Synergy Climate Action Partner: Eagle Wing Tours
Industry
Destination Tourism
Website
Synergy Climate Action Partner Since
July, 2025
Eagle Wing Tours is committed to driving meaningful climate action through transparency, measurable outcomes, and sector leadership. As a Synergy Climate Action Partner, they are actively working through the five-phase framework to reduce emissions and lead by example.
Climate Action Progress
Commit
- Publicly committed to meaningful climate action
- Commitment Policy signed by Brett Soberg, Owner & General Manager
- At Eagle Wing Tours, we believe that true adventure begins with respect for the ocean, the wildlife we encounter, and the future we share.
- As a marine ecotourism company rooted in the heart of the Salish Sea, we recognize the urgent need to protect the ecosystems that sustain us all. Our commitment to climate action and sustainability is both a responsibility and a calling. We are not perfect, but we are determined, and our journey is driven by a deep love for the natural world, the communities we serve, and the generations yet to come.
- We are proud to have been Canada’s first 100% carbon-neutral whale watching company, and we commit to continuing to reduce our carbon footprint through decarbonization solutions, regenerative tourism practices, conservation partnerships, and meaningful investments in habitat restoration, public education, and Indigenous-led initiatives.
- Looking ahead, our vision is bold: a thriving marine ecosystem where tourism, conservation, and community walk hand in hand. We aim to lead by example, amplify voices for change, and work collaboratively with industry, government, and Indigenous partners to ensure long-term stewardship of our coastal waters.
- This is a journey—and we’re all in.
With respect and responsibility, - Brett Soberg
- Co-Owner & General Manager
Eagle Wing Tours
Measure
- Completed and publicly disclosed annual GHG inventory
This Year (2024) (tCO2e)
Previous Year (tCO2e)
Scope 1
1,039
990
Scope 2
0.26
0.0
Scope 3
436
304
Total Emissions
1,476
1,294
Scope 1
This Year (2024) (tCO2e): 1,039
Previous Year (tCO2e): 990
Scope 2
This Year (2024) (tCO2e): 0.26
Previous Year (tCO2e): 0.0
Scope 3
This Year (2024) (tCO2e): 436
Previous Year (tCO2e): 304
Total Emissions
This Year (2024) (tCO2e): 1,476
Previous Year (tCO2e): 1,294
- Scope 3 Categories: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
- The emission increase between 2023 and 2024 is primarily due to the increase in capital goods from purchasing new high-efficiency engines and building a new floating office.
- Note: All Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions measurements are aligned with the GHG Protocol and ISO 14001 best practices.
Plan
- Eagle Wing Tours’ approach to sustainability and climate action is guided by four foundational pillars: Conservation, Sustainability, Research, and Education. These pillars shape the company’s operations, partnerships, and long-term planning.
- Level II Decarbonization Strategy (2024)
Completed by Synergy Enterprises, Eagle Wing’s Level II Decarbonization Strategy identifies three core actions, each designed to support a long-term shift toward low-emission marine operations:
- Vessel Modifications: Focus on mechanical upgrades, including propeller and impeller replacements, wake-adapted hardware, and vessel optimization strategies. Future opportunities include electric assist technologies and full or partial hybridization.
- Fuel Supply Transition: Eagle Wing is actively collaborating with the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority and regional stakeholders to advocate for infrastructure that can support renewable marine fuels, including renewable diesel.
- Fleet and Operational Planning: Incorporates evaluation of next-generation vessel technologies, trip optimization, and diversification of operations to reduce total fuel demand and align with long-term decarbonization goals.
- Key Milestones
- Renewable Diesel: Transitioning to renewable diesel is identified as the largest opportunity for emissions reduction. Eagle Wing is targeting the adoption of renewable diesel before 2030, pending fuel availability and infrastructure readiness.
- Net-Zero by 2050 Commitment: Eagle Wing has formally joined Canada’s Net-Zero Challenge, committing to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 across its operations.
- Circular Economy Audit: Eagle Wing completed a Circular Economy Audit in 2025 with the Project Zero Accelerator program to identify opportunities for waste reduction, reuse, procurement, energy, fuel, and water. Next steps are to follow the recommended actions outlined in the assessment.
- Nature Positive Strategy: Eagle Wing is developing a Nature Positive Strategy that aligns with global biodiversity frameworks and guides the company’s efforts to halt and reverse nature loss through science-based targets, stewardship partnerships, and habitat restoration initiatives.
Implement
- Longstanding Carbon Measurements: Eagle Wing has measured and reported its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions since the company’s inception in 2005, demonstrating an early and ongoing commitment to climate accountability.
- Carbon & Conservation Contributions
- Since 2019, Eagle Wing has contributed approximately $145,400 to Wilderness International, supporting the protection of at-risk wilderness habitat.
- Additional contributions are made annually through the company’s per-guest conservation fee and 1% for the planet membership, which helps fund marine conservation and habitat restoration projects across the Salish Sea.
- Fuel Efficiency Upgrades: Eagle Wing continuously invests in its vessels to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. In addition to a new silicon-based bottom paint to reduce friction and prevent toxic paint chips from entering the water, Eagle Wing has upgraded:
- Wild 4 Whales: Installed hydrofoils and interceptors in 2022, improving hydrodynamic lift and reducing drag to enhance fuel efficiency.
- 4EverWild: Received upgraded propellers in 2024, contributing to smoother performance, fuel savings, and a new engine in 2024.
- Serengeti & Wild Cat: Retrofitted with new engine systems (both boats) and dual propeller technology (Serengeti only) to enhance operational efficiency and reduce fuel consumption.
- Gold Wing: As the oldest vessel in the fleet, Gold Wing has undergone extensive retrofits over the past decade, including Hull modifications with lifting strakes, delta pads, and speed rails, and two full sets of propeller upgrades for improved propulsion and lower fuel demand.
- Low-Impact Materials & Office Practices
- Eagle Wing uses Sugar Sheet paper for office and guest materials, a tree-free alternative made from agricultural waste that significantly reduces lifecycle emissions.
- With new office construction, Eagle Wing mitigated energy consumption by utilizing energy–efficient appliances and installing insulated walls.
Lead & Influence
- First Mover Projects:
- Earth Day Power Hour. Launched by Eagle Wing in 2015 in partnership with the Surfrider Foundation, this annual shoreline cleanup mobilizes community volunteers for a single, focused hour of action. Participants collectively remove tens of thousands of debris items each year. In 2025, more than 250 pounds of garbage were collected, comprising over 10,000 pieces of garbage.
- Floating Classroom & Marine Naturalist Programs: Eagle Wing pioneered immersive educational tours and curriculum-aligned experiences for over 2,400 local students annually, teaching ocean literacy and conservation.
- An overview of Eaglewing’s First Mover Projects: FIRSTS
- Broader Impact Initiatives:
- Conservation Collaborations: Partners with organizations such as the Pacific Salmon Foundation to support science and habitat restoration.
- Citizen Science Contributions: Crews and guests participate in data collection (e.g., whale identification, marine debris) to support long-term ecological monitoring and research.
- World Oceans Day: In partnership with the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA), Eagle Wing co-hosts a community celebration now in its 11th year. The event features over 30 local organizations showcasing interactive displays and activities focused on ocean health, marine conservation, and community action.
Interested in becoming a Synergy Climate Action Partner?
Let’s make tangible climate action happen.
