The BTA Urgently Calls For Collaboration in Industry-First Report
The BTA’s first Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Responsibilities report launched today, finds that the industry must urgently prioritise sector-wide collaboration to ensure sustainable development.
The report, titled “We Can’t Do It Alone”, is structured by the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as drawn by the United Nations (UN). It features interviews with over 30 stakeholders across the business travel industry, with sectors such as hotels, aviation, rail and technology providing input.
CEO of the BTA, Clive Wratten said: “The findings of this report demonstrate a desire for industry collaboration on a scale that we have not previously seen. It is critical that we take responsibility for our ESG activity as we recover from the pandemic, and now we have a focus to streamline these efforts."
"We are calling on the entire network of the business travel industry, as well as regulators, authorities, and governments worldwide to make this sustainable development possible; we cannot do this alone.”
Specific ESG priorities and concerns vary per sector. Yet, the entire industry is unified in its current approach to sustainable development, as SDG 13, Climate Action is disclosed as the number one priority of the 17 goals.
Challenges to ESG activity are also outlined in the report. Cost, measurement, communication and lack of government support are highlighted as barriers to ESG development on an industry-wide global scale.
As organisations drive towards net zero initiatives to limit global warming to 1.5C in line with the Paris Agreement, there is a prioritised future focus on green energy and developing the infrastructure needed to make this viable worldwide.
The report is the first step in the BTA’s current ESG campaign. Next, CEO of the BTA, Clive Wratten will consult external experts to gain expertise on the prioritised goals, resulting in a “Roadmap to a Sustainable Future” to be launched in the Autumn.
To download the report in full, click here.
About the UN’s sustainable development goals
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership.
For more information on the 17 goals please visit: https://sdgs.un.org/goals
About the BTA
The BTA is the authority on business travel. Working collaboratively across the industry and with the government to promote the integral role of business travel and events to the wider economy.
Originally founded in 1967, the BTA has a diverse membership and roster of industry partners. It's TMC membership accounts for over 90% of UK expenditure on managed business travel, delivering value for money and great service to business travellers in the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors. The BTA focuses on delivering practical solutions to challenges and market changes, as well as supporting best practice, sustainability, and the well-being of travellers.
For more information on BTA please visit: www.thebta.org.uk or call 020 3657 7010.
Media Contact
Victoria Naylor-Leyland
Pembroke and Rye [email protected] +44 (0) 7899 890 908