part of the Registry. If you choose not to, we will delist you. We regularly update our database. Registrants who are in default will eventually be deleted from the Registry.
Q: Are there penalties if I do not reach my stated objectives?
Answer: SUNx Malta is not an arbitrator. If you are failing to reach your targets instead of penalising you, we will try to help you reach your 2050 goal. We have many years to strengthen your ambitions.
Q: What will I receive when I register?
Answer: You will get a Climate Friendly Travel badge and a copy of the Earth Charter developed by Maurice Strong for champions of the Planet.
Q: Can you refuse my application?
Answer: We will accept all applications from organisations in the Travel & Tourism industry, unless we are aware it contains false information.
Q: How do you deal with fake claims and false statement?
Answer: If we are alerted of such, and are convinced that statements on the Registry are not true, we will take appropriate action, either seeking Registrants to change their statements or in extreme cases deleting them from the Registry. However, we are looking at long-term ambitions to reduce carbon, and reach a zero-carbon situation by 2050, so we hope that such fake claims are never made.