Costa Cruises reveals fourth annual sustainability report

Europe’s number one cruise liner and Italy’s biggest travel company, Costa Cruises, revealed the outcome of its fourth annual sustainability report, which had been drafted in compliance with the guidelines from the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). The report was taken from the fiscal year between December 2007 and November 2008.

Pier Luigi Foschi, Chairman and CEO of Costa Crociere S.p.A. Group, said that despite the economic downturn, financial crisis and unpredictable oil prices, the company has invested in resources and optimized process for it to maintain high level of sustainability.

During the reporting period, Costa Cruises had achieved a five per cent cut in carbon dioxide emissions and in fuel spending per mile travelled. The decline was achieved due to the implementation of onboard energy-saving measures, including the use of ecological, silicone-based coatings on the vessel’s hull.

A five per cent decrease on the use of potable water per person was accomplished as well, from 240 litres in 2007 to 228 litres in 2008, through the use of desalination plants. The cruise liner company also experienced an increase on the quantity of special waste recycled, from 26 per cent in 2007 to 30 per cent in 2008.

According to WWF, a partner of Costa Cruises, the travel company is also committed in conserving the marine environment by supporting a project to protect a network of marine areas in the Mediterranean. Currently, the cruise liner company is also redeveloping its headquarter to become one of the first buildings in Italy to produce zero carbon emission.