By
Alex Smith |
Royal Caribbean Group has published its 13th annual sustainability report, providing an update on the cruise company’s sustainability efforts.
The 2020 report highlights the progress made by Royal Caribbean over the course of the year. It is organised into four main sections detailing the company’s approach to sustainability, from emissions reductions to supporting employees and crew following the Covid-19 pandemic. This year's report also includes the latest Materiality Assessment as well as additional disclosures in line with the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) reporting metrics.
“Sustainability is a core area for our business, and this report reflects our successes and challenges over the past year," said Richard Fain, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. "While I'm proud of the progress we have achieved, the importance of this area has grown exponentially. Consistent with our mantra of continuous improvement, we have significantly expanded our aspirations in this critical area and are setting even more aggressive goals for the coming years."
In 2016, in partnership with World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the company set specific 2020 sustainability targets to reduce its environmental footprint, increase sustainable tourism, respect for coastal communities and cultural heritage, and support WWF's global ocean conservation work. As of this year, Royal Caribbean Group has met or exceeded all its 2020 goals. These include reducing its carbon dioxide emissions by 35 per cent, ensuring 100 per cent of the fleet is equipped to be landfill-free, removing 60 per cent of single-use plastics from its supply chain and producing 90 per cent of fresh water onboard.
Other details highlighted by the report include Royal Caribbean’s wind farm project in Kansas, US, which has offset 242,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, and the expected launch of the LNG-powered Icon-class ships in 2023. The commitment to source 90 per cent of wild-caught seafood and 75 per cent of farmed seafood from certified sustainable sources, which was impacted by global suspension of service from the pandemic.
"We are living in an era of profound and interconnected changes, which call for bold and positive action,” said Silvia M. Garrigo, chief environmental, social and governance (ESG) officer for Royal Caribbean Group. “Our ESG work and goals are focused on ensuring we play a leadership role in contributing to a healthy and thriving workplace, society and environment."
View the full report via Royal Caribbean Group’s website.