Measuring lodging’s environmental impact is less straightforward than for air travel or car rental. All three contribute to a business trip’s carbon footprint, but hotels also use lots of water and electricity, and deal with a lot of trash. When deciding which properties to work with, most companies don’t consider environmental data. Many, though, ask for it. More… Read More »
About five years ago, Microsoft created an internal carbon tax of sorts. Since then, business units have been responsible for carbon emissions associated with their electricity use and air travel. This year, the company began estimating the carbon footprint of its business travelers’ hotel stays. It will assess whether to include that information in calculations for the carbon… Read More »
A group of political heavyweights from yesteryear wants the United States to introduce a carbon tax to help cut greenhouse gas emissions. Surprisingly, they’re conservative Republicans. Unsurprisingly, airline trade associations aren’t interested. Including a corresponding carbon dividend for Americans, the plan comes from the newly launched Climate Leadership Council. Former cabinet members James Baker, Henry Paulson, Jr., and George… Read More »
Sometimes the things we write about peter out. Sometimes more developments happen, but they don’t warrant an entirely new article. In other cases, something unexpected or counterintuitive is noteworthy in its continuance. Hence, the Updates post. Click to jump to United’s carbon emissions pledge to corporate clients, Upside’s launch, proliferating Basic Economy airfares, PayForTrip’s pause, the federal government’s… Read More »
[UPDATE, October 19, 2016: GBTA Foundation’s updated car rental request for proposals template now is available. Meant to become an “industry standard,” the document includes a new section on sustainability. Car rental bidders are asked to describe sustainable development policies, environmental certifications, external audits, fleet gas mileage and commitments to help clients reduce carbon footprints. They also are… Read More »
After the golf outing and spa day are over and before evening frivolities, away from the exhibition floor din and the general session celebrity, GBTA’s convention attendees in Denver next month will seek education. This year there are more than 80 sessions. Putting on that many in an effort to appeal to all is an impressive feat by… Read More »
Integration between immersive remote conferencing systems and travel providers was popular several years ago. Marriott and Starwood installed some telepresence rooms. Sabre explored and its GetThere unit built booking systems for conference facilities. American Express Global Business Travel and Carlson Wagonlit Travel partnered with a Cisco reseller. It all fizzled. Last month, BCD Travel announced its Advito consultancy… Read More »