Sustainability Policy
Sustainability is one of Boat Bike Tours’ four core values and gets a lot of attention at our company.
We are also proud partner of Travelife. This recognises our sustainable efforts.
The “footprint” of our travels is calculated annually (see Measuring section). This gives us better insight into where we can improve. Our goal is to reduce CO2 emissions, among other things by using biodiesel, installing solar panels and by looking closely at the composition of the menus. A quarter of our CO2 footprint is comprised of food and beverages. On our menus nowadays you will find:
– The option to choose meat less often,
– More local/regional and organic products and ingredients,
– More fruits and vegetables
For these reasons, during your trip one dinner will consist exclusively of delicious vegetarian dishes. Let us surprise you!
Our tours travel through some of Europe’s most beautiful nature. It’s our responsibility to care for this nature, and our planet, for future generations. That’s why we’re striving to make our cycling cruises as eco-friendly as possible.
With help from sustainable consultancy Sea Going Green and non-profit organizations Justdiggit and Treesforall we divide the entire process into three steps:
- Measure our carbon emissions and environmental impacts. Read more about measuring >>
- Reduce our emissions and impacts through our own actions. Read more about reducing >>
- Offset emissions that we can’t (yet) reduce by purchasing carbon credits. Read more about offset >>
You can help too! Sustainability tips for guests
When it comes to reducing our carbon footprint, we try to motivate everyone to get involved. In particular, you as our guest!
By making a few simple choices, you can already make a difference. Here are the best steps you can make to travel more sustainably:
Prior to your trip
– Choose low-impact transportation (such as the train) to get to your departure port.
– Compensate the CO2 emissions of your flight when flying to a port abroad or flying from another country to the Netherlands. One way to do this is through Treesforall.
– Choose a vegetarian menu, possible to request up to 7 days prior to your trip.
– Learn about the local nature, culture and history of the country you are visiting.
On board
– Don’t shower for too long (about 4 minutes) to save water.
– Use soap, shampoo and sunscreen without microplastics (check www.beatthemicrobead.org)
– Skip the towel change in your cabin to minimize laundry.
– Reduce waste! Bring your own water bottle for biking (Dutch tap water is top quality!) and your own lunch box for lunch on the road.
– Unplug the charger when your device is charged.
– Turn off the lights when you are the last to leave a room.
– Separate your waste in designated bins.
– Choose the vegetarian and or eco-friendly option more often.
While traveling
– Respect local etiquette, do’s and don’ts and follow the tour guide’s tips.
– Buy souvenirs from small local vendors.
– Respect local people. Ask local people first if you can take their picture.
Our sustainability journey
We are constantly working to measure our footprint more accurately and find appropriate ways to reduce it.
When you travel with us, we hope you feel comfortable with the idea that your trip is as green as possible.
Boat Bike Tours’ sustainability policy includes several aspects: Sustainable relationships: BBT strives for long-term relationships with suppliers, shipping companies, distribution partners and its own team, rather than focusing on quick profits. Sustainable position in society: BBT wants to take guests to quieter and lesser-known places, away from crowded tourist hotspots. We want guests to connect with locals and have authentic experiences. Sustainable business: Reducing our environmental footprint is a complex but crucial component. If we fail to drastically reduce our footprint, the company will not be able to survive. Our goal is to continuously reduce our emissions rather than the past strategy of just measuring and offsetting.
BBT has set several sustainability goals, including: All ships traveling to/from Amsterdam must achieve a Green Award by 2025. Fleet-wide CO² reduction of 30% by 2027, 50% by 2031 and 80% by 2036. Reduction of CO² emissions on board, in transit, in the office and at third parties involved in our operations.
While it is not feasible to make our ships completely carbon-neutral in the next 15 years, we are aiming for an ambitious 80% reduction. This will require close cooperation with shipping companies, government support, the market’s willingness to pay more for sustainable travel, continued technological development and the availability of alternative fuels. As we work to reduce our carbon footprint, BBT is currently offsetting the remaining CO2 emissions. In addition, we plan to expand our cooperation with offset partners to include a local partner. Our policy also addresses various aspects of reduction, propulsion, hotel operations, meals, plastics, waste and black water. Behavior change is also important, as improved behavior can lead to a 5-10% reduction in overall footprint. We aim to share experiences within our fleet through an online platform. We will also compensate shipping companies financially for their efforts. Compensation amounts will be linked to CO2 reductions.
You can read our entire 2023-2026 Sustainability Policy here (only available in Dutch).
Questions and suggestions are welcome! Please send an email to [email protected]
