Clear the way for effective climate protection in destinations

Calculating and improving the climate footprint more effectively thanks to a new
Calculating and improving the climate footprint more effectively thanks to a new model from the University of Applied Sciences Graubünden

Calculate and improve climate footprint more effectively thanks to new model

So far, there have been no concepts for tourism in the net-zero climate strategy, partly due to a lack of concrete data. This is where the "Climate-neutral destinations" project of the University of Applied Sciences Graubünden comes in. Based on the destinations of Arosa, Davos Klosters and Valposchiavo, a solution was developed with the aim of calculating, modeling and reducing the climate tourism footprint. This also contributes to the climate goals of the Paris Agreement and the implementation of the Grisons Green Deal.

In cooperation with Myclimate and the destinations Arosa Tourism, Valposchiavo Turismo and Davos Klosters Tourism, the University of Applied Sciences Graubünden is presenting the first possibility to calculate the tourism footprint comprehensively and accurately. Unlike other methods, this solution integrates the full Scope 3 view. This means that all induced emissions, such as guest travel, processed food and business trips by destination employees, are also taken into account in the calculation.

Not surprisingly, the results of the three model destinations show that mobility is usually the main source of emissions, accounting for over 50 percent. One exception is the more rural destination of Poschiavo, where mobility only accounts for 22% of emissions - even though total emissions per guest night are significantly lower. Overall, as expected, there are very large differences in the overall picture: from 3.1 kilograms of CO2 per guest night to over 300 kilograms. The second major driver - overnight stays - also varies. Hotels with large wellness facilities, but also overnight stays in vacation apartments, have the biggest impact. These generate almost as much CO2 as overnight stays in hotels. In Arosa, 45 percent of emissions are caused by overnight stays, in Davos the figure is 28 percent.

Calculate climate footprint web-based

The web-based solution allows complex data to be entered easily and provides clear indications of areas for improvement. The medium-term goal is to achieve net-zero targets in tourism. "To achieve our goals, we need to know where we come from. Knowing the destination’s carbon footprint is the basis for initiating change. The biggest challenge here is to know and collect the data. Thanks to this project, we have a tool that will enable us to close this knowledge gap and carry out regular monitoring in the future," says Claudio Föhn, representative of Destination Arosa.

The necessary steps and underlying principles are described in a guide, which is available in German, English, French and Italian. With Myclimate, the UAS Graubünden offers interested destinations intensive support and guidance in data collection and the development of improvement strategies, for example through mobility surveys of guests. The project was financed by Innotour funding from the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).

Tourism institute with national and international appeal

The Institute for Tourism and Leisure is the tourism department of the UAS Graubünden. In addition to bachelor’s, master’s and continuing education programs with a focus on tourism, the institute contributes to the further development of the industry through applied research and practical development projects. In particular, the revitalization process of Swiss and Graubünden tourism is actively supported. To this end, the research fields of "Digital transformation in tourism", "Tourism and leisure infrastructures" and "Tourist living spaces" are being addressed. Sustainable development" is integrated into research projects as an important cross-cutting topic.


Calculating and improving the climate footprint more effectively thanks to a new model from the University of Applied Sciences Graubünden