Sabre, a global technology company serving the travel industry, is taking significant steps to align its operations with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. Under the leadership of Kristin Hays, Chief Communications and Corporate Responsibility Officer, the company has built a robust ESG framework that emphasizes sustainability, governance, and social responsibility.
In a conversation with CarbonWire, during her recent visit to Singapore, Hays shared Sabre’s approach to sustainability and mitigating climate change.
Sustainability at the Forefront
One of the key pillars of Sabre’s ESG strategy is its commitment to sustainability, particularly in reducing carbon emissions. “We have articulated a strategy that has three pillars: people, planet, and prosperity,” Kristin Hays explains. Sabre’s approach to sustainability is data-driven, with the company adopting science-based targets to guide its efforts. Hays notes, “We have just submitted our letter of intent to adapt the science-based targets initiative to be able to set our net zero targets within the next two years.”
The company’s focus on carbon footprint reduction is evident in its partnerships and technology offerings. For example, Sabre collaborates with Google to integrate the Travel Impact Model (TIM) into its agency technology, Sabre Red 360. This tool provides CO2 emissions data, enabling travel agencies and end-users to make more informed and eco-friendly travel decisions. “It’s really about choice,” says Hays. “We want travelers to be able to see that they can often make better flight choices that lower emissions.”
Comprehensive ESG Reporting
Sabre’s ESG initiatives are not limited to environmental sustainability. The company has also made strides in governance and social responsibility. “We stood up the ESG function about 15 months ago,” Hays shares, highlighting that Sabre’s approach to ESG is comprehensive, covering all aspects of Environmental, Social, and Governance.
On the governance front, Sabre has implemented rigorous reporting standards, including SASB (Sustainability Accounting Standards Board) and TCFD (Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures). “Last year, we led with the G because that was the most important part to us right from the governance perspective,” Hays emphasizes. The company also reports quarterly to the Governance and Nominating Committee of its Board, ensuring transparency and accountability in its ESG practices.
Social Responsibility and Inclusivity
In addition to environmental and governance efforts, Sabre is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Kristin Hays plays a pivotal role as the executive sponsor for gender inclusivity at Sabre, overseeing initiatives aimed at advancing women in leadership. “We have inclusion groups in each of our offices,” she explains. “These groups create opportunities to identify and develop high-potential talent, especially women and people of colour.”
Sabre’s social initiatives are closely tied to its ESG strategy. The company tracks and measures its progress in workforce diversity and retention, setting transparent goals to attract and retain women in the organization. “You cannot manage what you don’t measure,” Hays asserts, underscoring the importance of data-driven strategies in achieving social equity.
Impact on the Travel Industry
As a technology provider to the travel industry, Sabre’s ESG efforts have broader implications for the sector. By offering tools that enable airlines and travel agencies to reduce their carbon footprint, Sabre is contributing to the industry’s overall sustainability goals. “Our goal is not to pull planes out of the air,” Hays clarifies, “but to provide information and choice that optimizes fuel efficiency and reduces CO2 emissions.”
Sabre’s commitment to sustainability and ESG is a reflection of the growing importance of these principles in the corporate world. As the company continues to refine its strategies and set ambitious targets, it is well-positioned to lead by example in the travel technology sector, driving positive change for both the environment and society.