Conscious tourism: A new calculator helps measure and offset the environmental impact of travel

A free calculator is now available that allows you to estimate the environmental impact (or carbon footprint) of your next trip and, if you wish, offset it with just a few clicks. Developed by Braztoa (Brazilian Association of Tour Operators), in collaboration with Eccaplan, this tool can be used by any traveler and represents a practical measure for those who want to travel more environmentally responsible.

Traveling is one of the most transformative experiences we can have, but it also leaves an environmental footprint. The tourism sector is responsible for approximately 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to data from the World Travel and Tourism Council. This figure includes not only transportation (air, car, cruises), but also activities related to hospitality, gastronomy, and consumption at the destination.

To give you an idea, a round-trip flight between São Paulo and Lisbon emits approximately 2.44 tons of CO₂ per passenger. Even shorter trips, including road transport and accommodation, have a significant impact.

When traveling, various activities generate CO₂ emissions, such as the fuel used in airplanes, buses, cars, and vans; the energy consumed in hotels and accommodations during the stay; and the transport of food, luggage, and travel supplies. These impacts are still little known by many travelers, but when combined, they form the trip's carbon footprint.

According to data from UN Tourism, CO₂ emissions from tourism transport are expected to increase by 25% between 2016 and 2030, rising from 1.597 billion to 1.998 billion tons. By the end of this period, they are expected to represent approximately 5.3% of all emissions generated by human activity.

The new calculator helps turn this awareness into practical action. In just a few steps, it allows users to estimate their trip's carbon emissions and, in a voluntary, secure, and transparent way, offset their impact by purchasing credits linked to certified projects, such as reforestation, renewable energy, and support for sustainable communities.

Carbon offsetting is not a substitute for reducing emissions, but it is a way to offset the impact that cannot yet be avoided. It also helps fund initiatives that directly contribute to environmental regeneration. Therefore, purchasing certified carbon credits is an effective way to offset emissions that cannot be eliminated. The tool is available online and can be used by any traveler.

Despite the magnitude of the figures, there are still few accessible resources to help consumers understand and act on their environmental impact. The new calculator addresses this need, promoting a cultural shift and enabling more informed decision-making.

Our goal is to expand access to solutions that help travelers understand and reduce their impact. With this tool, anyone can estimate their emissions and, if they wish, support projects with certified positive impacts, says Marina Figueiredo, Executive Director of Braztoa.

How it works

In a simple interface, users can enter all modes of transportation used (airplane, car, bus, van), both for the main journey to the destination and for local trips, such as the airport-to-hotel route, excursions, and other activities. According to the UNWTO (World Tourism Organization), tourism-related transport accounts for approximately 22% of the sector's total emissions, reinforcing the need for integrated and targeted measures.

Additionally, travelers must indicate the length of their stay, indicating how many nights they spent at their destination. In just a few steps, the calculator estimates the amount of CO₂ generated per person. Offsetting is entirely optional and can be done through Eccaplan's carbonfair.com.br platform, by purchasing carbon credits linked to certified projects, such as reforestation, renewable energy, and support for sustainable communities.

The tool is also available to Braztoa members, who can integrate it into their websites and customer service channels, offering the functionality to their customers at no additional cost.

More than simply neutralizing emissions, the initiative aims to contribute to a cultural shift: making environmental responsibility a natural part of the travel experience.

"Compensating for the inevitable is a present attitude that helps transform the future. This tool was created to make this decision easy, reliable, and accessible. Our invitation is simple: travel consciously. Compensate with purpose. Start now and take the first step toward the tourism we want: more conscious, innovative, and sustainable," adds Marina.

It's very gratifying to collaborate with Braztoa on an initiative that combines technology, transparency, and environmental responsibility. Offering an accessible and robust tool capable of translating technical data into clear information for the public is an important step forward. This collaboration reinforces how the union of different sectors can facilitate informed decisions, increasing the commitment to carbon neutrality and contributing to a market increasingly aligned with global sustainability goals, says Fernando Beltrame, CEO of Eccaplan.

The Carbon Neutral Calculator is now available on the BRAZTOA website.

Source: BRAZTOA.