Sustainability is a central concern across industries, including corporate travel. While business trips are essential for building relationships, closing deals, and fostering innovation, they also contribute to carbon emissions and other negative environmental impacts. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), business travel is set to surpass pre-pandemic levels in 2024, which is faster than previously predicted. With business travel on the rise, it’s even more important for organizations and their travelers to be mindful of sustainability. Fortunately, there are simple ways to incorporate greener practices into your corporate travel program.
What Is Sustainable Business Travel?
Sustainable business travel involves consciously lessening the harmful environmental impact of travel while amplifying its benefits. To be successful, both individuals and organizations as a whole must put forth effort to make more mindful decisions about why and how corporate travel is conducted. The key priorities of sustainable business travel include reducing carbon emissions, improving energy efficiency, and minimizing waste.
Strategies for Sustainable Business Travel
Corporate travel contributes to climate change through factors like carbon emissions. Aviation alone accounts for 2.5% of global CO2 emissions and 12% of all transportation-related emissions. Similarly, the hospitality sector imparts around 1% of all global carbon emissions, which is projected to increase in the coming years. Given these challenges, it’s critical for organizations to take on greater responsibility for managing their carbon footprint and making decisions that align with sustainability goals.
Choose Greener Transportation Options
Transportation is a major contributor to travel-related emissions. Adopting greener options is key to reducing your organization’s carbon footprint:
TRAINS AND BUSES
Traveling by rail and bus is particularly effective in the Northeast corridor of the US and the EU. Opt for these modes of transportation instead of flights for shorter distances.
DIRECT FLIGHTS
When possible, choose direct flights to minimize the impact of takeoffs and landings, which are when carbon emissions are at their peak.
ELECTRIC AND HYBRID CARS
Use these rental vehicles over shorter distances rather than flying.
CARPOOLING
If a group is traveling together, consider riding together in a vehicle for short trips.
NEWER AVIATION FLEETS
Select airlines with newer, more sustainable fleets including those using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) when possible. Though SAF adoption currently remains limited due to high costs and production constraints, its use is expected to increase significantly in the future.
Plan Smarter Trips
Travel is often a business necessity. However, that doesn’t mean every interaction needs to be in person. Consider whether or not an in-person meeting is truly a requirement or if you can accomplish meeting goals remotely. If you must travel, plan trips to combine several meetings and events within a single trip to reduce your team’s overall travel. It’s also important to incorporate this mindset into meeting and event planning. For example, seek out venues close to attendees to minimize travel distances and incorporate green practices like zero-waste catering or digital handouts.
Book Eco-Friendly Accommodations
Choosing hotels and other accommodations with sustainable practices can help reduce your team’s carbon footprint while away on business. Some hotels rely on renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and geothermal power to offset their carbon footprint. Seek out these options as well as hotels with LEED or Green Key certifications. Additionally, book hotels that use smart technology to limit energy use, such as automatic lights and thermostat controls. Some hotels even provide linens and towels only upon request to minimize laundering, which contributes to sustainability.
Use Services With Improved Reporting and Decision-Making Tools
Technology is revolutionizing how organizations approach sustainable travel. Tools like SAP Concur Travel, which The Travel Team offers to its clients, display emissions data for booking options like flights and hotels. Understanding your carbon footprint empowers employees and their organizations to make more informed decisions. Other platforms like Thrust Carbon further track and analyze emissions to help refine travel policies and meet sustainability goals.
