Carnival Cruise Line has donated $50,000 to the Alaska Carbon Reduction Fund (ACRF) to support local statewide sustainability efforts.
The donation was made as a result of a partnership between the Carnival shore excursions team and Allen Marine Tours, a family-owned business and one of the oldest tour companies in the region.
The funds will support the ACRF’s lower-income fuel-switching program, which provides emission-free heating systems to residents.
ACRF’s initiative uses hydroelectric power to heat homes without relying on diesel fuel, mitigating carbon dioxide emissions while reducing annual heating costs.
The program directs its revenues, donations and grants toward replacing oil-burning heating systems with emissions-free air source heat pumps in the homes of lower-income families.
Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said: “Our guests and crew value the hospitality and partnership of Alaska residents and we are making this contribution as a show of our appreciation and our mutual commitment to sustainable resources.”
Andy Romanoff, ACRF program manager, added: “Carnival Cruise Line’s generous donation will help to catalyze further growth of the fund and its impacts on families that need assistance the most”.
“Heating dollars will circulate locally, contractors will realize additional work opportunities, and the tremendous hydroelectric resources of the region will displace imported, carbon heavy heating fuels.”
