Myclimate’s method for calculating emissions is based on the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, the global standard in carbon emissions accounting. They also follow the Science Based Targets Initiative, which provides a transparent and consistent framework for the measurement of carbon emissions. 

In the first phase of our myclimate partnership, we completed a pilot program that calculated the carbon emissions of our schools, offices, and all air travel by both customers and staff, based on a sample of representative EF schools and offices.  

In the second phase, we expanded our carbon accounting to cover a significant part of our global operations. This included adding more schools, campuses, and offices, as well as factoring in our merchandise, brochures, and the carbon footprint of our digital offerings. We also collaborated with myclimate to develop a customized calculator that allows us to measure the environmental impact of our educational travel experiences. 

“To account for all carbon emissions is a highly technical and incredibly important process,” says Cornelia Rutishauser, Team Leader for Corporate Partnerships at myclimate. “It’s so important because it allows EF to identify and address its carbon hotspots and continue to focus on effective and impactful reductions.” 

While conducting a comprehensive calculation for our global business takes time, we are committed to doing this because it allows us to implement more targeted reduction strategies. 

One of our key areas of focus is ensuring sustainability in our choice of suppliers. By integrating sustainability into the decision-making process, we empower our colleagues to make better choices. 

Several years ago, we introduced the EF Responsible Supplier Guidelines to set standards across various sustainability topics, including human rights, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability. These guidelines ensure that our suppliers share our ethical commitments, making them partners on our journey. 

Each EF business tailors its responsible sourcing efforts to its operations. Our ongoing collaboration with myclimate allows our businesses to make these decisions in a data-driven way, maximizing the effectiveness of their reduction efforts.

Putting that into practice means we are continuously focusing on reducing our footprint in areas like accommodations, meals, and transportation. It means we are always training our staff to integrate sustainability – particularly responsible sourcing practices – into their day-to-day work.

We want to create a ripple effect through the industry to promote systemic change in the sector. To do that, we constantly seek to collaborate with industry associations, such as the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) and the European Tourism Association (ETOA).

It isn't just about our suppliers; we need to lead by example across the board. Our teams are working together to bring about innovations in our buildings, from our Zurich office running on renewable energy and its energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, to our Boston office operating and designed to LEED standards.

"As the Facilities Manager of our headquarters in Zurich for over seven years, I'm excited that our office now operates on 100% renewable electricity, with a portion of our heating powered by biogas," said Aykut Arada, Facilities Manager of EF Zurich. "This is a great step toward reducing the Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions of our building and advancing our sustainability goals."

We also promote sustainability across our printed materials and merchandise. For example, businesses like EF High School Exchange Year have transitioned to fully digital materials. Others have focused on producing sustainable merchandise.

The iconic EF backpack, used by our travelers and students around the world, is now made from post-consumer recycled plastic bottles. The backpack was produced in cooperation with our long-term supplier, MaCher, a leader in the field and a certified B Corp.

Every day is an opportunity to find innovative and, above all, sustainable solutions in how we work. We want to continue to open the world and inspire change while safeguarding the future of our planet.