August 17, 2017 Comments are off kellen
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Carnival Corporation Launches Sustainability Website, Releases 2016 Sustainability Report

MIAMI, Aug. 15, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the world’s largest leisure travel company, today released its 2016 sustainability report as part of the launch of its new dedicated sustainability website.

The report and complementary site detail the company’s sustainability efforts and the progress made in 2016 toward its 2020 sustainability performance goals. The report was prepared in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) G4 “core” level, and a full copy can be downloaded from Carnival Corporation’s new site.

In 2015, Carnival Corporation announced its 2020 sustainability goals, establishing 10 goals for reducing its environmental footprint while enhancing the health, safety and security of its guests and crew members and promoting sustainable business practices among its brands, business partners and suppliers.

The 2016 report and website, Sustainability from Ship to Shore, confirm the company is ahead of schedule on reducing its carbon intensity and is on track to meet its additional sustainability goals during the next three years across its 10 cruise brands.

“We take our commitment to sustainability and the environment very seriously and take proactive measures to ensure that sustainability is ingrained in the core of our business practices,” said Bill Burke, chief maritime officer for Carnival Corporation, whose industry-leading cruise lines sail to more than 760 ports around the world. “Our top priority is to consistently exceed our guests’ expectations for a great cruise vacation – and that includes providing an exceptionally safe, comfortable and enjoyable environment for our guests and crew members, while at the same time maintaining our deep commitment to protecting the oceans, seas and destinations we visit.”

Added Burke: “We have a great team of employees, most of whom work and live at sea, and we all understand a healthy environment is not just an operating necessity, but it is also the right thing to do. We want our guests to be confident that when they book a cruise vacation with one of our brands, they are doing so with a responsible global corporate citizen.”

As part of the site, Carnival Corporation’s president and CEO Arnold Donald invites readers to join the cruise company on its sustainability journey through a welcome video that highlights key elements of the company’s commitment to sustainability. On the new site and report, easy to read messaging – enhanced by colorful graphics, engaging photos and videos – provides updates on progress made during 2016 in sustainability performance. The report was designed to share sustainability practices with stakeholders, including the company’s employees, the millions of guests who cruise with Carnival Corporation brands and investors.

Notable progress made by Carnival Corporation in 2016 that is highlighted in the report includes:

  • Being ahead of schedule in achieving a nearly 25 percent reduction in CO2e (equivalent carbon dioxide) relative to the 2005 baseline.
  • Pioneering the use of LNG (liquefied natural gas), the world’s cleanest burning fossil fuel, and introducing the first cruise ship ever fueled with LNG from trucks while in port.
  • Continuing to make progress in installing Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems, which significantly improve air emissions by reducing sulfur compounds and particulate matter from engine exhaust – by the end of 2016, 59 percent of the fleet was equipped with the systems (and a larger percentage is equipped with the systems as of today).
  • 40 percent of the fleet was equipped with cold ironing capabilities by the end of 2016, which allows ships to use an alternative power source while in port.

Carnival Corporation’s Commitment to Sustainability
Carnival Corporation and its brands implement extensive measures to deliver on its commitment to continue to keep guests and crew members safe and comfortable, protect the environment, develop and provide opportunities for its workforce, strengthen its stakeholder relations and enhance the communities in which the company visits and operates. Those measures are detailed in the company’s 2016 sustainability report.

As part of the company’s commitment to reduce air emissions and improve air quality in the environments where its ships visit, Carnival Corporation pioneered the use of LNG with the introduction of the AIDAprima in 2016. AIDAprima is the first cruise ship in the world with a dual-fuel engine that can be powered by LNG while in port. The company will continue its efforts to pioneer use of this clean-burning fuel with seven next-generation ships on order that will be powered by LNG while in port and at sea. The company also signed an agreement with Shell to supply LNG.

Other strides Carnival Corporation made in 2016 to deliver on its commitment to its guests, crew, stakeholders and the environment include:

  • Expanding its partnership with Wärtsilä to include a long-term diesel engine maintenance agreement with an energy-efficiency component.
  • Continuing installation of Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS), which significantly reduce sulfur compounds and particulate matter from ship engine exhaust.
  • Making a significant commitment to its employees in terms of high-quality training by establishing the new Arison Maritime Center, home of the Center for Simulator Maritime Training Academy, also known as the CSMART Academy.
  • Opening the second of three planned state-of-the-art Fleet Operations Centers (FOC) in Seattle with the most advanced ship-to-shore communications technologies available to assist captains, chief engineers and deck and engineering officers with digital support, control and planning of all nautical and technical operations.

