Thrust Carbon, winners of the Tech Innovator Team Award

Congratulations on your award! Can you tell us what this recognition means to you?

Mark Corbett (Founder): Winning the ITM Tech Innovator Team Award is an incredible honour and a testament to the hard work and passion of our entire Thrust Carbon team. It validates our commitment to transforming the travel industry’s approach to sustainability. This award is more than a recognition for us; it’s a powerful reminder that sustainable thinking and action should be at the heart of everything we do. We’re dedicated to making a positive impact on the world, one journey at a time.

What inspired you to pursue excellence in your specific field within the business travel industry?

Kit Aspen (Founder): Mark and I were already running low-emission travel programmes when we joined an IATA hackathon focused on climate and the future of the industry. When we sat and looked at the state of travel, offsets, sustainable aviation fuel; the data spoke volumes. Inaction and lack of trust was holding back the entire industry.Thrust Carbon’s journey began in Frankfurt Airport on October 11, 2019. Within 48 hours the prototype of our first product was built, and we were committed to our vision; A vision of a world where our actions don’t have to cost the Earth.

Your work in emissions reporting is pioneering. Can you share the process behind developing these new methodologies?

Robbie Moore (Head of Engineering): Developing our innovative methodologies is a blend of rigorous research, collaboration, and a deep understanding of our clients' needs. We start by integrating the latest scientific research and industry standards into our models. Then, we work closely with partners and stakeholders to test and refine these methodologies. In the past year alone, we’ve integrated 41 distinct sustainability methodologies into our product suite. It’s all about blending technology with practical insights to create solutions that are not only accurate but also actionable.

Mark Corbett: It is this level of rigour that has led to Thrust Carbon becoming the first and (at point of publication) the only company to be assured to ISO 14083, the global benchmark for collecting, calculating, and reporting greenhouse gas emissions from travel and transport activities. This achievement reinforces our commitment to leading the industry in environmental responsibility. We're proud to be paving the way for more transparent and reliable carbon accounting in the travel sector.

What are the biggest challenges you face in driving technological innovation, and how do you overcome them?

Tan Strehler-Weston (Head of Operations and Policy): According to a 2023 survey conducted by GBTA, 65% of its members agree that quantifying emission reduction opportunities is the most challenging aspect of addressing sustainability. So it’s clear that the industry is hungry for solutions. The biggest challenge is actually staying ahead of the rapid changes in technology and regulatory requirements. We address this by fostering a culture of continuous learning and agility within our team. Innovation requires us to constantly adapt and evolve. By embracing a mindset of curiosity and resilience, we turn challenges into opportunities to enhance our solutions and deliver even more value to our clients.

What advice would you give to others in the business travel industry looking to make a significant impact?

Charlotte Manthe (Head of Customer Success): Our advice would be to focus on integrating sustainability deeply into the core of your business strategy rather than treating it as a side project. Understanding the true impact of your operations is crucial, and leveraging technology and partnerships is key to both complying with regulations and leading industry innovations. This approach will lead the industry in creating meaningful, lasting, change.