Overview
As an organisation which represents over 1,000 travel buyers and suppliers the Institute of Travel & Meetings UK & Ireland understood there was a requirement to implement a programme of change to cause a reduction in emissions and create greater sustainable development of the travel management market. We believe that far too many organisations throughout the world discuss the environment without making a difference.
At ITM we believe it is not enough just to provide information on the issue. We believe that it is our role to help lead on this particular problem by providing guidance to those wishing to act and influence over those who feel they don't need to act. The environmental part of the project can therefore essentially be split into 3 components.
- A drive to encourage corporations and suppliers to reduce their travel and meetings management emissions by at least 80% by 2050 (from 1990 levels), in line with the UK Government target contained in the Climate Change Act of 2008
- A toolkit, information, network and events to help them achieve this
- A set of buyer accreditations and supplier awards to reward those that play a part in emission reduction
How ITM Defines Sustainable Development in Travel Management
At ITM, we subscribe to the overarching definition of sustainable development, from the Brundtland's Commission's report, Our Common Future (United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development 1987)
"Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs"
Sustainable Development means inter-linking social, economic and environmental criteria. This can appear to be ambiguous, often generating competing priorities. ICARUS aims to help our industry develop and find a way through, by furthering the discussion and developing the tools for a corporate travel programme that is socially equitable, economically sound and environmentally conscious.
- Economics - Corporate travel is a key generator of economic prosperity and future opportunity in our globalised world. However, climate change is the greatest economic risk facing humankind. Global transportation contribution in avoiding catastrophic climate change is not an insignificant one. We must seek to develop corporate travel programs, and procurement methodologies, that advance our economies on a need led basis and opportunity.
- Environment -Corporate travel programs should monitor, evaluate and minimise their impact on both the global and local environment. Climate change is the single most important global environmental challenge society faces - but we must also acknowledge and address the local environment impacts corporate travel and supply chain can result in.
- Social - The business travel industry has a Duty of Care not just to its employees, but those individuals, communities and cultures touched by business travellers and suppliers. By fostering greater social equity and promotion of mutual values we can make global relationships more equitable, and foster beneficial economic partnerships. When procuring travel services we need to ensure open competition, alongside fair, healthy and safe working practices and conditions for all.