Another key milestone for the company in 2016 was the launch of Fathom TRAVELdeep™ volunteer experiences benefiting local communities across a number of brands. Last year, Fathom guests participated in several impactful sustainability projects in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic – including reforestation efforts, recycling paper, and encouraging crafts entrepreneurship and a water filtration program. The company is exploring the potential to expand the volunteer activities to other areas around the globe in 2017.

As the company continued its efforts to achieve a diverse and inclusive workforce and to provide all employees with a positive work environment, Carnival Corporation developed, published and implemented an anti-slavery and human trafficking mission statement to further support human rights efforts in the global communities in which the company’s employees and their families live. Carnival Corporation also revised its corporate Health, Environmental, Security and Security (HESS) and Sustainability policy and initiated the implementation of a diversity council.

In 2016, Carnival Corporation continued its partnership with The Nature Conservancy (TNC), one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, with its $2.5 million financial commitment over a five-year period, which started in 2014 to support important research for marine conservation.

Carnival Corporation in 2016 made additional strides to deliver on its commitment to the communities in which it operates, including:

  • Continued partnership with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.
  • Support of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture with a $2 million donation over a five-year period.
  • Ongoing memberships with the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN), the Global Environmental Management Initiative (GEMI) and a new partnership with the U.S. Wildlife Trafficking Alliance to support their programs to reduce the demand for illegal wildlife products.

Recognition for Sustainability Initiatives
In June, Carnival Corporation was recognized for producing the year’s most engaging and informative 2015 sustainability report in the 10th annual Corporate Register Reporting Awards, the only annual global awards program honoring excellence in corporate social responsibility and sustainability reporting.

In the course of 2016, Carnival Corporation was awarded with various sustainability recognitions:

  • Recognized for the third consecutive year as among the best places to work for LGBTQ equality by the Human Rights Campaign.
  • Named by Black Enterprise Magazine as one of the 50 best companies for diversity for its commitment to an inclusive and diverse workforce.
  • Received Port of Seattle Green Gateway Awards for Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line and Princess Cruises’ commitment to environmental excellence.
  • Inclusion on Savoy Magazine’s Top 100 Most Influential Blacks in Corporate America for Carnival Corporation CEO Arnold Donald and Holland America Line president Orlando Ashford.

About Carnival Corporation & plc
Carnival Corporation & plc is the world’s largest leisure travel company and among the most profitable and financially strong in the cruise and vacation industries, with a portfolio of 10 dynamic brands that include nine of the world’s leading cruise lines. With operations in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia, its portfolio features Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard, P&O Cruises (Australia) and P&O Cruises (UK), as well as Fathom, the corporation’s immersion and enrichment experience brand.

Together, the corporation’s cruise lines operate 103 ships with 231,000 lower berths visiting over 700 ports around the world, with 17 new ships scheduled to be delivered between 2018 and 2022. Carnival Corporation & plc also operates Holland America Princess Alaska Tours, the leading tour company in Alaska and the Canadian Yukon. Traded on both the New York and London Stock Exchanges, Carnival Corporation & plc is the only dual listed company in the world to be included in both the S&P 500 and the FTSE 100 indices.

In 2017, Fast Company recognized Carnival Corporation as being among the “Top 10 Most Innovative Companies” in both the design and travel categories. Fast Company specifically recognized Carnival Corporation for its work in developing Ocean Medallion™, a high-tech wearable device that enables the world’s first interactive guest experience platform capable of transforming vacation travel into a highly personalized and elevated level of customized service.

Additional information can be found on www.carnival.com, www.fathom.org, www.hollandamerica.com, www.princess.com, www.seabourn.com, www.aida.de, www.costacruise.com, www.cunard.com, www.pocruises.com.au and www.pocruises.com.

Carnival Corporation releases its 2016 sustainability report as part of the launch of its new dedicated sustainability website, available here: http://carnivalsustainability.com. The report and complementary site detail the company’s sustainability efforts and the progress made in 2016 toward its 2020 sustainability performance goals.

