Sustainabilty |
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What measures are being taken by the STO to promote sustainable transportation options for event attendees within Spain ? The STO is constantly conducting communication and awareness campaigns to highlight the benefits of sustainable transportation options .
Through promotional materials , social media , conferences and so on ., we encourage everyone to consider eco-friendly travel choices and the positive impact it has on the environment .
Spain boasts the second most extensive and advanced high speed train network in the world ( only behind China which is a far bigger country ), known as the Alta Velocidad Española ( AVE ). The AVE network has played an important role in transforming the country ’ s transportation landscape , offering efficient and rapid connections between major cities . Additionally , efforts have been made to incorporate sustainable practices within the network ’ s operations .
The AVE network spans 3,240km and this extensive coverage has not only reduced travel times between cities , it has also contributed to the growth of regional economies .
AVE trains are designed to operate at speeds of up to 310 km / h on dedicated high-speed tracks , enabling rapid and efficient travel across long distances , and they are also designed for energy efficiency , using advanced technologies
Ciudad de las Ciencias Valencia
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to optimise energy consumption during operation .
The AVE network is often integrated with local and regional transportation systems , making it easier for travellers to seamlessly transition between different modes of transportation .
Needless to say , invest in expanding and modernising the network is continuing , with the aim of connecting more cities and improving connectivity across borders as well . Just recently a high-speed service has been launched between Spain and France serving several cities .
Are there any specific destinations in Spain that have been recognised for their commitment to sustainability ? I can give you two examples , Valencia and Tenerife .
In 2020 Valencia became the first city in the world to verify and certify the carbon footprint of its tourist activity .
A study carried out by the company Global Omnium , in collaboration with the Visit Valencia Foundation and the City Council , has measured the sources of greenhouse gas emissions and their effect on the environment in ten different areas related to tourism , such as transport to and in the city , accommodation , the enjoyment of restaurants , leisure premises or shopping ; waste treatment , water management , and the infrastructures necessary to support the tourist offer .
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“ The Sustainable Tourism Strategy for Valencia is committed to achieving carbon-eutral tourism activity by 2025 ” |
All the tourist activity in 2019 measured in this report reached 1,286 million tons of CO2 , of which 81 % corresponded to the use of transport ( train , planes or cruise ships ) of tourists to Valencia , but only 0.92 % corresponded to the use of transport in the city .
Another interesting fact is that the amount of greenhouse gases emitted by tourist activity is only equivalent to one third of the carbon footprint generated by the food consumption of all the city ’ s inhabitants . Or that only 0.01 % of the footprint of tourism comes from water consumption , in the most water-efficient city in Europe , and 0.41 % from solid waste collection and treatment .
The Sustainable Tourism Strategy for the city , which began at the beginning of the year , is committed to achieving carbon-neutral tourism activity by 2025 , making Valencia the world ’ s leading tourist destination with zero environmental impact . To this end , actions will be taken to reduce and compensate for the CO2 emissions derived from tourism .
The strategy will be based on the potential of Valencia for energy self-generation with renewable energies , the possibility of having full electric mobility in an almost flat orography , and the capacity of natural areas such as the vegetable garden , the Turia Garden and the L ’ Albufera Natural Park in absorbing CO2 emissions .
The strategy also provides for the reduction of direct consumption of oil-based fuels , the improvement of energy efficiency and the reduction of energy consumption from non-renewable sources . It also aims to encourage the consumption and correct management of products , goods and services , whose manufacture and logistics lead to the lowest emission of greenhouse gases in their transport . It will also ensure that the local economy and circulation is strengthened , by developing and managing proximity labelling so that tourists are aware of the impact of the sustainable , safe and healthy product
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