The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has launched a novel initiative aimed at empowering the emirate's hospitality sector to significantly reduce its environmental impact. The "Carbon Calculator" is a digital tool designed to streamline the process for hotels to track and quantify their carbon emissions across various sources. This aligns with the UAE's ambitious "Net Zero by 2050" strategic initiative, a nationwide drive to achieve net-zero emissions by mid-century.
Unveiled at the recent Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024, the Carbon Calculator serves as a mandatory participation program for all hotels in Abu Dhabi. By registering and verifying their data on the platform, hoteliers gain access to dynamic dashboards that provide valuable insights into their environmental footprint. This transparency allows them to pinpoint areas with high consumption, particularly in energy and water usage.
The user-friendly calculator tracks key metrics such as fuel, gas, electricity, and water consumption. This data is then converted into a standardized unit – kilograms of CO2 equivalent (kgCO2e) – enabling hotels to readily analyze their environmental impact and formulate targeted strategies to minimize emissions. This focus on quantifiable results fosters data-driven decision-making within the hospitality sector, paving the way for a more sustainable tourism industry in Abu Dhabi.
DCT Abu Dhabi's Carbon Calculator initiative is lauded as a prime example of leveraging digital technology to promote environmental responsibility. Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), expressed her appreciation for the hospitality industry's proactive approach to reducing its carbon footprint. She commended the Carbon Calculator, highlighting its role in showcasing how "important entities are adopting digital technology for the greater good of an eco-friendly tourism sector. "
The implementation of the Carbon Calculator is anticipated to significantly contribute to Abu Dhabi's commitment to environmental sustainability. By empowering hotels to make informed decisions about their operations, the initiative paves the way for a greener tourism sector in the emirate. This aligns with the growing global trend towards sustainable travel practices, making Abu Dhabi a more attractive destination for environmentally conscious tourists.