Predictions on: Sustainability

Positive changes in social and political attitudes towards sustainability, across the globe, will drive more effective reporting of sustainability targets in a travel programme

While 2022 has seen positive movement in general sustainability initiatives in the UK and Europe³, 2023 will be a pivotal year for them worldwide.

Changes in government policy mean sustainability is now much more of a focus in Australia. “Australia had lagged behind most developed economies in this area and much of that was due to a long-serving government who didn’t have policy around sustainability, hindering progress,” Reed & Mackay Managing Director Australia David Greenland explains. “Now, with a change of government to one with solid sustainability policies, we’re seeing the focus on sustainable travel accelerate markedly. It’s undoubtedly one of the first things on the agenda for clients and prospects." Ultimately prompting the need for better reporting on its impact.

Developments in sustainability reporting are also gathering momentum in the US. “The US was probably a bit behind Europe in the focus on sustainability but we’re now seeing it become more than a tick box element in RFPs,” Reed & Mackay CEO US John Keichline says. “Furthermore, clients want proof you’re doing the same, both with the technology we provide to measure and reduce their carbon emissions, and also from the suppliers we work with.”

In Europe, upcoming changes in legislation could also influence how sustainability targets are reported more robustly in travel programmes.

New legislation will set a legal standard for how CO₂ emissions are going to be measured in Europe, thanks to the EU’s Count Emissions EU initiative⁴.

It’s a move that should be welcomed by those working in business travel, believes Oliver. “Sustainability goals will be near the top of the agenda when measuring and reporting on a travel programme, and a standard methodology is key,” she says.