Press Release

For Immediate Release
20 December 2006

ACTE Prediction of Possible CSR Legislation Gains Traction in Europe

Alexandria, VA -- After advising the business travel industry that environmental legislation impacting the cost of transportation was inevitable, the Association of Corporate Travel Executives' (ACTE) prediction came true yesterday, as the European Commission began to target aviation emissions as a source of global warming. A proposal by the EU will limit aviation carbon emissions for carriers operating within Europe by 2011, and extend to all other carriers by 2013. The proposal is expected to be approved by the Commission today (Wednesday, 20 December 2006). It then must be approved by the EU member states and the EU Parliament.

"We saw this issue coming and tried to get the industry moving on it," said ACTE President Greeley Koch. "Our position is that voluntary action to reduce carbon admissions by the travel industry could provide government authorities with reasonable assurances that airlines, hotels, and car rental companies were in support of strong environmental programs."

Koch added that while the EC's proposal contains a compromise allowing a 6-year catch-up for US and Asian carriers to meet the emissions standard, now is the time for the industry to begin exploring new technology for fuel conservation and emissions reduction.

ACTE introduced Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as a major industry initiative more than 18 months ago, to a mixed reaction from the business travel community. Yet in the past year and a half, nearly every major global company has incorporated some aspect of CSR acknowledgment in its advertising or corporate messaging.

"When price and service are highly competitive, a growing number of consumers will choose the product or service that is the most environmentally friendly," said Koch. "This is not a trend, but a fundamental change in the thinking of responsible consumers."

ACTE has gone far beyond just making CSR predictions. The association entered into agreement with two firms specializing in the reduction of carbon emissions, and has made these services available to its global membership. In October, the association hosted the industry's first reduced carbon Global Education conference, in Barcelona. According to ACTE Executive Director Susan Gurley, the association plans to extend the reduced carbon emission philosophy to its more than 65 international forums scheduled for 2007.

For more information, contact:
Debbie Flynn
CEO
Brighter Group
The Pod, London's Vertical Gateway
Bridges Wharf, Battersea
London SW11 3BE England
T: 020 7326 9880
F: 020 7326 9890
E: [email protected]
W: www.brightergroup.com