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/carnival-corporation-launches-sustainability-website-releases-2016-sustainability-report-300504386.html

SOURCE Carnival Corporation & plc

Roger Frizzell, Carnival Corporation, rfrizzell@carnival.com, (305) 406-7862; Mike Flanagan, LDWWgroup, mike@ldwwgroup.com, (727) 452-4538

August 5, 2016 Comments are off Kellen
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Carnival Corporation Issues 2015 Sustainability Report

Carnival Corporation Issues 2015 Sustainability Report, Continues Strong Commitment to Environment and Safety
World’s largest leisure travel company today released 2015 sustainability report detailing progress made in environmental, safety, employee and social areas
Sustainability milestones achieved underscore company’s commitment to protecting the environment and include reduction of carbon footprint, increased fleet-wide capacity of advanced waste water purification systems and exhaust gas cleaning technology, and increased usage of clean-burning liquefied natural gas as a fuel source

MIAMI, Aug. 4, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the world’s largest leisure travel company, today released its 2015 sustainability report detailing the  progress made in 2015 against its 2020 sustainability performance goals. The report’s details show the company is on track to meet its goals in the next four years, with sustainability efforts highlighted across its 10 cruise line brands. The report was prepared in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) G4 “core” level, and a full copy can be downloaded from Carnival Corporation’s site.

Carnival Corporation & plc, the world's largest leisure travel company, today released its 2015 sustainability report detailing the progress made in 2015 against its 2020 sustainability performance goals. The report's details show the company is on track to meet its goals in the next four years, with sustainability efforts highlighted across its 10 cruise line brands.

In 2015, Carnival Corporation announced 10 goals for reducing its environmental footprint, while enhancing the health, safety and security of its guests and crew members, and ensuring sustainable business practices among its brands, business partners and suppliers. As part of the effort to achieve these goals, the company and its 10 global brands have implemented strategic energy reduction and conservation initiatives. The most notable progress made against these 10 goals to date, as outlined in the infographic here, includes:

  • Reduced the company’s carbon intensity rate by 2.8 percent resulting in a 23.4 percent overall carbon dioxide emission reduction relative to the 2005 baseline
  • Equipped 41 percent of fleet with exhaust gas cleaning technology to reduce sulfur compounds and particulate matter from engine exhaust
  • Improved the company’s carbon footprint with order of world’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG) powered cruise ships, as well as the first cruise ship to be powered by an LNG hybrid barge
  • On track to meet the 10 percentage point increase in fleet-wide capacity coverage of advanced waste water purification systems (AWWPS)

“We know it is increasingly important to have sustainable and transparent operations, so we work hard every day to run our company in a sustainable way, and to share those practices broadly, so that our guests can feel confident that they are making a responsible decision when they book a vacation with us,” said Bill Burke, chief maritime officer forCarnival Corporation. “We are committed to providing a safe and comfortable voyage for our guests and crew members as our cruise line brands create great vacations, while at the same time maintaining our deep commitment to protecting the oceans, seas and destinations we visit.”

Carnival Corporation’s Commitment to Sustainability
Carnival Corporation and its brands implement extensive measures to deliver on its commitment to continue to keep guests and crewmembers safe and comfortable, protect the environment, develop and provide opportunities for its workforce, strengthen its stakeholder relations and enhance the communities in which the company visits and operates. Those measures are detailed in the company’s 2015 sustainability report in three key areas – cruising, commitment and community.

Cruising
In 2015, Carnival Corporation introduced its 10th and newest brand, Fathom, which is pioneering a new travel category, social impact travel, which combines people’s love for travel with their desire to make a difference in the world. Later in the year, Carnival Corporation made history with its Fathom brand by receiving U.S. approval to sail to Cuba, laying the groundwork for it to become the first cruise company in over 40 years to sail from the U.S. to Cuba in May of 2016.

Commitment
In 2015, Carnival Corporation made progress toward its focus on maintaining measured capacity growth with the delivery of innovative, more efficient ships for its fleet by finalizing agreements for 15 new ships for delivery between 2016 and 2020 – four of which will be next-generation ships that will pioneer a new era in the use of cleaner fuels as the first cruise ships to be powered by LNG both at sea and in port. The introduction of LNG – the world’s cleanest burning fossil fuel – is a major step for the corporation in reducing its carbon footprint from the reduced carbon and cleaner emissions of LNG. In 2015, AIDAsol from the company’s AIDA Cruises’ German-based brand was the first cruise ship in the world to be supplied with power by an LNG hybrid barge while in port.

