DOUBLE BOOST FOR ITM AS MP’s BACK ICARUS INITIATIVE
The association has also announced that it has received public statements from organisations with a collective travel spend of over £200m committing to reducing emissions by 60%.
The presence of Clare Short, former Secretary of State for International Development, Chris Huhne, recent leadership candidate for the Liberal Democrats and Charles Kennedy, former leader of the Liberal Democrats amongst these 50 MPs reflected cross-party support for ICARUS.
The group also included the shadow Secretary of State for the Environment, the Chairman of the Commons’ Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform select committee, plus spokespersons and committee members for either transport or the environment.
The EDM was timely too, coming as the government debates increasing the legally binding emission reduction targets to 80% by 2050 and including aviation for the first time via the Climate Change Bill.
ITM Executive Director Paul Tilstone was delighted: “this shows that MP’s recognise that Project ICARUS is the only emissions reduction programme providing practical assistance and voluntary targets throughout the worldwide business travel industry."
“Hopefully this list of supporting MP’s and the companies who have already committed to reducing emissions through ICARUS will encourage other companies to get involved. The environment is still at the top of ITM’s agenda. We hope that if we can drive change more quickly this will help to achieve the targets set by government” Tilstone concluded.
Organisations wishing to sign up to Project ICARUS and help drive change in the industry can go to www.itm.org.uk/icarus and follow the “commitment” instructions.
