Climate Change Data

White Desert

Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2019-2020, 2022)

Reporting Period: 2019-2020

Environmental Metrics

Total Carbon Emissions:1,640,273.70 tCO2e/year (2019-2020)
Scope 1 Emissions:737.49 tCO2e/year (2019-2020)
Scope 3 Emissions:1,640,273.70 tCO2e/year (2019-2020)

ESG Focus Areas

  • Climate Change
  • Biodiversity
  • Waste Management
  • Biosecurity
  • Air Quality

Environmental Achievements

  • Established a greenhouse gas reporting baseline for 2019-2020.
  • Implemented a carbon and fuel use management plan.
  • Offset carbon emissions since 2007.
  • Developed site and activity specific environmental management plans.

Social Achievements

  • Provided logistical support for the scientific community and national programs.
  • Adhered to IAATO visitor guidelines.
  • Implemented a bio-security plan to reduce the risk of introducing non-native species.

Governance Achievements

  • Implemented an internal environmental management system (EMS) broadly following ISO 14001:2015.
  • Underwent inspections by the UK FCO and IAATO.
  • Set science-based targets for carbon reduction in line with Net Zero by 2050.

Climate Goals & Targets

Long-term Goals:
  • Net Zero emissions by 2050.
Medium-term Goals:
  • Achieve reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in line with Net Zero by 2050 commitment.
Short-term Goals:
  • Trial use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

Environmental Challenges

  • Increase in fuel use leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Potential impacts on local air quality from fossil fuel use.
  • Risk of introducing non-native species.
  • Potential for increased waste generation.
Mitigation Strategies
  • Implementation of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
  • Investigation of renewable energy options.
  • Improved fuel efficiency of vehicles and plant.
  • Waste reduction, reuse, and recycling initiatives.
  • Bio-security plan with pre-departure and on-site measures.
  • Grey water treatment plant design and implementation.

Supply Chain Management

Responsible Procurement
  • Sustainable procurement strategy to improve fleet efficiency and lower emissions.

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Physical Risks
  • Climate change impacts on sea ice and ice shelves
Opportunities
  • Development of energy-efficient products and services

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: Antarctic Treaty Protocol on Environmental Protection

Certifications: Carbon Neutral (since 2007)

Awards & Recognition

  • Society for the Environment’s Team of the Year Award (2017)
  • Society for the Environment’s Project of the Year Award (2017)

Reporting Period: 2022

Environmental Metrics

ESG Focus Areas

  • Environmental Sustainability
  • Responsible Tourism
  • Carbon Neutrality

Environmental Achievements

  • Carbon neutral since 2007
  • First aviation operator in Antarctica to be carbon neutral
  • Pioneering the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in Antarctica
  • Working to remove single-use plastic from operations
  • All solid waste transported out of Antarctica at the end of the season
  • Established a carbon reporting baseline to set targets for carbon reduction

Social Achievements

  • Employs 80 people from 17 different nationalities
  • Supports scientific missions in Antarctica (e.g., #Endurance22 expedition)
  • Provides logistical support for international science programs
  • Creates Antarctic Ambassadors to support conservation

Governance Achievements

  • Operates under IAATO guidelines and strictest environmental standards
  • UK-registered with an operating company in Cape Town, South Africa
  • Permit to operate in Antarctica issued by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
  • Patrick Woodhead participates in UK Government delegations at Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings

Climate Goals & Targets

Long-term Goals:
  • Achieve science-based targets in line with the Paris Agreement and the UK Net Zero by 2050 goal
Short-term Goals:
  • Rapidly phase in the maximum allowed ‘50/50’ blend of SAF across its whole supply chain

Environmental Challenges

  • Minimizing environmental impact of operations in a fragile ecosystem
  • Reducing carbon emissions from flights and operations
  • Managing waste in a remote location
Mitigation Strategies
  • Carbon offsetting through funding replanting and renewable projects
  • Use of SAF to reduce emissions
  • Waste minimization through processing and repackaging
  • Removal of single-use plastics
  • Transporting all solid waste out of Antarctica

Supply Chain Management

Responsible Procurement
  • Partners with air operators signed up to the ‘Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation’ (CORSIA) scheme

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Physical Risks
  • Climate change impacts on Antarctic environment
Transition Risks
  • Regulatory changes related to aviation emissions
Opportunities
  • Development of sustainable tourism practices

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: IAATO guidelines

UN Sustainable Development Goals

  • Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy)
  • Goal 13 (Climate Action)
  • Goal 15 (Life on Land)

White Desert's initiatives contribute to these goals through carbon neutrality efforts, sustainable aviation fuel use, and protection of Antarctic wildlife and environment.

Awards & Recognition

  • 2017 Environmental Impact Awards for ‘Team of the Year’ and ‘Project of the Year Award’