Carbon Emissions and Carbon Compensation
In analyzing our impact, there are two key aspects we consider: the carbon emissions generated from our travel activities and the carbon compensation achieved through our solar energy initiatives. On one hand, traveling contributes to our carbon footprint through the emission of greenhouse gasses, which can significantly affect the environment.
On the other side, solar energy projects play a crucial role in mitigating these impacts by providing a clean, renewable alternative that reduces overall CO2 emissions. By evaluating both aspects, we can gain a clearer understanding of how our travel habits compare with the environmental benefits of our solar energy efforts.
Carbon Emissions
Dyme’s impact from reducing carbon emissions through the travel product can be understood by describing the carbon emissions that are created through travel, and Dyme’s support for solar projects that compensate for the emissions created in the process. While the best ways to reduce emissions are to travel less, buy economy class tickets, rent EVs, and stay at eco-friendly hotels in regions with cleaner grids, it is sometimes difficult to maintain these standards with business operations and personal necessities.
Dyme’s travel tool helps individuals address their travel-related carbon footprints through three primary areas: emissions from flights and aviation, emissions from car rentals, and emissions from hotel stays and accommodation. These three areas represent some of the main sources of carbon emissions created during travel, and thus it is important to understand the drivers of carbon emissions in each of the
Hotels
Energy consumption. Energy consumption is the largest contributor, primarily due to electricity and heating / cooling systems.
Water usage. Water usage involves energy for treatment and transportation and is significant in hotel operations.
Waste management. Waste management contributes to carbon emissions through landfill methane production.
Transportation: Transportation emissions arise from guest transfers and staff commutes.
Flights and Aviation
Flight length. Longer flights produce more carbon emissions due to increased fuel consumption. Short-haul flights have the highest carbon emissions per passenger-mile due to the need for more fuel during takeoff and landing.
Energy efficiency. The type of plane used affects energy efficiency, with newer, larger planes typically being more fuel-efficient. Short-haul flights often use older, less efficient planes.
Seat type. The type of seating chosen affects the carbon footprint, with economy seats having the lowest footprint and business and first-class seats having the highest due to increased space and resource usage.
Car Rentals
Size. Larger cars require more fuel and produce more emissions, while smaller cars like sedans produce less.
Fuel efficiency. Fuel efficiency, measured in miles per gallon (mpg), also plays a significant role, with more fuel-efficient cars producing fewer emissions.
Distance. the distance traveled in a vehicle also affects emissions, as longer distances require more fuel consumption.
Carbon Compensation
Carbon Accounting Model for Solar CO2 Reductions
Projects we support
Dyme invests in funds with our partners that develop solar in schools and communities throughout the US, Africa, Asia and the rest of the world. Our rationale is simple: we aim to bring solar energy to areas where we can have the most significant impact on both the environment and local economies, while also generating profitable returns. Our partnerships have led to significant CO2 reductions:
UGE International. A leading global developer of distributed renewable energy projects. Their mission is to create sustainable and resilient energy solutions by designing, financing, and deploying solar projects. UGE international initiatives span across various regions, though we are focused more on their US projects. Their projects focus on enhancing energy access, reducing carbon footprints, and driving economic growth in the communities they serve.
Communitary solar system built atop capped landfill on Norway, Maine, US
Communitary solar system built atop University in Gaborone, Botswana
Renewables.org. As a non-profit organization, Renewables.org builds solar facilities in regions across Asia and Africa. Their projects focus on providing reliable and sustainable energy to underserved areas, improving quality of life, and fostering economic development.
Overalll, Dyme’s investments have helped compensate 200,000 lbs of CO2 emissions.
By investing in these funds, we achieve significant CO2 reductions and deliver tangible benefits to the communities involved. Our approach ensures that our investments are both environmentally and financially sustainable, driving positive change on a global scale. Through these initiatives, we help communities reduce energy costs and generate revenue while directly combating climate change.