Other strides Carnival Corporation made in 2015 to deliver on its commitment to its guests, crew, stakeholders and the environment include:

  • Actively undertaking shipbuilding research and development for new abatement technologies and equipment to improve energy efficiency including: air lubrication systems using air bubbles to reduce friction between the ship’s hull and the water; exhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCS); and alternative fuels like the industry-first use of LNG as the world’s cleanest burning fossil fuel
  • Working with suppliers on expanding its sourcing of cage free eggs to 100 percent by 2025
  • Expanding tour operator sustainable practices

Community
Another key milestone for the company in 2015 was the opening of its newest port and Caribbean destination, Amber Cove, located in the Dominican Republic. The new destination represents Carnival Corporation’s single largest direct port development project with an $85 million investment to date, the largest cruise industry investment ever made in the Dominican Republic. As a part of Carnival Corporation’s commitment to the region, its Fathom brand also announced in 2015 that it would be making trips every other week to the area to enrich the lives of its travelers as they work alongside the locals, assisting them in improving the quality of their lives.

Carnival Corporation reinforced its leadership position in the China cruise region with the successful introduction of a fourth ship in 2015 – Costa Serena from its Costa Cruises brand. The company also announced in 2015 that it would introduce two more year-round ships – one each from Costa Cruises and Princess Cruises – making it the first cruise company with six ships based in China, maintaining its industry leadership in the country. Carnival Corporation also formed a strategic joint venture by partnering with state-owned China State Shipbuilding Corporation and China Investment Corporation to launch a new cruise brand in the Chinese vacation region.

Other strides Carnival Corporation made in 2015 to deliver on its commitment to the communities in which it operates include:

  • Donating $5 million to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami to create the Carnival Center for Excellence that will serve as the headquarters for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami
  • Donating reusable goods such as furniture, kitchenware, toiletries and other items from its ships to people in need throughout the communities it visits
  • Providing in-kind donation of cruises totaling over $2 million in 2015

Partnering with The Nature Conservancy to Advance Ocean Health
In 2015, Carnival Corporation continued its partnership with The Nature Conservancy (TNC), one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, with a $2.5 million financial commitment over a five-year period, starting in 2014.

Carnival Corporation’s partnership with TNC supports the organization’s Mapping Ocean Wealth (MOW) program that creates maps showing the extent and distribution of benefits that habitats like coral reefs and mangroves provide, including fish production, flood mitigation, erosion control and recreation. Progress made in 2015 with the help ofCarnival Corporation’s donation include:

  • Generating new knowledge about coral reef conditions, comparisons of nature-based and artificial defenses, innovative financing and other important topics
  • Publishing groundbreaking research on fish production associated with oyster reefs
  • Pioneering innovative methods, such as using social media to measure tourism activities, natural resources available, distribution, intensity of use and user satisfaction through the work being performed on the development of a global map of mangrove tourism
  • Developing an online web mapping tool allowing users to view and download models and maps of ocean benefits associated with coral reefs, mangroves and other critical coastal systems

More information about Carnival Corporation’s sustainability efforts and the full versions of its past sustainability reports can be found here.

About Carnival Corporation & plc
Carnival Corporation & plc is the largest leisure travel company in the world, with a portfolio of 10 cruise brands in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia comprised of Carnival Cruise Line, Fathom, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard, P&O Cruises (Australia) and P&O Cruises (UK).

Together, these brands operate 101 ships visiting over 700 ports around the world and totaling 225,000 lower berths with 15 new ships scheduled to be delivered between 2016 and 2020. Carnival Corporation & plc also operates Holland America Princess Alaska Tours, the leading tour companies in Alaska and the Canadian Yukon. Traded on both the New York and London Stock Exchanges, Carnival Corporation & plc is the only group in the world to be included in both the S&P500 and the FTSE 100 indices.

Additional information can be found on www.carnivalcorp.com, www.carnival.com, www.hollandamerica.com, www.princess.com, www.seabourn.com, www.aida.de,www.costacruise.com, www.cunard.com, www.pocruises.com.au, www.pocruises.com and www.fathom.org.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160803/395557-INFO

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/carnival-corporation-issues-2015-sustainability-report-continues-strong-commitment-to-environment-and-safety-300309060.html

SOURCE Carnival Corporation & plc

Roger Frizzell, Carnival Corporation, rfrizzell@carnival.com, (305) 406-7862; Mike Flanagan, LDWWgroup, mike@ldwwgroup.com, (727) 452-4538
June 8, 2016 Comments are off Kellen
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Carnival Foundation’s $2.5 Million Donation Helps The Nature Conservancy Launch Online Atlas, Protect and Manage Conservation Efforts in the Caribbean

MIAMI, June 7, 2016 /3BL Media/ — Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the world’s largest leisure travel company, announced today that its second consecutive year of supporting The Nature Conservancy helped the organization continue its momentum in protecting the world’s oceans and seas. As part of achieving its 2020 sustainability goals, Carnival Corporation is providing through the Carnival Foundation a $2.5 million gift over a five-year period to The Nature Conservancy, which began in 2014.

