BARCLAYS BECOMES FIRST BANK TO RECEIVE ACCREDITATION FOR SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL PROGRAMME
Leading global bank gets ICARUS approval
The Institute of Travel & Meetings (ITM) announced today that it has issued its second Bronze ICARUS accreditation, in just three months, to Barclays PLC for implementing robust CO2 reduction targets and processes across their travel and meetings programme.
The accreditation, established in 2007, is the second stage in the overall Project ICARUS Accreditation programme and requires evidence of set targets and processes in line with the ICARUS pledge to reduce emissions by 60% by 2050 from travel and meetings.
Speaking on behalf of ITM, the founders of Project ICARUS, Paul Tilstone, Chief Executive, praised Barclays for demonstrating leadership amongst the banking sector, "Barclays has engaged with ICARUS and the reduction of travel emissions from their business from the beginning of the project. It's great to see their targets and strategy in place as a part of their overall commitment to the environment. Companies like Barclays have an opportunity to show leadership in their sector and I am delighted they are doing so."
The Barclays accreditation was approved on the basis of CO2 efficiency targets for their business travel programme, one of the options in the ICARUS scheme. It helps companies like Barclays take into account a variable operational base at a time when there are dramatic changes.
Tilstone added, "The efficiency option is offered as part of our bronze accreditation level to recognise that companies may need to target a reduction in emissions per capita rather than in absolute terms at this stage "
The accreditation lasts 2 years after which the organisation must demonstrate emission reduction success and subsequently re-apply or make a submission for increased accreditation at the next silver level which requires absolute reduction commitment.
Toby Withnell, Head of Global Travel Services for Barclays, said, "We were delighted to be approved by ICARUS. The process required us to go into very specific detail about our targets and methodology, meaning that it is even more satisfying to be accredited by such a robust scheme. We will be using the accreditation marque to reinforce our message to suppliers to demonstrate how serious we are about reducing emissions."
