American Express Global Business Travel (GBT) has announced the addition of a new green hotel badge to its proprietary travel and expense software, Neo. The new display is the latest in a series of developments to support GBT’s commitment to helping companies attain their carbon ambitions by enabling travelers to choose sustainable transport and hotel options.
With the latest release, Neo can now be configured to display a specifically designed badge next to hotel options that meet a company’s environmental standards. Neo has long included carbon emission details for flights and trains and recently added a filter to this feature. It allows users to more easily choose flight and train options with carbon dioxide emissions that match their carbon goals.
A recent report from the World Travel & Tourism Council found that 58 percent of consumers were thinking more about the environment since COVID-19. Vincent Bourbonnais, head of travel product at Neo, said in an announcement, “We know sustainable travel remains a priority for travelers and travel managers. When travelers see a trip’s carbon footprint at the point of booking, it enables them to make better-informed decisions. Now, travel managers can provide sustainability guidance on hotels as well as transport in Neo, which helps make trips more sustainable and aligned with environmental goals.”
In addition to new booking display features, Neo developers continuously update the CO2 emissions factors with regulatory guidance from organizations including DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) in the U.K. and ADEME (Agence de l’environnement et de la maitrise de l’énergie) in France. Future updates may include methodology from the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) in the U.S. and the International Civil Aviation Organization under the auspices of the United Nations.
As part of its commitment to a more sustainable business travel industry, GBT will continue developing sustainability features and programs. Upcoming versions of Neo will highlight electric and hybrid vehicles in the search display, making it possible for travelers to easily recognize more sustainable options. GBT also plans to help companies offset business travel CO2 emissions in partnership with preferred carbon offset providers. In 2019, GBT made a carbon neutrality pledge for the future and offset 100 percent of its own travel emissions via the Carbonfund Foundation.
Learn more at www.amexglobalbusinesstravel.com.
Related Stories
AmEx Global Business Travel Expands Messaging Capabilities, Enhances Mobile Platform
Loews Hotels Introduces New Approach to Virtual and Hybrid Meetings
American Express Global Business Travel Unveils Travel Briefing Platform
InterContinental Hotels Group Enhances "Meet with Confidence" Program