Sustainable Business Travel: Reducing Environmental Impact

Every time you or one of your employees travels, your company has an impact on the environment. For example, if you ask three employees to fly from Philadelphia International Airport to Miami International Airport, their travel results in the production of 2.4 tons of carbon dioxide. This assumes that you purchase premium economy tickets on a direct flight instead of a flight with layovers. If you’re worried about your company’s impact on the environment, sustainable travelling practices offer a promising solution. 

In some cases, sustainable business travel indirectly results in increased productivity. Flights with layovers produce more emissions than direct flights. Furthermore, direct flights also take less time to complete. If you book your employees on direct flights, they can spend more time pitching your company’s products or working on an important project, leading to increased productivity. 

Incorporating sustainability into your travel plans may also help your company save money. For example, trains produce less carbon dioxide than planes, making them an environmentally friendly choice on some routes. Depending on which type of ticket you purchase, it may also cost less to travel by train, making it easier to achieve your company’s financial goals. 

Socially conscious consumers seek out companies that align with their values. If you incorporate sustainable business travel into your strategy, you may find it easier to attract customers with a strong interest in your products. Additionally, you may attract positive attention from members of the media, boosting your reputation in the community. 

Vendors, investors, customers, and other stakeholders interact with your business in different ways. Embracing sustainable business travel gives you more opportunities to meet their needs. For example, an investment group may be interested in supporting eco-conscious businesses, giving your firm extra funding opportunities. 

When you plan a trip, choose the most energy-efficient transportation method whenever possible. Since train travel often produces fewer emissions than airplane travel, it can be a great option for employees who are only traveling across the state or slightly over your state’s border. When booking a rental car for business travel, choose eco-friendly cars when the option is available. You can also opt for a more fuel-efficient model like a sedan over a large SUV that gets fewer miles to the gallon. If possible, choose a hybrid vehicle for mid-range driving or an electric model once employees arrive at their destination. 

If it’s not practical to drive or take a train, look for ways to make up for the extra emissions caused by air travel. Some companies calculate the amount of carbon dioxide produced by employee travel and then plant enough trees to offset the additional output, also called carbon offsets. 

Before you book a hotel, research your options carefully. Some chains have incorporated sustainable practices into their own business models, making it easier for travelers to choose their accommodations. For example, some sustainable hotels no longer provide fresh towels every day unless a guest requests them, saving thousands of gallons of water. It’s also common for hotels to install energy-efficient fixtures and smart thermostats. Use these devices to keep things comfortable without wasting energy. 

Also consider the location of where you’ll be staying and its proximity to where you need to go. If your hotel is just several blocks away from the conference venue, you can walk to and from the events instead of taking a taxi. 

If you’re hosting an event in another center, make sure you book with environmentally conscious vendors. The hotel or convention center you choose should be willing to provide energy-efficient workspaces for your employees and other attendees. If you’re planning a luncheon or a dinner event, make sure the caterer uses as many recyclable materials as possible. 

Most packing tips for business travel focus on saving space, but the right packing strategy can also help you reduce your carbon footprint. Before you depart, make sure you have your favorite energy-efficient devices and accessories. For example, using a battery pack may help you reduce the number of hours spent using a hotel outlet to charge your smartphone or laptop.  

It’s also helpful to pack light, as most hotels provide complimentary personal care items to accommodate travelers. Packing light can also help reduce airplane-related emissions because heavier planes use more fuel and therefore cause more emissions than a lighter plane. It goes to show that even the smallest sustainable travel tips, like packing light, can have a greater environmental impact.