A practical guide to reducing your corporate travel carbon footprint

As concerns about climate change and environmental sustainability continue to grow, individuals and businesses alike are seeking ways to reduce their carbon footprint.

For companies, one significant contributor to their environmental impact is corporate travel. Whether it's for business meetings, conferences, or client visits, the emissions from air and ground transportation can add up quickly. However, with careful planning and a commitment to sustainable practices, businesses can make a positive impact on the environment.

Embrace virtual meetings

In an increasingly connected world, virtual meetings have become more accessible and efficient than ever before. By utilizing video conferencing tools, companies can significantly reduce the need for physical travel. Encourage employees to host virtual meetings whenever possible, thereby cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions and saving time and resources. Adopting this practice not only reduces your carbon footprint but also supports a more flexible and inclusive work culture.

Optimize travel planning

When travel is unavoidable, optimizing travel plans can help minimize environmental impact. Consider the following strategies:

Combine trips: Encourage employees to bundle multiple meetings or appointments in one trip to reduce the overall number of journeys.
Choose direct flights: Non-stop flights are more fuel-efficient than connecting flights, which consume additional resources during take-offs and landings.
Utilize eco-friendly accommodations: Select hotels that implement sustainable practices and have green certifications.
Support public transportation: Encourage the use of trains, buses, and other public transport options for shorter distances.

Address travel emissions

Despite a company’s best efforts, travel will still result in unavoidable carbon emissions. Consider partnering with reputable organizations and using tools like the CHOOOSE Climate App for SAP Concur where you can contribute to funding high-impact, certified climate projects, including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), that contribute to climate action and help your company make progress toward your sustainability goals.

Promote telecommuting and flexible working arrangements

Beyond corporate travel, commuting to the office also contributes to an organization's carbon footprint. Embrace a teleworking culture and flexible arrangements to reduce the number of employees driving or using public transport daily. Remote work not only cuts down on emissions, but also can enhance employee satisfaction and productivity.

Implement a green travel policy:

Establish a comprehensive green travel policy that emphasizes sustainable travel practices for all employees. Start by communicating the importance of reducing the corporate travel carbon footprint and provide guidelines for making eco-conscious choices. Offer incentives for employees who demonstrate outstanding efforts in adopting green travel practices, such as riding bikes or walking to the office. Some businesses even subsidize public transportation for their employees!

Educate and engage employees:

Promote awareness and education among employees about the environmental impact of corporate travel. Encourage team discussions and workshops focused on sustainability to foster a culture of responsible travel within the organization. Engaged and informed employees are more likely to participate actively in reducing the company's carbon footprint.

Reducing your corporate travel carbon footprint is not only a responsible environmental choice, but also a prudent business decision. Embracing virtual meetings, optimizing travel plans, addressing emissions, and promoting sustainable practices among employees can make a significant difference.

By taking the lead in sustainability practices, your company can inspire others in your industry to follow suit and collectively work towards a greener and more sustainable future.

Recommended reading: