GBTA joins Net Zero Carbon Events initiative

The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) has joined the Net Zero Carbon Events (NZCE) campaign, the worldwide events industry initiative designed to address climate change. Since its launch at COP 26 in Glasgow, Scotland, in 2021, NZCE has developed a wealth of resources to support events industry organisations on their journeys to net zero carbon emissions. These include a Roadmap and advisory reports on Venue Energy; Smart Production and Waste Management; Logistics; Travel and Accommodation; Food and Food Waste; Offsetting and Measurement. With the campaign now focused on implementation in each of these areas, GBTA and NZCE will be working together with the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) on implementing the Travel and Accommodation element. James Rees, president of the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC), which is driving the Net Zero Carbon Events initiative for the industry said: “We could not be happier than to have GBTA as a supporter. GBTA has unparalleled expertise and experience in the technical aspects of business travel and sustainability, especially through the Sustainability Initiative of the GBTA Foundation. We are delighted to be working with both GBTA and ICCA on this and looking forward to aligning our work and developing common ground for all stakeholders in future. “It is also a tremendous testimonial to the framework that NZCE has developed that GBTA will be using this for their own events in future.” “For our members, industry and for the work we do as an association, GBTA is deeply committed and active in helping to create a more sustainable future for global business travel. We are pleased to be part of the Net Zero Carbon Events initiative and working with the JMIC and other key organisations to bring the power of our collective efforts to ensure more net zero-focused approaches to the very significant sector of meetings and events,” said Suzanne Neufang (pictured), CEO, GBTA. Senthil Gopinath, CEO, ICCA added: “ICCA is proud to be a founding member of Net Zero Carbon Events, and we’re thrilled to have the Global Business Travel Association on board with this incredibly important initiative. One of our pillars as an organisation is sustainability, and ICCA is committed to working with our partners in the industry to promote the overall goal of reducing carbon emissions. It’s crucial that the meetings and events community as a whole joins forces to advance sustainable practices and policies around the globe, and as more organisations come on board, we get closer to our goal of Net Zero by the year 2050.” Net Zero Carbon Events is open to all organisations involved in events. Registration is free of charge. Further information: www.netzerocarbonevents.org