Recognizing the significant environmental footprint of meeting and events, the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) is committed to tracking, managing, and reducing the emissions to address and mitigate the environmental impact associated with its events. We are a supporting association of the Net Zero Carbon Events (NZCE), the worldwide events industry initiative to address climate change, since February 2024.
GBTA’s dedication to reducing its environmental impact extends beyond event-specific measures, encompassing a broader commitment to fostering a culture of environmental responsibility within the business travel sector with the GBTA Foundation Sustainability Initiative. Read more at gbtafoundation.org/planet.
Measure – Understanding our environmental impact
Recap: GBTA Events Emissions Reports
We’ve been tracking the emissions for Convention and our Europe Conference – GBTA’s two biggest events – since 2022. GBTA is committed to fostering accountability. Emissions calculations are the necessary first step towards reducing the environmental impact of our events. These calculations will guide our decision-making, allowing GBTA to identify emission hotspots, set reduction targets, and implement strategies to mitigate their environmental footprint.
Decarbonize – Reducing our footprint
- No idling policy
Materials
- Encouraging recycling of signage/stands/other materials
- Eliminating secondary Expo aisle carpet
- Electronic proofing of badges prior to printing onsite
- Increasing use of the GBTA mobile app, and utilizing electronic mail for marketing and communication purposes
GBTA tries to work with local communities as much as possible. In addition, we currently offset the unavoidable direct emissions from our two biggest events, Convention and the Europe Conference. But in future years, thrives to compensate for its unavoidable direct emissions throughout the organization.
Engage – Empowering stakeholders
We’re proud to engage with suppliers who share our commitment to reducing environmental impact, sourcing eco-friendly materials, and implementing innovative waste reduction strategies.
Reducing the environmental impact of it events wouldn’t be possible without the involvement, engagement, and efforts of our attendees, exhibitors, and our staff. GBTA believes in the empowerment of individuals to take ownership to reduce our collective carbon emissions.
Ways you can be more sustainable at Canada Conference 2025 | Toronto
Do you want to help GBTA make the event more sustainable? Commit to the following actions:
- Prioritize taking the train to come to Toronto
- Walk or take public transport to and from all GBTA programming
- Bring your own water bottle to all GBTA programming
- Separate your waste thoughtfully and use the correct bins
- Try an all-vegan or all-vegetarian meal during your trip to Toronto
- Calculate and offset your travel emissions
Enhance your knowledge of Sustainable Business Travel
Whether you are a travel buyer, supplier, or a sustainability professional interested in focusing on reducing your organization’s business travel emissions make sure to visit https://gbtafoundation.org/sustainability
GBTA FOUNDATION
The GBTA Foundation works collaboratively with industry partners, governments, experts, and other like-minded, non-profit organizations to drive positive change for People and the Planet.
GBTA Sustainable Procurement Standards
GBTA Sustainable Procurement Standards is a consolidated bank of sustainability questions for procurement that aligns with international sustainability standards.
GBTA Sustainability Acceleration Challenge
Contribute to a global movement to advance sustainable business practices and benchmark progress on reducing emissions from your corporate travel program.
Sustainable Travel Management Course
This course focuses on the practical application of climate action and the management, reduction, and tracking of carbon emissions from business travel.
GBTA is constantly working on making our events more sustainable.
Please help GBTA improve its events’ sustainability efforts! Submit your ideas to sustainability@gbta.org.