In 2022, ABAK partnered with ACRF to help meet their sustainability goals and became the first tourism company to participate and raise funds for heat pumps to be installed in low-income family homes. Over the span of 2022 and 2023, ABAK successfully raised nearly $15,000 to support this endeavor, contributing to the Alaska Carbon Reduction Fund’s mission.
“Above & Beyond Alaska (ABAK) has been organizing small group adventures in the Juneau area for over two decades. Our commitment is unwavering — we strive to exceed expectations across the board. This includes a steadfast focus on safety, a dedication to providing exceptional service, a commitment to maintaining the highest quality standards, and a proactive stance in fulfilling our role as stewards of the environment.”
Becky Janes, Founder and General Manager
Beyond their support for the Alaska Carbon Reduction Fund, they have been steadfast in their commitment to sustainability through the principles of reducing, reusing, and recycling. Their efforts extend across various aspects of our operations. They provide reusable aluminum water bottles to minimize single-use plastics. Every trip is equipped with reusable and washable snack bags to reduce waste. In 2015, they implemented heat pumps to heat the warehouse and office, enhancing energy efficiency. They actively recycle all cardboard, paper, plastic, glass, and aluminum. These initiatives reflect the ongoing dedication to environmental responsibility at ABAK as well as their mission to operate in a way that minimizes their carbon footprint.
“Our overarching goal at ABAK is threefold: to explore, educate, and promote environmental conservation right here in our own backyard. We firmly believe that the combination of exploration and education naturally leads to conservation. This belief is at the core of our mission. We take immense pride in engaging in what we love, and equally, in sharing with others the wonders of this beautiful world full of adventure.”
Each year, thousands of visitors respond positively to the Juneau community and its overwhelming beauty. Renewable Juneau hopes that the pioneering and proactive local climate action taken by Above and Beyond Alaska can be adopted as a Juneau visitor industry standard. The visitor cost is trivial, its impact is life-changing.
Above & Beyond’s support of the Alaska Carbon Reduction Fund should send a loud and clear message to all local businesses…it is easy to be part of the solution! Each year, ABAK and summer guests make it possible to lower heating bills for a local family by over 50%, while eliminating the production of over five tons of carbon dioxide. This climate action comes atop ABAK’s day to day operational sustainability measures, essentially raising the bar for tourism operations across southeast Alaska.
Sally Saddler, Renewable Juneau Board President