Tips for sustainable business travel

Travel management

May 23

Travel management

Tips for sustainable business travel

BoomPop Team · 3/25/2024

Person overlooking a scenic vista of a canyon with water flowing through it.

Business travel has become a necessity in today's global economy. But it’s no secret that globe-trotting corporate trips have a substantial environmental impact. So, how can you reduce your company’s carbon footprint?

A study by the Global Business Travel Association found 84% of North American business travel professionals believe protecting the environment should be a priority, but only 14% globally feel the industry is currently advanced enough to become sustainable.

From transportation to accommodations and even dining, many aspects of business travel contribute to carbon emissions and waste.

This post will share practical strategies and tips for making business travel more sustainable starting today, without sacrificing the productivity or convenience your company needs.

Understanding the environmental impact of business travel

When we think about the environmental impact of business travel, flights are often the first thing that comes to mind. Air travel does have a significant impact, contributing about 2.5% of global CO₂ emissions. Notably, business travelers may have an outsized impact on the environment compared to the average flyer.

Even though business travelers only account for about 12% of airline passengers, business class seats that take up more space onboard and a higher individual frequency of travel means a relatively higher carbon footprint.

But flights aren’t the only thing that makes an impact. Ground travel, accommodations, and food services all play a role—and not just on emissions. Travel and its related services can contribute to deforestation, habitat destruction, and pollution. All of these are factors your company can consider when building a thoughtful approach to sustainability.

Choosing eco-friendly transportation options

To reduce the environmental impact of business travel, it is crucial to choose transportation options that have a lower carbon footprint.

Prioritizing public transportation and shared mobility

Public transportation and shared mobility options, such as car-sharing and bike-sharing services, can significantly reduce your environmental impact compared to personal car use or taxis. In addition to being eco-friendly, these options are often more affordable than other modes of transportation.

When traveling to a new city, research and use the available public transportation options. This will not only reduce your environmental impact, but it will also give you a chance to explore the local culture and community. Many cities offer bike-sharing programs, which are a great way to get around and see the sights while reducing your carbon footprint.

Opting for fuel-efficient or electric vehicles

If you need to rent a car or use a car for transportation, it is essential to choose fuel-efficient or electric vehicles. Not only are these options better for the environment, but they can also save you money on gas.

Hybrid cars and electric vehicles significantly reduce carbon emissions compared to traditional gasoline-powered cars. When renting a car, choose a fuel-efficient or electric vehicle, and drive it efficiently by using cruise control and avoiding heavy acceleration or braking. This will not only reduce your carbon footprint but also save you money on gas.

Supporting airlines with sustainable practices

When flying is necessary, it is essential to choose airlines that have sustainable practices. Research the airline's environmental policies and choose airlines that prioritize efficiency and carbon reduction. Many airlines are now investing in sustainable practices, such as using biofuels and reducing waste.

You can also reduce your environmental impact by choosing non-stop flights, packing light, and offsetting your travel emissions by purchasing carbon credits. Carbon credits allow you to invest in projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as wind farms or reforestation projects. This is a great way to take responsibility for your carbon footprint and support sustainable practices.

The role of hotels and accommodations in sustainability

Accommodations are another essential factor to consider when making business travel more sustainable. Many hotels do not have environmentally-friendly practices, especially in areas like energy consumption, water use, and food waste. This can significantly increase the environmental impact of your trip.

Identifying green-certified hotels and lodgings

One way to ensure that you are staying in a sustainable accommodation is to look for green-certified hotels and lodgings. These certifications recognize hotels and lodgings that prioritize sustainable practices and policies. Websites such as Green Globe, the Rainforest Alliance, and EarthCheck offer certification programs that can help you identify sustainable accommodations.

You can also prepare your own list of questions around sustainability practices and share it with accommodations you’re considering.

Considering eco-friendly amenities and practices

When selecting accommodations, consider other eco-friendly amenities and practices that can help reduce your environmental impact. Look for accommodations that have in-room recycling bins, energy-efficient lighting, and low-flow fixtures in the bathroom. These small changes can make a big difference in reducing your carbon footprint during your stay.

You can also inquire about the hotel's linen reuse policy. Many hotels now offer guests the option to reuse towels and linens, which can help reduce water and energy consumption during your stay.

Supporting local communities through responsible tourism

Finally, when selecting accommodations, consider supporting local communities through responsible tourism. Look for tours, activities, and accommodations that prioritize local culture, community, and sustainability. This can help reduce your environmental impact while also supporting local businesses and communities.

By selecting sustainable accommodations and supporting responsible tourism practices, you can reduce your environmental impact while also supporting local communities and businesses. These small changes can make a big difference in creating a more sustainable and responsible travel industry.

Being purposeful about business travel

The most effective strategy for reducing the environmental impact of business travel is to be purposeful about when and how often you do it. Here are a few ways to approach a thoughtful travel plan.

Embracing remote work and virtual meetings

Remote work and virtual meetings have become more common in recent years, and for a good reason. These technologies allow you to collaborate with people around the world without the need for travel. Video conferencing, instant messaging, and other communication tools make it easy to stay in touch and work together from anywhere in the world.

Not only do remote work and virtual meetings reduce the need for travel, they also open up new opportunities for businesses. With a remote workforce, businesses can tap into a global talent pool and find the best people for the job, regardless of their location.

When you do decide to gather in person for a team offsite or company retreat throughout the year, your time together will be impactful and memorable—while still limiting your environmental impact to a few trips per year.

Consolidating trips and optimizing itineraries

When you do plan travel for business, try to consolidate your trips and optimize your itinerary. This means scheduling meetings and events in the same location or region to reduce the number of trips needed. It also means maximizing your time in each location by scheduling multiple meetings and events in a single day.

Consolidating your trips and optimizing your itinerary not only reduces the environmental impact of travel but also saves time and money. By reducing the number of trips needed, you can spend more time focusing on your work and less time traveling.

Encouraging local collaboration and partnerships

Another way to reduce the need for travel is to encourage local collaboration and partnerships. Working with local partners and suppliers can reduce the need for travel and support local businesses and communities.

Reducing the need for business travel is not only good for the environment but also for your well-being, productivity, and bottom line. By embracing remote work and virtual meetings, consolidating trips and optimizing itineraries, and encouraging local collaboration and partnerships, you can reduce your environmental impact while also achieving your business goals.

Start traveling sustainably

Business travel is a necessary part of modern business, but it comes with a significant environmental impact. By understanding the environmental impact of different aspects of business travel and implementing sustainable practices and strategies, you can make your business travel more environmentally-friendly without sacrificing the ease and convenience businesses rely on.

To learn more about corporate travel best practices, check out our business travel starter guide or learn how to create a travel policy.