The highlights from The Nature Conservancy’s initiatives in 2015 include:

  • Helping the Bahamas expand marine protection areas by more than 11 million acres.
  • Supporting the establishment of National Protected Area Trust Funds in seven Caribbean countries, which can be used to address specific conservation challenges as they arise.
  • Advancing marine protection efforts at Los Haitises National Park and Samaná Bay in the Dominican Republic.
  • Launching an Atlas of Ocean Wealth, supported by multiple international online tools, detailed maps, marine life databases and other resources to educate and inspire community leaders engaged in ocean planning.

Carnival Corporation’s 2020 Sustainability Goals – embraced by the company and its 10 cruise line brands around the world — reflect the company’s dedication to operating with a high level of responsible sustainability in the oceans, seas and ports of call in which its ships operate. The donation to The Nature Conservancy and many other environmental groups underscores its commitment.

“With 101 ships traveling the world’s oceans and seas and more than 700 ports of call, our deep commitment to protecting and sustaining our environment is a top corporate priority,” said Roger Frizzell, chief communications officer for Carnival Corporation, who also oversees the Carnival Foundation. “On the eve of World Oceans Day on June 8, it is fitting to applaud The Nature Conservancy for again making great strides in identifying critical areas for public and private action in support of our oceans and seas, such as coastal production and fish population levels. We are proud to continue to support The Nature Conservancy.”

Also through the support of the Carnival Foundation, in the past year The Nature Conservancy was able to generate for decision makers new comprehensive data about coral reef conditions throughout the Caribbean, as well as research on the success of conservation efforts tied to oyster reefs and new maps of fish production connected to Caribbean mangrove growths.

Carnival Corporation also hosted The Nature Conservancy’s 2016 Mapping Ocean Wealth conference in January at its Miami corporate headquarters, where conservationists and decision-makers from around the world came together to discuss ocean sustainability initiatives. As a result of the annual meeting, The Nature Conservancy’s data on mapping vast ocean resources is now being directly displayed in The World Bank’s Spatial Agent, its decision-support tool used by World Bank economists and government leaders to identify the most pressing social and environmental issues the World Bank can address.

“The Nature Conservancy truly appreciates Carnival Foundation’s support for our global and Caribbean-specific oceans conservation work,” said Maria Damanaki, global managing director for The Nature Conservancy’s Ocean Program. “Carnival Foundation’s five-year commitment to preserving the world’s vital marine resources – and the many benefits they provide – has a major impact on our efforts.”

Added Damanaki: “As we look ahead to the next three years, by supporting our Caribbean Challenge Initiative, Carnival Foundation’s support will help nearly triple the protection of the region’s iconic waters and coasts by helping conserve 21 million acres of these important areas. Through The Nature Conservancy’s Mapping Ocean Wealth project, Carnival Foundation’s support will also provide a fundamentally new kind of ocean knowledge that is needed to protect our waters and transform their management now and for generations to come.”

Public awareness campaigns are another important aspect of building support for conservation in the Caribbean. The previous year has seen a variety of community education initiatives, made possible from Carnival Corporation and the Carnival Foundation. These include the production of songs, music videos, Public Service Announcements, presentations, beach clean-ups and billboards. As with all The Nature Conservancy’s efforts, the collateral material is geared towards raising awareness and participation in initiatives designed to support a balanced approach to preserving marine habitats throughout the Caribbean and around the world.

About The Nature Conservancy
The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to protect the lands and waters on which all life depends. Together with its more than 1 million members and 600 scientists, the Conservancy has protected 120 million acres of land and 5,000 miles of rivers worldwide, and operates more than 100 marine conservation projects globally. The Conservancy works on the ground in all 50 U.S. states and more than 69 countries. To learn more, visit www.nature.org.

