BCD Travel remains sustainable supplier of choice

TMC earns EcoVadis Platinum sustainability rating for fourth year in a row

UTRECHT, The Netherlands, Oct. 12, 2023 – For the fourth consecutive year, BCD Travel has received a Platinum rating from EcoVadis, the world’s largest and most trusted provider of business sustainability ratings. With this Platinum rating, the travel management company (TMC) maintains its position in the top 1% of the 100,000+ companies assessed by EcoVadis. As part of the assessment, BCD has been rated as ‘Advanced’ in EcoVadis’ Carbon Action Module. The module is a comprehensive carbon management solution integrated with EcoVadis ratings to engage suppliers and drive decarbonization across the supply chain.    

“BCD Travel has made impressive progress since their first assessment in 2011,” said Joseph Tremonti customer success manager, EMEA at EcoVadis. “Year after year, they strive to improve their performance and drive impact, establishing themselves as a global leader in sustainability. Their Platinum rating instills confidence in their clients that BCD is the right supplier to support their sustainability objectives.”

This independent recognition demonstrates the TMC’s commitment to climate, social and ethical accountability. Together with BCD’s alignment with global initiatives such as the UN Global Compact, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and the CDP, the TMC reinforces its reputation as a sustainable supplier of choice.

“At BCD, sustainability is core to our vision, mission and values,” said Olivia Ruggles-Brise, BCD’s vice president of Sustainability. “In support of our vision, we’ve developed a new Sustainability Framework that expresses our commitment to use the power of our networks to drive a more sustainable world. Through this framework, we work with our company, our people, our business partners and our customers to influence sustainable change.”

One place of influence is TripSource ®, BCD’s traveler engagement and booking platform. For example, a new AI-driven accessibility widget in TripSource allows an even wider range of travelers to use the tool. The widget supports users with visual, auditory, physical and speech needs, ensuring a more inclusive workplace environment for all travelers. TripSource users can also see carbon emissions estimates for nearly all flights and filter hotels that have electric car charging stations, helping travelers make more sustainable decisions at the point of sale.

Within Advito, BCD’s consultancy arm, the Sustainability Collaboration™ Practice also continues to advance. With its ISO-certified reporting methodology GATE4 at the foundation, Advito developed the Environmental Quality Service Index for supplier negotiations and the ISO-certified Carbon Emissions Calculator for meetings and events.

Furthermore, BCD has a Supplier Code of Conduct that includes standards on ethical business practices, human rights, labor standards, privacy and environmental protection. The TMC expects suppliers to regard the Supplier Code as a total supply chain initiative and to adhere to these ethical principles.

“Sustainability is a journey that we’ve been on for many years, and we’re eager for others to join,” added Ruggles-Brise. “It requires a collective effort across the entire industry. Our clients, partners and people are constantly driving each other to push for better when building a sustainable future for business travel. Our focus is on taking action that prioritizes positive impact – and we invite all our stakeholders to help us with this objective. ”

In 2024, BCD’s priorities include:

• Investment in the development of new products and services to enable a sustainable travel culture for customers.
• Implementation of a new supplier due diligence process.
• Expansion of social impact activities to maximize benefits to its people and communities.
• Further reduction of Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions through energy efficiency and use of renewables.
• Define, measure and set targets for Scope 3 emissions (such as business travel, employee commuting, and purchased goods and services).

In June, BCD published its 2023 Sustainability Report summarizing goals, activities, achievements and progress made in 2022. It also highlights BCD’s sustainability strategy, its commitment to the UN Global Compact, SDGs and SBTi and aligns with the Global Reporting Initiative standards.

To learn more about BCD’s sustainability initiatives, see the full report.