American Express Global Business Travel has had its emissions reduction targets validated by global climate action body Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
The travel management giant, which has committed to reaching net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its value chain by 2050, said both its near-term and long-term targets have now been approved by SBTi.
The TMC has committed to reducing absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 80 per cent by 2030 from a 2019 base year. It also intends to reduce scope 3 emissions, including those from business travel, by 30 per cent in that period.
Amex GBT said it is also hoping to have 67 per cent of its airline suppliers (by emissions) working towards science-based targets by 2028.
“Travel drives economic and social progress around the world. To keep enjoying these benefits we must urgently address our environmental responsibilities,” said Amex GBT CEO Paul Abbott.
“We will continue to lead the industry, working with our customers and partners to accelerate progress and meet our carbon reduction targets.”
In 2023, the TMC’s business travel activity produced 20,259 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2023, up from 17,085 tCO2e the previous year. According to its latest ESG report, Amex GBT has offset 100 per cent of its business travel related emissions annually since 2019. The TMC’s long-term targets include a 90 per cent reduction on all emissions by 2050.
According to the TMC, it is among the first in the business travel industry to achieve SBTi validation of its scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions reductions goals.