Ensuring generations to come can contribute to the future of the Mont Blanc Massif
Global warming is here. Chamonix’s average annual temperature has risen by 2 degrees since around 1850 and the start of the industrial age, which has brought about dramatic glacial melting, a reduction in snowfall, an increase in rock fall and damage to habitats for flora and fauna.
These phenomena present us with hard evidence of the Earth’s vulnerability in the face of humanity’s choices, which have changed the natural cycle. Global warming is a 21st century challenge that necessitates the invention of a new way of living, with the aim of minimising our impact on the world.
Rethinking our relationship with time and nature
In a society constantly creating new opportunities, we strongly believe that the mountains are a school where we can learn patience and minimalism. Heading into the mountains is about letting time take its course and carrying only the strict minimum.
In a society that is, little by little, disconnecting us from the environment, the mountains are a place for exceptional experiences that allow us to fully appreciate that nature is an inestimable entity to which humanity itself belongs.
Carbon integrated as a cost
Carbon is the main engine of the Greenhouse Effect, which is driving global warming, and from 2025 onwards we will be integrating carbon into our costs. As 97% of our carbon emissions come from our clients’ travel to Chamonix, we will take into account the carbon emissions generated by our activities as well as our clients’ journeys. Carbon pricing will be fixed for full compensation at €30 per tonne. The equivalent amount will be invested in activities, primarily via FOEHN, our environmental fund, which works towards committing the ‘Pays du Mont Blanc’ to the fight against global warming.
Avoid – Reduce – Offset
Our zero impact framework is based on the ‘avoid-reduce-offset’ model. Avoidance and reduction take priority over offsetting, which is only used as a last resort. We are working in collaboration with the Chamonix Town Hall and a range of other professionals operating in the valley.
Avoid: educate and raise awareness
The Mont Blanc Massif is an astounding space for wonder at, and exploration of, our biodiversity. We run a number of environmental education initiatives through our activities with specific programmes particularly aimed at young children.
The carbon calculator on our website aims to raise awareness of the impact of our way of life in association with the activities we offer. We are particularly keen to question our transport options and to raise awareness.
Reduce: minimise and remove
We have reviewed our entire programme of activities and trips to reduce their impact and in the short term we aim to make the use of public transport widespread. We are also working towards optimising the operation of the mountain huts we run.
We have also stopped running trips that do not take place in Haute Savoie, Savoie, Switzerland’s canton of Valais and the Aosta valley in Italy. We have also stopped running any one-day activities based more than an hour’s drive from Chamonix.
Offset: the Low-Carbon Label
Created by France’s Ministry for Ecological Transition, the Low-Carbon Label targets projects reducing greenhouse gas emissions on a national level, with stringent economic, social and environmental requirements. Under the Label we are committed, from 2023, to funding local projects led by stakeholders in the Pays du Mont Blanc region.
