Schneider Electric and Big Red Group have announced a strategic partnership to promote decarbonisation in the tours, activities, and travel experiences sector across Australia and New Zealand.
Big Red Group, comprising Adrenaline, Experience Oz, Everything NZ, and RedBalloon, is dedicated to promoting sustainable and responsible tourism operators through their 14,000+ experiences, assisting travellers in selecting authentic, sustainable options.
Schneider Electric has been tasked with developing a roadmap for the decarbonisation of its operations and value chain, focusing on Scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas emissions. This aligns with climate science’s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C, ensuring the Big Red Group contributes to averting the catastrophic effects of climate change.
Big Red Group has set a science-based decarbonisation target for its full emissions footprint, verified by the Science-based Targets Initiative (SBTi). The company aims for a 42% reduction in emissions by 2030 and net zero by 2040 from a 2022 baseline year.
Big Red Group is committed to decarbonising, as Scope 3 emissions, including those from experienced operators, account for 99% of its overall GHG emissions. The company have partnered with Schneider Electric to develop a supplier engagement plan to gradually engage and enable suppliers.
Big Red Group Chief Sustainability Officer Jemma Fastnedge said Big Red Group is actively working to minimise its environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable and responsible experiences sector in Australia and New Zealand.
“Transparency and collaboration are essential to reducing Scope 3 emissions, and we know that success will depend upon our ability to bring the entire industry together. By partnering with Schneider Electric, we are well-positioned to address the complex issue of reducing Scope 3 emissions throughout our network of experience operators and agents. Our collaboration with Schneider Electric will reduce our own environmental impact and support others to join us on this important path towards responsible tourism,” Fastnedge stated.
“Together with Schneider Electric, Big Red Group has been piloting a decarbonisation engagement plan with suppliers and will leverage learnings and insights to continue to expand the program to encompass its full network of suppliers.”
Schneider Electric Director of Sustainability Consulting APAC Michael Cox commented, “We respect Big Red Group’s unwavering commitment toward responsible tourism. Sustainability is becoming a business imperative across tours, activities, and experiences as travellers become more aware of their environmental footprint and seek more responsible and sustainable experiences.”
“We are excited to contribute to Big Red Group’s commitment and action to drive environmental sustainability throughout its supply chain. The outcomes that we’re supporting Big Red Group to deliver represent a significant step forward in making tourism in Australia and New Zealand more eco-conscious, and we look forward to the positive impact it will have on the industry and environment,” Cox added.
