BT achieves first WWF award for cutting one in five flights

BT has become the first company to successfully cut 20 per cent of its business flights as part of WWF’s One in Five Challenge, a programme that helps companies to reduce their reliance on flying, in favour of lower carbon alternatives.

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In a single year, BT was able to reduce the number of business flights from 85,130 to 65,510 – a reduction of nearly 20,000 flights. By making these cuts, BT was also able to reduce their CO2 emissions by more than 1,700 tonnes in avoided flights.

“What BT has achieved in such a short period of time is fantastic. They have shown real leadership and proved that it is possible for a business to make significant cuts in their flights. BT is setting a great example to other companies in demonstrating a pioneering approach to managing its travel by actively promoting the use of conferencing services to further reduce carbon emissions.” said Lucy Bertenshaw, Campaign Manager at WWF-UK.

WWF’s One in Five Challenge aims to help companies cut their flights by one fifth over a period of up to five years. The programme, which is independently audited by JMP Consultants Ltd, was launched last year and so far has 9 participating organisations, including Marks & Spencer, Skanska and Capgemini.

BT sustainability and climate change programme manager Gabrielle Ginér said “We are delighted to be the first company to receive this prestigious award and be recognised for the proactive steps we are taking to reduce our business travel and minimise our impact on the environment.”

She added: “In addition to promoting the use of conferencing services, we have been piloting a smart travel planner to help BT employees understand the carbon impact of business travel.

BT’s target is to reduce its group worldwide CO2 emissions by 80 per cent – from 1997 levels – by 2020. By travelling less and recognising the impact of travelling on CO2 emissions, BT employees are helping the company meet its target and combat climate change in general.