American Express Global Business Travel has launched a sustainability recommendations feature that will allow Amex GBT customers using its Egencia travel management platform to access customized, data-driven recommendations to help reduce their carbon emissions based on traveler behavior and actual carbon footprint.
Developed in response to feedback from travel managers, this feature provides guidance on how to make travel programs more sustainable by explaining the impact on carbon emissions and travel costs. Companies receive a comprehensive view of their travel program’s emissions, actionable recommendations to help address and mitigate emissions, and the cost impact of the changes.
"We understand companies are concerned about managing all impacts of their travel," said John Sturino, senior vice president of product and engineering for Amex GBT. "We’re making it easier for them and their employees to make better choices. Our integration of personalized recommendations will give travel managers greater control of the environmental impact of their travel program and empower them to make data-informed decisions that can drive progress towards achieving their company’s sustainability goals."
Using data to influence bookings
The recommendations produced for travel managers include:
- Air vs. rail: A combination of Egencia's air vs. rail feature and a travel policy that showcases relevant rail options help travel managers determine when users should take the rail alternative, such as for shorter trips.
- Carbon-efficient flights: This option highlights flights that are more efficient than average. Travelers can compare and select these in the flight results search page.
- Cabin-class preferences: Travel managers can steer travelers to less carbon intensive cabin classes based on the length of the flight.
- Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): Travel managers can see SAF lifecycle reductions in their travel program and access insights from Avelia, one of the world’s first and most established SAF-procurement platforms.
After compiling this information, travel managers can implement the recommendations through a direct link to their policy page. Additional details are available in a new dashboard in the travel managers’ personalized analytics studio.
This launch follows Amex GBT’s introduction earlier this year of an emissions-based carbon pricing solution to help businesses manage their environmental impact.
