The National Renewable Energy Center (CENER), in collaboration with the ‘Camino de Europa’ project, has developed an innovative tool called the “Carbon Neutral Passport,” aimed at improving the experience of the Camino Francés and reactivating local economies through the use of technology.
This tool offers walkers the opportunity to know and manage their carbon footprint generated along their journey, providing information on the most sustainable establishments and rewarding pilgrims for their positive impact on the environment. José Serna Lumbreras, Senior Researcher in the Energy Transition Department at CENER, emphasizes the mission of providing solutions for decarbonizing tourist activities associated with the Camino de Santiago, ensuring the accuracy of energy data collected through digital meters.
The “Carbon Neutral Passport” encourages the reduction of environmental impact by providing information that allows travelers to choose establishments that practice good sustainable measures and have a reduced carbon footprint. Establishments participating in the program complete an energy consumption and sustainability form, allowing the platform to calculate their carbon footprint and provide personalized recommendations for reducing it. These recommendations may include implementing recycling systems, reducing water consumption, or adopting renewable energies.
By interacting with participating establishments, pilgrims can accumulate sustainability credits in their ‘Carbon Neutral Passport’ through a mobile application. These credits can be converted into Pilgrim Tokens at the end of the journey, a reward system that incentivizes positive activities, recognizes hospitality, and promotes value exchange relationships.
This initiative not only aims to reduce environmental impact but also to promote a culture of sustainability among pilgrims and local businesses, transforming the experience of the Camino de Santiago into a more conscious and environmentally respectful journey.
Referrer: MiMub in Spanish
