ITM RELEASES WHITE PAPER ON ALTERNATIVES TO CARBON-OFFSETTING
In Shadow of Copenhagen, Project ICARUS Stimulates Debate
The Institute of Travel & Meetings (ITM) announced today that it has released its latest addition to the ICARUS toolkit for buyers and suppliers of business travel and meetings services concerned with corporate social responsibility (CSR) aspects. The paper, entitled, "Alternatives to Off-setting" discusses the apportion of a shadow carbon price and the subsequent application of a total travel and meetings carbon cost to various off-setting alternatives.
Speaking on behalf of Project ICARUS, Mark Avery, chairman of the project said, "ICARUS has always been about creating balanced debate on wider CSR issues. This paper discusses the pros and cons of off-setting as it stands today and presents some really interesting alternatives which widen out the relationship between environment and other CSR concerns of corporations. It will be bound to make all those who are engaged in this subject think about the options they have and we believe it is the first paper to delve into this innovative approach to managing corporate responsibilities."
Jon Green, ICARUS Advisory board member and Associate at JMP Consultants added, "As one of the three co-writers who engaged in much discussion and debate, we feel that the corporate offsetting culture is one that can be challenged through innovative new approaches. The subject is a fascinating one, and illustrates the complex relationship between business travel, climate change and wider aspects of corporate responsibility. These are not simple or clear issues, but discussion and debate is much needed in this space as politicians, business and citizens examine the role of the corporation in society today. The use, role and management of business travel and meeting is a pivotal part of that discussion."
The paper is available to all ITM members and to subscribers of ICARUS. The project established by ITM three years ago aims to help buyers and suppliers reduce emissions from corporate travel programmes and understand how they can embed CSR principles in everyday operations and business models for commercial advancement and society enhancement.
To view the paper please visit the ICARUS Environmental Toolkits.
