In today’s carbon-conscious world, reducing the environmental impact of business travel is crucial for oil and gas companies, which face increased scrutiny across every aspect of their operations. Business travel is categorized under Scope 3 emissions—indirect emissions that occur in a company’s value chain but are not produced directly by its own operations or energy use. Because Scope 3 can account for the majority of an organization’s total carbon footprint, many companies must now track, monitor, and disclose these emissions to meet investor expectations, internal audits, and evolving regulations. To meet SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) requirements, for example, organizations must disclose material climate-related risks and emissions. For companies that have publicly announced a net zero goal, this includes reporting on emissions from business travel and any actions that have been taken to reduce them. In this article, we delve into the ways that American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT) can help organizations report on and enhance their travel sustainability.

Empower travel bookers and managers to make smarter travel decisions

Making smarter travel choices starts with the right tools and guidance. Sometimes, rethinking the journey can lead to a better balance between carbon savings, cost, and traveler productivity. Is that flight truly necessary, or could a train offer a lower-emission, cost-effective alternative? When air travel is unavoidable, not all flights are equal. Choosing direct flights, more efficient aircraft, or airlines that use more sustainable aviation fuel can make a difference to lifecycle carbon emissions. Amex GBT helps support more sustainable travel decisions with a suite of features designed to track emissions, guide bookers to greener options, and help offset unavoidable emissions. The recent integration of the IATA (International Air Transport Association) carbon calculation methodology provides standardized emissions data for air travel, plus we’ve added the option of two new policy features that encourage rail travel and steer travelers toward lower-emission flight options when available. In addition to reporting and offsetting tools, Amex GBT helps organizations prioritize suppliers based on sustainability scores. From hotel groups and taxi firms to airlines and train operators, oil and gas companies can make informed choices that align with their environmental goals - without compromising efficiency or the traveler experience.

Track, measure, reduce

Better visibility of travel emissions makes it easier to identify opportunities for improvement. By offering centralized tracking and visibility of carbon emissions from travel, Amex GBT can help organizations analyze travel-related emissions over time and take proactive steps to reduce them. This might mean evolving company-wide travel policies, or integrating carbon compensation at the point-of-sale. Whatever approach an organization chooses, we can advise and support them every step of the way. Standardizing the tracking and measurement of travel emissions not only supports better decision-making, it also simplifies compliance with SEC regulations and internal policies. With Amex GBT’s solutions, organizations have the tools they need to support emissions reductions, cost savings, and the development of a more sustainable travel program that aligns with stakeholder and employee values for environmental responsibility.

Making a positive impact with Amex GBT

Equipped with comprehensive emissions data, informed travel bookers, and robust reporting capabilities, oil and gas companies can lead the way in delivering more sustainable and compliant travel programs. To learn how Amex GBT can help your organization meet its sustainability goals, contact our experts today.

GBT and its affiliates, resellers, distributors, vendors, and suppliers (collectively, the “GBT Parties” or “we”) make no representations or warranties, express or implied, guarantees or conditions with respect to your use of the Carbon Emission Reporting (“CER”) or other sustainability information, software, or services (“Related Materials), or its quality, reliability, merchantability, non-infringement of third-party rights or fitness for a particular purpose. You understand that use of the CER and/or Related Materials is at your own risk and that we provide the same on an “AS IS” basis “with all faults” and “as available”. You bear the entire risk of using the CER and/or Related Materials and we are not liable for the CER or Related Materials or for any action taken by you in reliance thereon, or for any losses or other harm arising from use of the CER or Related Materials. None of the GBT Parties guarantee the accuracy of the CER and/or Related Materials or the appropriateness of one carbon calculation method over another.