In an innovative move, TAM Airlines, part of LATAM Airlines Group, has announced it has offset a total of 100,000 tons of greenhouse gases, equating to five times the emissions caused by the addition of 750 domestic flights to TAM’s network for the World Cup.

The initiative involves the acquisition of premium carbon credits developed by Sustainable Carbon – Projetos Ambientais, a consultancy firm specialising in solutions for climate change.

The carbon credits originate from six projects to reduce emissions, implemented in diverse regions across Brazil, whose aim is to replace non-renewable fuels with renewable biomass in small and medium companies.

These projects bring important social and environmental benefits to the communities involved, such as preservation of biodiversity, social inclusion and incentives for culture and healthcare.

A highlight of the scheme is an incentive to promote football as an instrument of social inclusion and quality of life for company employees and the community.

Over 300 people benefit from this football initiative supported by TAM.

Claudia Sender, chief executive, TAM Airlines, commented: “This initiative is part of our social and environmental responsibility strategy.

“The acquisition of carbon credits allows us to expand our environmental actions, going beyond our previous achievements towards optimizing resources and increasing efficiency.”

More information on carbon credits:

One carbon credit is equivalent to one ton of greenhouse gases that was not released into the atmosphere. To acquire this credit, a company needs to develop a project that meets the quality standards established by one or more independent entities.

Premium carbon credit projects go one step further by investing in social and environmental initiatives that bring important benefits for the communities where they are implemented.

In Brazil, offsetting emissions is a voluntary social and environmental responsibility action.

According to Stefano Merlin, chief executive, Sustainable Carbon, said: “The partnership between Sustainable Carbon and TAM Airlines shows the company’s strategic vision with regard to a low-carbon economy.

“The acquisition of carbon credits contributes to sustainable development through environmental initiatives to preserve the Amazon, Caatinga and Cerrado regions, in addition to social projects that benefit more than 5,000 people.

“We believe in this partnership and expect this innovative demonstration of engagement and commitment to influence the air travel industry in Brazil and abroad.”