The European business travel association network BT4Europe has recently emphasized the importance of sustainability within the corporate travel sector. In a new report titled Transition Pathway for Sustainable Business Travel, BT4Europe highlights the urgent need for businesses to prioritize sustainable practices in order to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a more environmentally friendly future.
The report, which was launched in Brussels on Monday, outlines a series of actionable strategies and key focus areas for businesses looking to transition towards more sustainable travel practices. According to Angela Lille, chair of BT4Europe’s Sustainability Working Group, sustainable corporate travel is no longer optional but essential for the future of both businesses and the planet.
One of the key messages from the report is the importance of cross-industry collaboration in improving sustainability within corporate travel. Lille stresses the need for sharing resources and knowledge across sectors to develop solutions that reduce environmental impact while maintaining business efficiency. She also emphasizes the need for sustainability to become as measurable as price in the travel sector, with transparency on CO2 emissions being embedded at the point of sale and on every invoice.
BT4Europe’s Climate Action Plan aims to support the transition to more sustainable travel by encouraging industry-wide cooperation and identifying the most impactful areas for change. The plan includes initiatives such as promoting electric vehicles, renewable energy integration, multi-modal transportation, and smarter travel management systems.
The report also addresses the importance of aligning travel policies with organizations‘ wider corporate social responsibility objectives. By engaging employees in sustainability initiatives and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility, businesses can encourage participation in sustainable travel practices. Suggestions for promoting sustainable travel among employees include offering financial incentives for using greener options such as public transport, carpooling, electric vehicle rentals, or cycling.
In addition to the launch of the Transition Pathway for Sustainable Business Travel document, BT4Europe is holding meetings with the European Commission and representatives of Europe’s leading airlines and rail operators. The report looks at how to design sustainable travel products and services, integrate technology for carbon tracking and reporting, and align travel policies with corporate social responsibility objectives.
For more information on sustainability within corporate travel, readers are encouraged to explore BTN Europe’s new report, Navigating towards net zero. With the growing emphasis on sustainability in the business travel sector, it is clear that businesses must prioritize sustainable practices to reduce their environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future for all.