Enhanced dialogue on a matter of global urgency, CO2 emissions, its consequence on global warming and what business travel managers can do in the procurement of green travel services was laid at the…
Enhanced dialogue on a matter of global urgency, CO2 emissions, its consequence on global warming and what business travel managers can do in the procurement of green travel services was laid at the Association of Corporate Travel Executives` (ACTE) Executive Forum held recently in Sydney.
Frank Hubbard, Director of Worthwhile Projects and an associate of Green Globe, a worldwide body offering benchmarking and certification training for positive environmental practices, presented travel as one of the world`s largest industry sectors in a unique position to make significant, high profile contributions to a sustainable planet. According to Hubbard such demonstrations of commitment to the environment attracts new customers, reduces costs, and builds company, community and investor confidence.
Another issue relating to the business sensibility for travel suppliers is the willingness among customers to pay for a product or service that promotes sustainable travel. Statistics from a study conducted by the Centre on Ecotourism and Sustainable Development (CESD) and The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), Consumer Demand and Operator Support for Socially and Environmentally Responsible Tourism showed the following:
- 70% of Australian travellers would pay up to $150 more for a two-week stay in a hotel with a responsible environmental attitude
- More than 71% of Australian travellers endorse the protection of destination communities well being and culture
- 38% of U.S. Travellers would pay more to use travel companies that strive to protect and preserve the environment
- More than 75% of U.S. travellers feel that it is important that their visits do not damage the environment
Corporations in Australia are waking up to the issue of global warming and concurrently developing green programs to reduce Co2 emissisions. On 16 April the Australian newspaper, The Age, reported that the Australian unit of one of the world`s largest financial services companies, KPMG, has given itself a deadline of just over a year to become carbon neutral. KPMG with approximately 4500 staff will be the first in the company`s global network to neutralize carbon emissions resulting from their operations if they reach their goal by June 30, 2008. The Age report included comments from KPMG`s national chairman, Doug Jukes.
Climate change is a pressing issue for individuals and businesses alike, said Jukes. Business needs to take the lead in tackling the problem of carbon emissions. Jukes also identified staff travel, particularly by air, and electricity used in the company`s offices as the biggest contributors of carbon dioxide.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
