The business travel industry is projected to reach nearly $1.8 trillion by 2027, underlining both its economic power and its environmental cost. This rapid growth makes sustainable business travel a critical priority, as aviation already accounts for about 2.5% of global CO₂ emissions—a share experts warn could triple by 2050 if demand continues to rise.
Frequent business travelers account for a disproportionate share of aviation’s footprint. In Europe, trips taken for business make up nearly 30% of all flights, even though these travelers represent only a small share of the overall population. Globally, the inequality is even starker: less than 1% of people are responsible for more than half of aviation emissions.
With sustainability moving higher on corporate agendas, sustainable business travel practices allow professionals to drive change. Small, intentional choices can add up to significant collective impact. To help you navigate this shift, here are 5 actionable ways to make your next trip more sustainable.
1. Choose Green Transportation to Reduce Emissions
Your choice of transportation is the most impactful factor in your trip’s carbon footprint. While air travel is a major polluter, smart alternatives and choices can drastically reduce your impact and align your plans with sustainable business travel practices.
Fly Economy Class and Direct
Research from the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) shows that business-class seats can generate up to 3 times more emissions per passenger due to lower occupancy. According to the ICCT, avoiding layovers can cut emissions by nearly 29% on long-haul routes.
Prefer Trains for Shorter Distances
For trips under 600 miles (1,000 km), the train is the clear winner. Rail travel produces significantly fewer emissions than flying. A train trip from London to Paris, for example, emits up to 97% less CO2 per passenger than the same flight, as per the European Environment Agency.
Use Public Transit and Ride-Sharing
Avoid renting individual cars. For getting around cities, public transportation like subways and buses is far more energy-efficient per passenger. If a car is necessary, use ride-sharing services or carpool with colleagues. This action reduces the number of vehicles on the road, decreasing both traffic and harmful emissions.
2. Stay at Hotels with Proven Sustainability Practices
Where you stay has a direct impact on your ecological footprint. Fortunately, many hotels are adopting sustainable initiatives and earning certifications that validate their eco-friendly practices.
Look for LEED and Green Key Certifications
When booking accommodations, look for reputable certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or the Green Key. The global LEED certification ensures a building meets strict sustainability standards. The Green Key label, found in over 8,000 establishments, guarantees a hotel’s commitment to managing energy, water, and waste responsibly. A recent survey of travelers found that 65% feel better staying in a certified sustainable hotel.
Check Major Hotel Chains’ Commitments
Many renowned hotel chains have made significant commitments. Marriott, with its Serve 360 program, and Hilton, with its Travel with Purpose initiative, have set goals to halve their water and energy usage by 2030. Many of these hotels also offer rewards programs that incentivize simple, sustainable actions, like opting out of daily towel and linen changes.
3. Travel Light and Go Digital
Small changes in your travel habits can have a big impact. Packing light and eliminating paper use are both simple but powerful ways to promote sustainable business travel.
Pack Light to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
The weight of your luggage directly affects your transportation’s fuel consumption. A study by the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research found that for every kilogram of weight reduced, there’s a corresponding drop in fuel use. Pack strategically with versatile, multi-functional clothes. Avoid single-use items by bringing your own reusable water bottle, utensils, and a collapsible bag.
Embrace Digital Tools
Technology has made going paperless easier than ever. Instead of printing tickets, hotel confirmations, and meeting notes, you can use business travel tools like mobile apps and digital notebooks to manage your trip. Most airlines and hotels have apps that centralize all your travel information, saving significant resources. For meetings, digital note-taking tools can replace paper notebooks.
4. Support Sustainability with Your Food Choices
Food choices on the road also impact carbon footprints. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that livestock farming accounts for 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Meanwhile, a landmark Science (2018) study concluded that switching to a plant-based diet can reduce an individual’s food-related emissions by up to 73%.
Choose Local, Seasonal Foods
By dining at restaurants that source local, seasonal ingredients, you reduce the carbon footprint associated with long-distance food transportation. Sourcing seasonal ingredients also minimizes the need for energy-intensive farming techniques. This practice is not only more eco-friendly but also allows you to experience authentic local cuisine.
Try More Plant-Based Meals
The production of plant-based foods has a much smaller carbon footprint than meat dishes. Swapping just one meal for a vegetarian or vegan alternative can make a significant difference. According to a study in the journal Science, a plant-based diet can cut food-related emissions by up to 73%.
5. Engage with Company Sustainability Policies
Individual action is powerful, but aligning with your company’s initiatives amplifies your impact. Sustainable business travel is most effective when supported by corporate policies.
Take Advantage of Sustainability Training
Many companies offer training programs to help employees understand how their actions can make a difference during business trips. Look for opportunities to participate in sessions that cover topics like choosing eco-friendly hotels, using digital tools, and packing light to minimize your carbon footprint.
Advocate for Green Incentives
Corporate incentives can make a huge difference. If your company doesn’t have a sustainability program, speak to your manager or HR about implementing one. Many organizations reward employees for eco-friendly travel choices with extra vacation days or public recognition. Your voice can help drive a genuine culture of sustainability.
Fund Clean Energy Instead of Buying Offsets
Even with careful planning, some emissions are unavoidable. Instead of just buying carbon offsets, you can use services that put your money directly into renewable energy projects. With services like Dyme, every business trip you book helps fund projects that reduce global CO2 levels, such as solar and wind farms.
This proactive approach ensures your travel supports clean energy development that creates lasting environmental benefits. It’s particularly valuable for frequent travelers who want to make a meaningful difference. By prioritizing real environmental impact, you can transform your next business trip into a powerful step toward a more sustainable future.
