Global distribution system provider Travelport GDS last month introduced its Carbon Tracker tool, allowing travel buyers to track and report carbon dioxide emissions from booked trips. Travelport also is co-sponsoring the American Society of Travel Agents' Green Member program, designed to educate travel professionals on how to market environmentally friendly travel programs, work with green vendors and suppliers, and create a sustainable workplace--ultimately reducing carbon footprints.
"At the core of all ''carbon considerate' initiatives is the management of carbon emissions; a difficult task that requires accurate data gathering, calculation and reporting solutions," according to Travelport CEO Jeff Clark. "As travelers become increasingly aware of the carbon footprints they leave behind, it is important that companies and organizations within our industry work collectively to provide innovative products and services that meet the demands of these consumers."
Carbon Tracker "allows travel agents to see what the carbon emissions amount to for every corporation," said Clark. The system allows travel buyers to compare suppliers and choose those that emit the smallest amount of carbon emissions on every itinerary--whether air, rail or ground transportation. It also enables corporations to accurately track and report their corporate travel carbon footprint, according to Travelport.
The tool is designed to collect carbon measurements "across multiple global distribution systems" and "merge" back-office information. Travelport claimed the system "is one of the first corporate tools to combine industry-standard compliance reporting with an advanced calculator." A graphical user interface allows users to generate emissions data by itinerary and by transport mode.
Travelport built the tool with The Carbon Consultancy and enterprise resource planning firm Agresso. Compliance standards are based on those produced by the U.K. Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affair and the Green House Gas Protocol, which is described as "the most widely used international accounting tool for government and business leaders to understand, quantify and manage greenhouse gas emissions." GHG protocol is the standard many corporations use in reporting carbon footprint data in their annual corporate social responsibility reports.
Travelport joins such other travel firms as Carlson Wagonlit Travel, KDS, Sabre and Rearden Commerce in offering emissions calculating, tracking and reporting services. Accounting for emissions is generally the first step major corporations take to address travel's environmental impact. Among the latest to commit to such tracking is Motorola, which in a 5 May report listed measuring its business travel impact as a key element of its climate change strategy.
"There is much more to do on climate change, and removing carbon from our supply chain, operations and product use is an ongoing challenge," according to Motorola president and CEO Gregory Brown.
Discovery Communications last month revealed that it was one of the first clients to use GetThere's environmental features, including a carbon tracking solution. Like Travelport, the calculator Discovery uses for emissions reporting--furnished by its travel management company, Travelocity Business--uses the GHG Protocol .
Participants in the ASTA program pay $49 and receive a package detailing how to transform their offices into eco-friendly environments. The package includes answers to common questions about creating a green travel program, a checklist for determining which travel suppliers to consider and a glossary of green terms. Members also will receive email updates on new green initiatives.
Avis Budget also sponsored the ASTA program. Vice president of communications John Barrows said it would help facilitate the use of hybrid and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved vehicles, which number about 2,500 in the Avis Budget fleet.
"The travel industry can and should play a major role in helping travelers reduce their impacts on the environment," said Barrows. "Travel professionals, travel companies and consumers must all be active participants if we are to succeed."
ASTA director of research Melissa Teates said the association's program stemmed from client demand. "We were just getting basic questions from travel agents, like, 'How can I tell if a hotel is green?' Mostly, [travel professionals] wanted to be able to answer questions from their clients better."