Uniworld Publishes Its Third Annual Sustainability Report
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has released its third annual Impact Report, detailing the progress made in 2023 and providing updates on the company’s sustainability goals.
Uniworld’s sustainability plan, overseen by Julie Higgins, includes 11 measurable goals, such as reducing food waste by 50% by 2025, eliminating single-use plastics, achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, and more. Since 2022, Uniworld has been publishing environmental impact reports to transparently outline the brand’s progress towards its goals in support of the planet and the community. For the company, sustainability is more than just a goal; it is a fundamental part of its identity and a commitment to future generations.
Net Zero Journey Uniworld
The latest updates from Uniworld’s Impact Report include:
– Food Waste Statistics: In 2021, Uniworld first implemented the Leanpath Solutions food waste reduction system to improve kitchen efficiency and prevent food waste through an automated food waste tracking system, aiming to reduce food waste by at least 50% across all ships by 2025. As of 2023, the system has been rolled out fleet-wide, reducing food waste by 36%. Since 2021, Leanpath has prevented the waste of the equivalent of 93,305 meals/354 tons of CO2/saving 1,247,516 tubs of water. Guests can learn more about Leanpath through an alternative dining experience called “Progressive Dinner,” hosted by the hotel director, which can accommodate up to 10 guests per session, complete with a kitchen tour where the chef showcases Leanpath’s role in reducing food waste and emphasizes its importance to Uniworld.
– Net Zero Goal Partnership/Path2Zero: Uniworld is working towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 or earlier. Additionally, Uniworld is the only cruise company participating in the Path2Zero project, a five-year research initiative led by Delft University of Technology aimed at devising the best path for the inland navigation sector to reach net zero by 2025. In 2023, Uniworld also joined a collaboration with a river cruise organization to request EU funding to support the journey to zero emissions by creating scenarios based on a European plan to decarbonize the cruise sector. Uniworld has committed to completing energy audits on its ships in 2023, and from 2024, it plans to introduce new opportunities to reduce carbon emissions. Finally, Uniworld is collaborating with Atlas Reizen, which provides coaches for about 50% of its itineraries using HVO fuel where available.
Make Travel Matter Uniworld
– Make Travel Matter Experiences: These experiences are carefully chosen based on a robust set of criteria aligned with the UN’s global goals, allowing guests to immerse themselves in local communities and wildlife in a sustainable manner while leaving a positive impact. In 2023, Uniworld offered 19 Make Travel Matter experiences on 67% of its itineraries, with 12 new additions launched during the year. The brand is working to have at least one Make Travel Matter Experience on every itinerary by 2025.
– DEI Initiatives: Uniworld is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion; Shirnett Fleet, Chief Marketing Officer of Uniworld, recently became a board member of the NorthStar BTAB (Black Travel Advisory Board), whose mission is to help promote a more inclusive travel industry. Continuing its mental health program, Uniworld introduced a 2-day course that earned certification from the internationally recognized Mental Health First Aid program. 100% of Uniworld employees worldwide have signed the company’s Code of Conduct, demonstrating a universal commitment to Uniworld’s ethical standards. Uniworld is also committed to providing affordable education for its employees.
Uniworld
– Sustainability Awards: Finally, the USTOA (United States Tour Operators Association) named Julie Higgins, Uniworld’s Sustainability Officer, a “Future Light of the Tour Industry” – an award given to recipients who are “champions of sustainability and DEI efforts within their companies and now, among all USTOA members and the travel and tour industry at large.” Julie was recognized for her work in leading the How We Tread Right strategy, making Uniworld a pioneer in sustainable cruising.
Additionally, Uniworld and the company’s culinary team were awarded by the United Nations Advisory Board on ZeroWaste for the progress Uniworld has made in reducing food waste across its fleet. Stay tuned for more news, updates, and reviews from Uniworld on Cruising Journal with photos, videos, and cruise deals.
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