Amadeus reinforces net-zero commitment with Science Based Targets initiative validation
Many of us will no doubt be familiar with the ambition to build a‘net-zero’ travel industry by 2050 , reducing the amount of greenhouse gases (GHG) released by the sector to an aggregate of nil. At Amadeus, we fully acknowledge the need to work towards a more sustainable travel industry and we are determined to play our role to reduce both our own emissions and industry emissions by working in collaboration with peers.
On this journey, credibility is key. Climate is a very complicated science and we need to make sure that initiatives and targets are validated by organizations that have the expertise, legitimacy and global acceptance to endorse the steps being taken.
This is what makes the recent validation of our GHG emission reduction targets by theScience Based Targets initiative (SBTi) so significant, as it provides external validation from a trusted and reputable organization that we are on track to reach our established targets.
What is the SBTi and why is it important?
The SBTi is a global non-profit corporate climate action organization that enables companies worldwide to play their part in combating the climate crisis. SBTi develops standards, tools and guidance which allow companies across the world to set GHG emissions reductions targets in line with what is needed to keep global heating below catastrophic levels and reach net-zero by 2050 at the latest.
Science-based targets, such as those evaluated by the SBTi, provide a defined pathway to reduce GHG emissions. This is a fundamental element to provide certainty and make sure that we are moving in the right direction.
In response, the SBTi takes responsibility for validating companies’ targets, both near-term and long-term (net-zero). The SBTi provides clear direction and a scientific analysis to provide credibility to the commitments submitted by companies. Based on SBTi Monitoring Report 2023, 4,205 companies had their targets validated by 2023, anincrease of 102% compared to 2022.
What has been validated for Amadeus?
I am delighted to say Amadeus is now among these companies, with the SBTi having validated both our short- and long-term ambitions earlier this year.
In the near-term, by 2030, we are committed to reducing absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 42% from a 2022 baseline, and to reducing absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions by 25% within the same timeframe. We are also committed to increasing active annual sourcing of renewable electricity from 63% in 2022 to 100% by 2030.
Furthermore, by 2028, Amadeus has also committed that a quarter of its suppliers of goods and services will have science-based emissions targets.
Over the longer-term, Amadeus commits to reduce absolute Scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions by 90% by 2050 from a 2022 base, largely through the use of renewable energy and by encouraging providers to progress on their own emissions reduction commitments.
What is the difference between Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions?
This can be a technical topic, so it is worth exploring how we differentiate between Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions. In short:
Scope 1 are direct emissions from Amadeus owned and controlled resources (for example, emissions due to the fossil fuel use at our offices for heating purposes).
Scope 2 are indirect emissions from the generation of purchased energy (for example, emissions released due to the electricity generation that we use to power our offices).
Scope 3 are all emissions that occur in the value chain, including both upstream and downstream emissions (for example, the greenhouse gases emitted by our employees when on their regular commute or when traveling for business, a topic close to our core technology offering, and the production and transportation of goods used by Amadeus).
Scope 3 is, then, the most wide-ranging of these classifications, and reducing our Scope 3 emissions would be the most significant contribution we could make to a net-zero world – please see ourGlobal Report for more information on this.
It is also important to be clear about our short-term objectives and their evolution. Previously, Amadeus had stated an ambition to be ‘carbon neutral’ by 2025. As opposed to carbon neutrality which accepts the use of carbon by offsetting it, the SBTi is focused instead on reducing emissions. Accordingly, by getting our targets validated by SBTi, we are adapting to the latest consensus regarding carbon abatement strategies and initiatives.
Amadeus' ambition
These targets fit within wider ambitions here at Amadeus, where we are working to make travel a force for social and environmental good. We need to collaborate in order to reduce our own negative impacts and help our partners do the same, while offering travelers more sustainable options by bringing sustainability information to the mainstream. One example of how we are doing this is through the use of our technology, such as ourTravel Impact Suite which launched in July this year, with enriched data about the level of sustainability of travel options for all travel sellers.
We want to ensure that travel continues to make a positive contribution to our world. Our validation by the SBTi is an important step in this direction.
TO TOP