The Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council (SPLC) has named the GBTA Foundation, the cause-related arm of GBTA, a distinguished recipient of its 2025 Leadership Award in the Public Interest Advocate category. This recognition celebrates the Foundation’s dedication and success in generating positive outcomes through its pioneering sustainable procurement tools and standards.
The GBTA Foundation’s work to embed sustainability into an industry with $1.57 trillion in purchasing power culminated in 2024 with the release of the GBTA Sustainable Procurement Standards, which enable corporate travel buyers to consistently assess suppliers’ sustainability efforts. Developed in collaboration with GBTA Sustainability Partners and Sustainability Committee, the standards were vetted by more than 50 companies (buying organizations and travel suppliers like airlines, hotels, and car rental companies), as well as standard setters such as the International Air Transport Association, Travalyst and the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance.
In the latest GBTA Sustainability Acceleration Challenge global benchmark, announced on November 10, 38% of companies say they consider climate criteria in supplier selection, and in 2026, the GBTA Foundation will be releasing a suite of practical tools to aid in their analysis. This will include case studies and scorecard templates which will allow buyers to make sustainable and data-driven decisions in procurement.
We’re proud to be recognized by SPLC, a respected leader in sustainable procurement. This recognition reinforces our conviction that strong collaboration across the travel supply chain can lead to meaningful transformation. Sustainable procurement is no longer optional—it’s becoming the foundation for how responsible businesses operate, and we’re excited to help drive that shift. Kelsey Frenkiel, Director of Sustainability at the GBTA Foundation
SPLC is delighted to acknowledge GBTA Foundation’s superb leadership in the field of sustainable procurement. The GBTA Foundation’s creative methodology and demonstrated, measurable impact underscore the vital, transformative role sustainable procurement plays. Their success offers a compelling example for organizations globally aiming to create a better future. Marc Heisterkamp, SPLC CEO
The SPLC Leadership Awards ceremony will be held virtually on Wednesday, December 3, at 2:00 pm EST. Registration details can be found on the SPLC Calendar of Events.
About GBTA
The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) is the world’s premiere business travel and meetings trade organization headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area and serving stakeholders across six continents. GBTA and its 8,000+ members represent and advocate for the $1.48 trillion global travel business and meetings industry. GBTA and the GBTA Foundation deliver world-class education, events, research, advocacy and media to a growing global network of more than 28,000 travel professionals and 125,000 active contacts. For more information visit gbta.org.
About the GBTA Foundation
The mission of the GBTA Foundation, the US 501c3 charitable arm of the Global Business Travel Association, is to help the global business travel industry create a positive impact and better future for people and the planet. The GBTA Foundation focuses on the strategy and execution of GBTA’s global sustainability programs, supporting initiatives related to climate action; diversity, equity and inclusion; and other talent-related topics via education, research and advocacy. For more information visit gbtafoundation.org.
