Reducing Emissions from Business Air Travel

With companies increasingly focused on how to reduce their carbon footprint, many are beginning to look at how they use air travel. To help understanding of these issues and potential solutions, the AET supported non-governmental organisation particpation in Project ICARUS, an initiative created by the Institute of Travel and Meetings (ITM) and since acquired by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA). ITM, the recognised body for business travel brought together travel buyers and managers from major companies, partnerships and government, and created ICARUS as a definitive source of information, education and support for sustainability issues in business travel and meetings. Its four key components included: encouraging reductions in carbon emissions; developing an understanding of the wider sustainability issues; providing educational programs and events specialising in sustainability; and recognising companies who have adopted these best practices. Specific initatives have included the development of a tool kit for travel managers on how to measure and reduce emissions, as well as case studies on alternatives such as video conferencing.