Sustainability Strategy for Business Travel and Events
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Original Contribution by: Reed & Mackay
Updated by: Business Travel Show Europe Content Team
Re-published: April 2025
Topics: Sustainable business travel, event sustainability, SAF, corporate sustainability strategy
Read Time: 6 minutes
Quick Summary: This article outlines how Reed & Mackay has embedded sustainability into every aspect of its business travel and event management strategy. From leveraging sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to integrating emissions tracking in booking tools, the post highlights industry-leading practices and innovations in the journey toward Net Zero. This guide also explores industry trends, tech innovations, and updated regulations in sustainable business travel and events.
Sustainability is no longer an option for business travel and event management - it’s a strategic imperative. As organisations worldwide work toward net-zero goals, corporate travel and events are under scrutiny for their environmental footprint. Reed & Mackay has embraced their environmental responsibility by making sustainability a core part of their operations and client offerings.
This article shares their sustainability journey to date, introduces the latest technology they are leveraging and reflects on how their approach aligns with global trends, from SAF to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), and how they are taking climate action in the events industry.
Their Sustainability Journey So Far
Reed & Mackay has been building its sustainability credentials for several years. Here’s a timeline of key milestones that reflect their sustainability initiatives:
- June 2020: Integrated CO2 DEFRA calculations into R&M/Book at time of booking
- January 2021: Chris Truss appointed as Sustainability Director
- September 2021: Partnered with Neste to offer sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to clients
- March 2022: Chris Truss joined the GBTA Sustainability Leadership Council
- April 2022: Launched their first Sustainability & Responsible Business Report
- April 2022: Achieved Gold rating from EcoVadis
- October 2022: Committed to near- and long-term emission reduction via the SBTi
- November 2022: Participated in COP27 and signed the Net Zero Carbon Events Pledge
- May 2023: Won the BTN Achievement in Sustainability Award
These actions are part of their ongoing efforts to minimise their carbon footprint and promote sustainable practices that have a positive impact across all areas of their business.
Innovations Driving Sustainable Travel Choices
Their latest technologies empower clients to track, reduce, and make informed decisions around their CO2 emissions. Through their proprietary booking tool, emissions data is visible at the point of booking, helping clients align travel decisions with sustainability goals and reduce negative impact.
In 2025, they are unveiling a major tech upgrade at the Business Travel Show Europe - designed to give corporate travel managers more actionable insight into their emissions data, including trip-level carbon analysis and greener travel options.
Partnering to Scale Impact
- Partnering with SQUAKE for enhanced sustainability data access
- Collaborating with 4ocean to support ocean clean-up and awareness
- Joining forces with GBTA to drive sector-wide change
Their commitment to social responsibility also includes employee-led beach cleans and carbon reduction campaigns designed to inspire a more sustainable future.
Aligning With Industry Trends and Regulations
Their work is strengthened by keeping pace with global shifts and sustainability expectations:
- Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF):
With the ReFuelEU mandate requiring a 2% SAF blend in 2025, corporate buyers will increasingly expect access to SAF. Their longstanding SAF partnerships support clients in meeting these expectations while pursuing broader climate action. - Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi):
Aligning with the SBTi ensures their sustainability plans are credible, science-backed, and externally verified, keeping them accountable to their environmental responsibility. - Employee-Led Sustainability:
Today’s workforce prefers employers committed to sustainability. Providing greener travel choices is a key factor in attracting and retaining top talent, including sustainable corporate travel and hybrid events that reduce unnecessary travel. - Sustainable Event Management:
They are adopting sustainable event management systems that reduce waste, improve reporting, and help clients meet their ESG goals. This includes embracing hybrid events, virtual events, and using renewable energy to reduce environmental footprint and promote sustainable event practices.
What This Means for You
If your business is looking to reduce its travel and event-related emissions while enhancing employee engagement, Reed & Mackay’s tools and expertise can support your goals across sustainable business travel and sustainable events.
Contact the Reed & Mackay team at hello@reedmackay.com.
Key Takeaways
- Sustainability is a long-term corporate strategy, not a short-term fix
- Reed & Mackay uses SAF, emissions data tools, and SBTi alignment to drive impact
- Technology is central to helping clients make smarter, greener choices
- Corporate and event travel sustainability is increasingly employee- and regulation-driven
- Sustainable event management is key to reducing environmental footprint in the events industry
Frequently Asked Questions
Further Reading
Acknowledgement: This article is an updated version of a post originally contributed by the Reed & Mackay team.
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