Sustainable Business Travel Strategy: Why It Matters
In today’s corporate landscape, sustainable business travel is evolving from an option to a necessity. Companies recognize that adopting sustainable practices can mitigate environmental impact, support organizational values, and meet stakeholder expectations. According to the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), 77% of travel managers report that their organizations have set or plan to set targets for reducing Scope 3 emissions, including business travel emissions (GBTA Sustainability Summit Report). As travel returns to pre-pandemic levels, implementing sustainable travel strategies can have a significant impact a company’s overall environmental footprint.
Sustainable Business Travel Strategy, why it matters? explores the critical role that eco-friendly travel plays in corporate responsibility.
Why Prioritize Sustainable Business Travel?
The impact of business travel on the environment is significant. Studies show that air travel contributes around 2.5% of global carbon emissions, with business travel accounting for a notable share of that total. Short-haul flights, in particular, contribute to high levels of carbon emissions due to takeoff and landing, which are fuel-intensive processes (International Energy Agency). This makes short-haul flights an important target for sustainability efforts, such as rail alternatives and virtual meeting options.
Key Elements of a Sustainable Business Travel Strategy
1. Green Policies for Transportation and Accommodation
Many companies are now setting green standards for travel, which involve selecting low-emission transportation and choosing eco-friendly hotels. In Europe, policies are shifting significantly: for example, France has banned certain short-haul flights where train alternatives exist, aiming to reduce emissions (Schengen Visa Info). For long-haul business trips, organizations can partner with airlines that invest in renewable energy sources like sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which reduces a flight’s carbon output.
Eco-friendly hotels increasingly cater to corporate travelers by providing sustainable amenities and practices. Certifications like Green Key and Climate Neutral provide transparency on eco-friendly practices, allowing companies to choose accommodations aligned with their values. Partnering with certified hotels is becoming a trend among corporations aiming to make responsible choices for their travel programs.
2. Technology and Emissions Tracking
Technology plays a critical role in managing sustainable business travel. Emission-tracking tools, such as those offered by SAP Concur, provide detailed data on carbon impact across different travel options. These platforms enable companies to analyze travel choices and make eco-friendly adjustments. Additionally, emissions tracking can generate insights that help organizations report on their sustainability goals, a feature increasingly requested by stakeholders.
3. Virtual Meetings to Reduce Non-Essential Travel
With the advancement of virtual meeting technology, many companies now adopt a “virtual-first” policy for meetings that don’t require in-person interaction. This trend not only lowers emissions but also saves costs. The International Energy Agency estimates that avoiding a single short-haul flight can save between 100-300 kg of CO2 per traveler (IEA). By setting clear guidelines on which meetings warrant travel and which don’t, companies can keep their travel carbon footprint to a minimum while maintaining productivity.
4. Promoting Sustainable Bleisure Travel
“Bleisure” travel, which combines business and leisure travel, is increasingly popular. 48% of business travelers report interest in extending work trips to include personal days (Expedia Group). By encouraging employees to extend their trips for leisure instead of returning on separate trips, companies can minimize the overall frequency of flights and emissions.
Future Trends in Sustainable Business Travel
1. Carbon Accountability and Corporate Travel Policies
Carbon accountability is becoming a staple in corporate travel policies, with GBTA predicting that over 60% of corporate travel programs will set specific targets for emissions reduction within the next few years (GBTA Climate Action Report). As governments introduce stricter regulations, companies that proactively set and meet emissions targets will be well-prepared to meet compliance requirements.
2. AI and Machine Learning for Optimized Travel Planning
AI-powered platforms such as those from American Express Global Business Travel offer companies ways to optimize travel based on environmental impact. Predictive analytics can suggest routes and accommodations with the lowest carbon impact, allowing companies to manage their footprint while maintaining efficient travel plans.
3. Growth of Renewable Energy Investments by Travel Providers
Airlines like Delta and JetBlue have increased their investments in renewable aviation fuels, setting industry standards that benefit corporate clients by offering lower-impact travel options (Forbes). Partnering with such providers supports the shift toward a greener travel industry.
4. Rise of Sustainable Certification Programs
Certification programs such as Green Key, Climate Neutral, and ISO 14001 provide companies with trusted criteria to evaluate and select sustainable travel providers. As these certifications grow, they’ll offer companies more options to make responsible choices, contributing to their own sustainability efforts.
Practical Tips for Building a Sustainable Travel Strategy
To make sustainable business travel a reality, companies should consider these actionable steps:
- Set Measurable Targets: Defining clear, measurable emissions reduction goals, like reducing air travel emissions by 20% by 2025, provides direction and accountability.
- Educate Employees: Engage employees with information on eco-friendly travel options and the company’s sustainability goals. Encouraging informed decision-making at every level fosters a culture of responsibility.
- Partner with Green Providers: Choose airlines, hotels, and ground transportation providers committed to reducing their environmental impact. Working with certified partners like Green Key or Climate Neutral hotels aligns your travel practices with broader corporate goals.
- Reward Eco-Friendly Choices: Consider incentives for employees who make sustainable travel choices, such as using rail over air travel where feasible or staying at certified hotels.
The Future of Sustainable Business Travel and How Dyme Supports It
Business travel is becoming a cornerstone of corporate sustainability, and forward-thinking companies are adopting strategies to meet environmental expectations. Dyme supports companies in creating sustainable travel programs by compensating for travel emissions through investments in renewable energy. With Dyme, companies can easily access eco-friendly accommodations, track their emissions, and manage their carbon footprint. For more on how Dyme can help you incorporate sustainable travel into your strategy, visit Dyme.Earth.
For an in-depth guide on establishing a sustainable travel program in 2024, explore Dyme’s Essential Guide to Sustainable Business Travel.
