2022 marked a watershed moment in the company’s advancement of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) efforts. Defining events include the 30th anniversary of the company’s first environmental program, Save the Waves, and the publication of the first Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) report, published with the 2022 Seastainability Report.
“As we advance on our sustainability journey, our strategic priorities remain rooted in creating business value and uplifting our employees, guests and the communities we visit,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “Through collaboration and innovation, we continue to make great strides on our commitment of delivering great vacation experiences responsibly.”
The targets and strategies laid out in the annual report highlight Royal Caribbean Group’s progress to reduce emissions, promote the safety and wellbeing of its guests and employees, including its commitments to sustainable tourism, protecting the oceans it sails and inspiring and empowering the communities it visits.
Highlights from the report include:
- Setting a short-term target to reduce carbon intensity by double digits by 2025, compared to 2019, that advances the company’s vision for net zero emissions by 2050 — Destination Net Zero
- Signing a partnership agreement with Mærsk McKinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping to develop zero carbon technologies and solutions for the maritime industry
- Completing the first renewable diesel pilot in the U.S. on Royal Caribbean Group’s Navigator of the Seas
- Introducing the world’s first net-zero cruise terminal in Galveston, Texas, extending the company’s efforts and strategies from its ships to its shoreside operations
- Creating a new Executive Diversity Council to prioritize DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) initiatives and create accountability, empowering and inspiring employees
- Confirming U.S. shoreside gender pay equity analysis shows that 99.98% of women are equally compensated compared to male employees at Royal Caribbean Group
- Launching the Royal Caribbean Kickstarter Program supporting tourism related entrepreneurs in The Bahamas with trainings and seed-funding, empowering the communities the company visits
- Growing the number of sustainable tours certified by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) – now more than 3,500 around the world
- Increasing its sustainable seafood sourcing – 83% Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and 75% Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certified
- Renewing its partnership with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and committing an additional $5 million to preserve ocean health
The report references the guidelines of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and is aligned with the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) standards for Cruise Lines.
With a sustainability journey that began over 30 years ago, Royal Caribbean Group has remained steadfast in its commitment to innovate and advance the solutions necessary for a better future. Building on a robust portfolio of technologies that improve energy efficiency, water treatment, and waste management, it has worked to introduce environmentally friendly ships that move the company closer to achieving Destinations Net Zero, the company’s vision for net zero emissions by 2050.
Tags: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean Group
