Sustainability at Abacus Mountain Guides
Here at Abacus Mountain Guides we are fortunate enough to spend the vast majority of our time outside in the natural environment. We witness first hand the positive impact that being in the great outdoors can have. Being outside in nature has numerous benefits to both our physical and mental health, and we want as many people as possible to be able to experience this.
Unfortunately, we also witness the effects of climate change while we are out in the mountains: increased temperatures, increased rainfall, reduced snow cover, retreating glaciers, more extreme weather.
Something needs to be done and it is time to take responsibility.
We all need to take responsibility to look after our planet, and make sure these spectacular natural environments survive for future generations to enjoy. So what are we at Abacus Mountain Guides doing to protect the planet and reduce our impact on the environment?
Unfortunately, we also witness the effects of climate change while we are out in the mountains: increased temperatures, increased rainfall, reduced snow cover, retreating glaciers, more extreme weather.
Something needs to be done and it is time to take responsibility.
We all need to take responsibility to look after our planet, and make sure these spectacular natural environments survive for future generations to enjoy. So what are we at Abacus Mountain Guides doing to protect the planet and reduce our impact on the environment?
Offsetting?Many aspects of the travel industry are currently impossible to decarbonise, in particular the flights our guests take to get to our trips. Unfortunately 90% of offsetting projects have been shown to be ineffective and even 40% of UN carbon credits are not viable.
Clean Air Task Force has been ranked as one of Giving Green’s top charities since 2020. We have therefore chosen the Clean Air Task Force as our charity for climate donations for 2024/2025. Find out more here. |
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Renewable EnergyIn 2021 our premises were converted to be powered by renewable energy.
The oil heating was removed and replaced with an air source heat pump. This takes heat from the outside air and uses electricity to boost it to a higher temperature. The electricity will come from 100% renewable energy. |
BankingAbacus Mountain Guides uses the Cooperative Bank for its business banking, a bank that has high ethical standards.
Our mortgage is provided by Nationwide Building Society which has been given a score of 85% on The Good Shopping Guide’s Ethical Banks & Building Societies Ratings Table |
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Public TransportWith good links from all the major cities, we encourage our customers to use public transport to reach Fort William wherever possible.
Our guides can usually collect people from their accommodation, thereby reducing the number of vehicles on the roads and also minimising the impacts on any car parks that are used. |
Collecting LitterWhenever our guides are out they carry a bag with them to collect any litter they come across. This also helps to educate our customers.
One common misconception is that it's OK to discard fruit peel and cores on the mountains and they'll rot away. It does in fact take years for these items to decompose in the cold temperatures. |
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Carbon LiteracyCarbon Literacy is relevant climate change learning that catalyses action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Carbon Literacy Project works to provide access to this learning to everyone who lives, works and studies and is expanding rapidly across the UK and beyond.
Mike Pescod has met all the requirements of the Carbon Literacy Standard and is regarded as carbon literate. |
