UTRECHT, The Netherlands – As organizations face increasing scrutiny over sustainability performance and the financial impact of travel emissions, 2026 marks a decisive moment for corporate programs. While some regulatory requirements have shifted, companies now face greater operational and financial risk when emissions data is incomplete or inaccurate, and stakeholders are less tolerant of gaps in reporting or progress. Complying with evolving rules has become more complex, not less, making reliable emissions data and transparent methodologies essential.
Against this backdrop, BCD’s Sustainability Solution provides companies with the technology, transparency and integrated capabilities they need to navigate complexity, reduce emissions, and futureproof their travel programs. Designed to simplify sustainability across measurement, behavior change and climate contribution, the solution enables businesses to act with confidence in a year defined by rising expectations and accelerating climate imperatives.
“Sustainable travel is no longer a future ambition or a voluntary initiative, it’s a business imperative,” said Stephan Baars, chief executive officer at BCD. “Organizations need the data, solutions and strategic guidance to translate their commitments into measurable progress. Our integrated solution supported by SQUAKE’s emissions calculation and climate contribution capabilities, removes complexity and helps companies take real action.”
One contract. Flexible end-to-end integration
Launched in late 2024, BCD’s Sustainability Solution provides a seamless, single‑platform experience that incorporates its core technology with advanced climate technology supported by capabilities from SQUAKE, the leading provider of automated emissions calculations and point‑of‑sale access to high‑quality carbon credits and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
BCD’s consulting division, Advito, contributes expertise in program design, benchmarking and traveler engagement, helping organizations translate insight into meaningful change.
The approach aligns with BCD’s “Open by design” brand promise, offering clients real choice, flexibility and transparency through an open ecosystem of market leading technology.
Clients can integrate sustainability across their program through:
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Real-time emissions data and dynamic carbon fees in major online booking tools.
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Curated solution pathways to match organizations’ varying levels of readiness and ambition.
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Centralized dashboards and reporting with commonly used methodologies, including those applied under CSRD.
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Curated portfolios of SAF and certified high quality carbon compensation projects, with transparent pricing and inventory management.
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Automated fee collection, cost center allocation, and behavior nudging campaigns to engage travelers.
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Audit-grade, tokenized emissions data through Carbon Verification Protocol, creating an audit trail so every emission value is traceable and verifiable.
According to Gerd Scheller, country chief executive officer at Siemens Switzerland, embedding sustainability directly into travel programs is already delivering results. “Our work with BCD Travel and SQUAKE is integral for our goals and has enabled us to implement a program that supports education and guidance around emissions reduction, as well as a seamless way to reinvest in sustainable aviation fuel – a solution we are passionate about,” said Scheller.
The business case for sustainable travel
Beyond regulatory deadlines, 2026 represents a decisive moment for travel buyers because the expectations for credible, audit‑ready emissions data remain high and the cost of non‑compliance is rising. As a result, the business case for sustainable travel is broader and more urgent than ever, extending beyond compliance to enterprise performance, resilience and trust.
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Driving business value beyond compliance: Smarter travel choices now deliver measurable commercial impact. BCD’s research shows that shifting air to rail can cut emissions by up to 92% and reduce costs by 47%, while choosing fuel efficient aircraft and sustainable hotels lowers both carbon and spend.
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Meeting rising expectations from stakeholders: Executives, boards and travelers expect meaningful action, transparency and results, making sustainability a core factor in how organizations evaluate performance and partner value.
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Developing essential business skills: Sustainability has become a core capability for travel managers as customers ask sharper questions, and companies are judged by real practices, not promises. Visible progress now strengthens trust and RFP performance.
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Securing a seat at the table: As organizations accelerate toward 2030 climate goals, travel programs are becoming integral to enterprise-wide sustainability plans. Travel buyers who build credible emissions strategies and partner closely with sustainability teams gain influence in cross functional decision making.
Ultimately, 2026 is about leading responsibly: embedding sustainability into travel choices that build lasting performance, resilience and stakeholder trust.
Find out more about BCD Travel’s Sustainability Solution.
About BCD Travel
BCD Travel creates connections that move people and ideas forward. Through open technology and trusted human expertise, we help companies and people navigate change, simplify complexity and make confident decisions about how and when they travel. Our intuitive digital experiences for every stakeholder power journeys that fuel success and drive progress. With 15,000+ dedicated team members serving clients in 170+ countries, BCD is shaping a more sustainable future for business travel. Industry-leading meetings and events management and a global consultancy complete our suite of solutions and services. In 2024, BCD achieved US$22.9 billion in sales. For more information, visit www.bcdtravel.com.
About Advito
Advito is the consulting arm of BCD Travel, specializing in sustainable travel program transformation. Founded in 2006, Advito works with the world’s largest companies to optimize spend, create engaging traveler experiences, and reduce travel’s environmental footprint. Advito delivers strategic program design, advanced analytics, and custom engagement campaigns as part of BCD’s Impact package. As innovators in Dynamic Performance Management™ and Traveler Engagement™, Advito helps clients prove the value of travel and elevate their business travel programs. Learn more at advito.com.
About SQUAKE
SQUAKE is an end-to-end solution that integrates emission calculations and climate contribution options into travel and mobility offerings, helping enterprises run business travel programs that are economically, operationally and ecologically sustainable. SQUAKE supports transparent, audit-ready methodologies and enables climate contribution through a curated climate projects portfolio and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) options. Designed for enterprise environments, SQUAKE is compliant, scalable, and integration-ready.