In its 2022 Seastainability Report, Royal Caribbean Group (RCL) said this marked a watershed moment in the company’s advancement of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) efforts.
Major events include the 30th anniversary of the company’s first environmental programme – 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, RCL President and CEO (pictured).
“Through collaboration and innovation, we continue to make great strides on our commitment of delivering great vacation experiences responsibly.”
Report highlights 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 Centre for Zero Carbon Shipping to develop zero carbon technologies and solutions for the maritime industry.
- Completing the first renewable diesel pilot in the US 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 prioritise DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) initiatives and create accountability, empowering and inspiring employees.
- Confirming US shoreside gender pay equity analysis shows that 99.98% of women are equally compensated compared to male employees at RCL.
- Launching the Royal Caribbean Kickstarter Programme 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 worldwide.
- 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 mill 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, RCL stressed.
