Press Release

While greenhouse gases and their impact on global warming remain the key issues under discussion at the United Nations Conference on Climate Change taking place in Copenhagen 7-18 December, the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) is hoping the event will result in a clear-cut and logical policy that the international business travel community can embrace and follow. One of the most important things that can come from COP15 is clarity and certainty to replace the concern and uneasiness that exists today on how measures to address the impact of climate change will impact our industry.  According to association President Richard Crum, no other industry had taken the lead in pursuing more fuel-efficient aircraft and surface transportation than the business travel profession, with many airlines experimenting with bio-fuel alternatives. Likewise, an overwhelming number of corporations sought to hold meetings at the most environmentally friendly conference and meeting facilities in the hospitality arena as well, including ACTE.

“It cannot be denied that the current economic crisis has caused many companies to cut back on their sustainability investment,” said Crum. “But it would be very encouraging if the COP15 (as the Copenhagen Conference is called) came to an end with a realistic policy in scale to existing economic constraints, leading companies back to greener and cleaner Corporate Social Responsibility priorities. Regardless of your position on global warming, it cannot be denied that the conservation of resources, the development of fuel substitutes, and a reduction in carbon, litter, or other harmful kinds of waste will be beneficial to the planet — and your children.”

Crum pointed out that ACTE was the association that introduced CSR to the business travel management profession — in 2005, and the first to offer carbon footprint evaluations and carbon reduction options to member corporations. For several years, ACTE was the lone pioneer in offering green meetings and conferences within the profession, in addition to serving as the leading CSR advocate for regional travel management associations around the world. To learn more about ACTE’s CSR initiatives visit the ACTE website.

ABOUT ACTE:  

The Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) represents the global business travel industry through its international advocacy efforts, executive level educational programs, and independent industry research. ACTE's membership consists of senior travel industry executives from 82 countries representing the €463 billion business travel industry. Our members serve more than 12 million business travellers worldwide. With the support of sponsors from every major segment of the business travel industry, ACTE develops and delivers educational programs in key business centers throughout the world. ACTE has representation in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Canada, Europe, Latin America, Middle East and the United States. For more information on ACTE, please go to www.acte.org.