Ports of Jersey Launches Carbon Offset App

Passengers travelling in and out of Jersey can now see how much carbon dioxide their journeys emit and can pay the cost of offsetting it.

Ports of Jersey has released a new 'CarbonPass' app, enabling air and sea travellers pay to plant trees in the Brazilian rainforest to counteract the pollution from their flight or ferry.

It is one of a raft of new measures being introduced by the airport and harbour operator in an attempt to 'decarbonise' off-island travel as much as possible and make the organisation become more sustainable.

100% of the money raised through the CarbonPass app goes to Durrell's Rewild Carbon scheme.

Ports of Jersey's Director of Corporate Services, Jenny Marek-Murray, has been heading up the project.

She says it was important to have a Jersey-specific app that would calculate accurate carbon emissions, based on individual air and sea routes and the vehicles that operate them:

"We wanted to ensure that the money would go to an organisation that our local community trusted and would be inspired to give to.

When Durrell launched their Rewild Carbon programme, it was a perfect fit. We encourage all passengers to download the app to their phones."

Blue Islands passengers are already charged a 'carbon offset contribution' when they book their flights, but the CarbonPass app will let passengers travelling on other airlines, or by ferry, offset their carbon emissions too.

The app was unveiled as part of Ports of Jersey's plans to cut its own carbon emissions, as well as boost biodiversity in Jersey.

Its sustainability strategy, the 'Planet and People Plan' was unveiled at Jersey Airport on Thursday (17 March).

Jenny Marek-Murray presenting the Planet and People Plan

It sets out targets to decarbonise Ports of Jersey's own operations, and reduce overall off-island travel emissions by 30% by 2035.

It also outlines plans to preserve Jersey's water and marine biodiversity by reducing water use and regenerating habitats across the Ports of Jersey estate.

Ports of Jersey's CEO, Matt Thomas, says while off-island travel is a significant cause of carbon emissions, it is crucial to keep the island running:

"As islanders, our quality of life depends on connectivity, whether to visit friends and relatives, to access specialist medical care and education, or to travel on holiday.

Our economy is built on transport links, and lifeline freight connections bring the food we eat, the clothes we wear and the materials with which we build, furnish and heat our homes.

But we know that while we need our links, and couldn't live without them, they also have an environmental impact on our island and our planet."

Ports of Jersey staff talk about their sustainability plans, as well as what's already been done to tackle climate change

He says a conversation about climate change is never going to be an easy one in the travel industry, but to decarbonise off-island travel, all parts of the supply chain need to work together:

"Every airport and harbour have a hugely important role to play, and we will play ours.

We are committed to meaningful action that makes a difference, working collectively with our industry, business partners, government and customers.

The task is not small, but I am excited about the challenge and committed to the opportunities to lie ahead."

Ports of Jersey has already been recognised for its efforts, achieving the first level of the ACI Airport Carbon Accreditation.

The scheme independently assesses airports' work to manage and reduce their carbon emissions.

The CarbonPass app is out now for iOS, with an Android version and kiosks in the Airport Departures Hall due to be ready in time for the Easter holidays.