MINNEAPOLIS—Newly tabulated results from a carbon-offset campaign conducted earlier this year by Carlson Hotels Worldwide report the initiative generated sufficient donations from members of Carlson’s goldpoints plus frequent-guest program to offset 340,436 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions. To date, members have converted 709,000 Gold Points into contributions for carbon-reduction projects operated by The CarbonNeutral Company. Carlson has matched the donations, doubling the overall value.
The goldpoints plus program includes all Carlson hotel brands: Regent Hotels & Resorts, Radisson Hotels & Resorts, Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Country Inns & Suites By Carlson, and Park Inn.
Carlson invited goldpoints plus members to donate Gold Points generated through their 2008 global travels in recognition of Earth Day, the international program created by the United Nations in 1969 to inspire awareness of and appreciation for the Earth’s environment. The campaign kicked off with a company-wide Earth Day celebration at Carlson’s corporate headquarters and in Omaha, Neb.
Program Began in 2007
Carlson revamped goldpoints plus in 2007, creating opportunities for members to offset their travel-related CO2 emissions by donating Gold Points to community-based carbon-reduction projects administered by The CarbonNeutral Company.
Thus far Carlson has contributed to two carbon-reduction projects with The CarbonNeutral Company. The first is a North American project to replace outdated, energy consumptive water heaters in low-income homes with energy efficient models at reduced cost to homeowners. The second is the reforestation of 11 acres of native forestry at the Dale Hay Farm biological heritage site in England.
“Companies such as Carlson Hotels are leading the way in helping to educate travelers about climate change and what difference they can make through initiatives such as donating Gold Points, which tackles climate change by supporting offsetting projects,” said Sue Welland, The CarbonNeutral Company’s founder and creative director. “We look forward to working with Carlson Hotels on other campaigns to let people know of simple steps they can take to make a difference.”
Part of a Company-wide Initiative
“We are proud to be recognized by The CarbonNeutral Company for the contributions made by Carlson and its guests,” said Paula Winkler, executive vice president, Operational Strategic Support and Chief Information Officer, Carlson Hotels Worldwide. “It has been determined that 40.33 kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions are generated in one hotel room/night and overall, the travel sector accounts for 4 percent of worldwide carbon emissions. Carlson supports programs that promote global environmental sustainability as part of a company-wide strategic initiative.”
Carlson will announce a new environmental sustainability project later this year as part of a global initiative marking the opening of its 1,000th worldwide property.
Carlson’s goldpoints plus program provides an ongoing opportunity for members to offset their travel-related CO2 emissions by donating Gold Points to support The CarbonNeutral Company’s climate-friendly projects around the world. Members can redeem their points in increments of 1,000 by logging onto www.goldpointsplus.com. To learn more about how to redeem points to support carbon reduction projects, visit www.goldpointsplus.com/carbonneutral.
