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Costa trims energy use, ups recycling, cuts carbon footprint

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The Whalesafe Life+ project protects sperm whales near the port of Savona and beyond
Key accomplishments in Costa Cruises' newly published 2015 sustainability report include a 4.8% overall reduction in energy consumption and a 2.3% reduction in the company's carbon footprint. All solid waste on board was collected and separated for disposal or recycling.

From 2014 to 2015, Costa decreased fuel consumption per passenger day by 3%. Emissions of sulfur oxides were reduced 11% and nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, 3% each. Seven ships, or more than 46% of the fleet, were fitted with the ECO Exhaust Gas Cleaning System.

In addition, Costa in 2015 partnered the Whalesafe Life+ project to protect sperm whales near the port of Savona and beyond, and worked with Italy's National Research Council - Institute of Marine Sciences to support oceanography and marine science.

The company also focused on reducing, reusing and recovering materials and products on board by involving passengers and crew, for example, through its multi-year partnership with Italy’s National Consortium for the Recovery and Recycling of Aluminum.

From 2007 through 2015 approximately 334 metric tons of aluminum was collected on board for recycling. In addition, this alliance led to 'Message in a can,' a major project engaging the township of Savona in the separate collection of aluminum.

In further sustainability efforts, Costa worked to strengthen its links with the 261 ports its ships visit. The line has more 10,000 suppliers located across five continents.

Costa employs workers from 70 countries. In 2015 the average number of employees on its ships rose across all geographic areas, with a year-on-year 9.5% increase.

Looking ahead, a major project includes LNG-powered newbuilds scheduled for delivery in 2019 and 2021.

Plus, the company is working on sustainable nutrition and supply chain transparency with the aim of providing excellent food sourced with sustainable procurement practices and an accent on healthy eating. Costa established a partnership with the Università degli Studi delle Scienze Gastronomiche di Pollenzo to carry out a review of its food service with the goals of strengthening links between dining and cultural traditions in the ports visited, and to prioritize management of shipboard menus based on seasonal availability of local produce.

Passengers and crew will be called on to play an increasingly active part in responsible consumption initiatives aimed at reducing food waste.

Costa's 'Sea You Tomorrow - On course for the future' sustainability report can be downloaded here.