With the government pledging to reduce UK carbon emissions by 80 per cent by 2050, the pressure on all of us to be greener is increasing daily. Lucy Bertenshaw - transport campaign manager, WWF - is at BTMS 2010 to take part in a keynote panel discussing ‘Tuning into Sustainability' and will lead a Buyer Masterclass on reducing travel carbon emissions.
ABTN: Why should travel managers attend your sessions?
Lucy: To find out how they can travel and meet differently to reduce carbon emissions and make their companies more productive.
ABTN: Sustainability has been a buzz word in the travel industry for a while now. Are people taking it more or less seriously as we enter a new decade?
Lucy: More seriously. They have to. The transport industry accounts for 21 per cent of the UK's greenhouse gasses and the UK government has committed to reducing Co2 emissions by 80 per cent by 2050. These are legally binding targets, so we have no option but to move to a low carbon economy. For the transport industry that means moving to low carbon fuels for fleet vehicles, cars and coaches, the electrification of trains and, of course, flying less. But with the increased quality of video conferencing and telepresence systems, this is becoming a more viable option.
ABTN: What role does the travel industry need to play?
Lucy: In addition to government regulation, there must be an overall behavioural change and shift in working practice if the UK is to meet its targets. Last summer, the WWF introduced the One in Five Challenge, which asks UK companies to commit to reducing flights by 20 per cent over five years. We're not saying don't travel. We understand there will always be a need to fly. But we are asking companies to think differently about travelling and to ask if it always has to involve flying. Meeting virtually will not only reduce carbon emissions, but also save companies time, money, increase productivity and improve the work/life balance of employees.
A carbon constrained future is the reality that companies have to move towards so the sooner they start, the less painful it will be and - given the environmental agenda is frequently customer-driven - those companies leading the charge will most likely be at a competitive advantage.
ABTN: If you could ask travel managers to do just one thing to cut carbon emissions, what would it be?
Lucy: Look at alternatives to flying. And consider signing up for the WWF One in Five Challenge alongside Arkadin, BT, Capgemini, Marks and Spencer, Premiere Global Services, Scottish Environment Protection Agency Skanska, Vodafone UK and of course the WWF-UK!
Lucy Bertenshaw is a panelling in the keynote discussion ‘Tuning into Sustainability' at 11:15 on Tuesday 9 February, and is moderating the CSR Buyer Masterclass ‘Travel Related Carbon Emissions - practical tools and tips for measuring, reducing and compensating' at 4pm the same day.
To book BTMS conference sessions, please register for a visitor pass at www.businesstravelshow.co.uk
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