About Carnival Foundation
Carnival Foundation is dedicated to creating positive change through empowering youth, enhancing education and strengthening families. In the past five years alone, Carnival Corporation — which includes 10 global brands — and its 120,000-plus employees have made more than $30 million in financial contributions and in-kind donations to a variety of local and national charities. Following the example set by Carnival Corporation’s founder, the late Ted Arison, and continued by his son Micky, chairman of Carnival Corporation, Carnival Foundation endeavors to make South Florida and other communities better places to live and work. For more information visit www.carnivalfoundation.com.

About Carnival Corporation & plc
Carnival Corporation & plc is the largest leisure travel company in the world, with a portfolio of 10 cruise brands in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia comprised of Carnival Cruise Line, Fathom, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard, P&O Cruises (Australia) and P&O Cruises (UK).

Together, these brands operate 101 ships visiting over 700 ports around the world and totaling 225,000 lower berths, with 15 new ships scheduled to be delivered between 2016 and 2020. Carnival Corporation & plc also operates Holland America Princess Alaska Tours, the leading tour companies in Alaska and the Canadian Yukon. Traded on both the New York and London Stock Exchanges, Carnival Corporation & plc is the only group in the world to be included in both the S&P500 and the FTSE 100 indices.

Additional information can be found on www.carnival.com, www.fathom.org, www.hollandamerica.com, www.princess.com, www.seabourn.com, www.aida.de, www.costacruise.com, www.cunard.com, www.pocruises.com.au, and www.pocruises.com.
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Carnival Corporation Media Contacts:
Roger Frizzell, Carnival Corporation, rfrizzell@carnival.com, (305) 406-7862
Mike Flanagan, LDWWgroup, mike@ldwwgroup.com, (727) 452-4538

 

November 12, 2015 Comments are off Kellen
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Materiality Case Study: Carnival Corporation & plc

In 2014, Carnival Corporation & plc conducted an analysis to reevaluate the significant economic, environmental and social aspects of its operations, to further assess the relative impacts of these aspects, as well as to determine the required components to transition from GRI-G3.1 to GRI-G4 sustainability reporting. Known as a “materiality assessment”, this analysis enables the company to determine which aspects substantively influence the assessments and decisions of its stakeholders; recognize and act effectively in relation to sustainability related opportunities and risks; and, determine how these aspects affect its stakeholders, society and the environment. During this evaluation process the company simultaneously conducted a benchmarking analysis of major hospitality, travel and marine industries. These two analyses provided a framework for determining which aspects to focus on in its fourth annual Corporate Sustainability Report.

As part of its materiality assessment process, Carnival Corporation & plc:

  • Reevaluated the significant issues presented in its prior sustainability materiality assessments.
  • Reviewed the environmental, social, governance and economic aspects and indicators in the GRI G4 sustainability reporting guidelines, as they apply to its business.
  • Analyzed the results of stakeholder sustainability engagements, including investor and customer inquiries, questionnaires and surveys from rating organizations, industry reports and analyses, policies and regulatory guidance, among others.
  • Benchmarked its sustainability strategy using publicly available information.
  • Held internal meetings to discuss company perspectives on sustainability aspects and impacts.
  • Examined over 50 aspects and issues, including areas of significant organizational impact, as well as broader sustainability trends (GRI G4 46 Aspects).
  • Mapped the full universe of stakeholder and company aspects on a materiality matrix, identifying the mid and high-scoring issues as priorities for its operations. This mapping enabled the company to:
    • Prioritize information on the basis of materiality, analysis of environmental aspects and impacts (ISO 14001), sustainability context, and stakeholder inclusiveness;
    • Agree on the desired content for each metric and the approach to reporting (qualitative vs. quantitative detailed performance tracking, etc.); and,
    • Expand supply chain materiality.

APPLYING THE RESULTS

The chart published in Carnival Corporation & plc’s FY2013 Corporate Sustainability Report summarizes the results of the company’s materiality assessment and shows, for each aspect, its relative concern to the company’s stakeholders and its current or potential impact on the company.

Materiality is about identifying the issues that matter most to Carnival Corporation & plc’s business and to its stakeholders.  “High” and “Medium” issues help the company to set the agenda for its sustainability strategy and for what it included in its current and future sustainability reports. “Low” issues, while important and managed by the company, are not currently covered in detail in the company’s sustainability reporting as they are of lesser concern to its stakeholders.

Carnival Corporation & plc plans to perform this materiality and benchmarking evaluation every two years, to make sure it continues to address its stakeholder needs, operational impacts, regulatory landscape and technological developments.

[This case study originally appeared in GEMI’s Quick Guide on Materiality.]