In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world witnessed an unexpected environmental silver lining. As economies slowed down, pollution levels plummeted, revealing cleaner air and improved water quality. This unforeseen benefit sparked a wave of introspection among businesses, with over 36% of surveyed companies intensifying their commitment to sustainable practices, including sustainable travel, as a direct response to the pandemic.
Understanding Sustainable Business Travel
At its core, sustainable business travel aims to reduce the environmental impact associated with corporate travel. As societal awareness grows and regulatory frameworks evolve, corporate travel managers are responsible for sourcing sustainable vendors and incorporating sustainability into their travel programs. This entails conscientious resource consumption and the conscious selection of environmentally friendly travel options.
Implementing Sustainable Business Travel Practices
If you're eager to integrate sustainable practices into your corporate travel program, consider the following strategies:
1. Purposeful Travel Policies
Adopt a purposeful travel mindset that views travel as an investment rather than a mere cost. Evaluate the necessity of each trip and explore opportunities to combine meetings or shorten travel durations. You can measure their effectiveness and optimize your travel program by setting clear objectives for every business trip. Prioritizing conservation ensures that you make the most of your travellers’ time on the road while minimizing environmental impact.
2. Reducing Air Travel Carbon Footprint
Tackling the environmental impact of air travel requires a concerted effort to decrease greenhouse gas emissions, particularly the "Scope 3" emissions encompassing airports, utilities, and aircraft travel. Although a unified emissions reporting system is still in development, there are practical steps you can take to reduce your air travel carbon footprint:
- Choose greener airline vendors renowned for their sustainable practices.
- Opt for more fuel-efficient aircraft like the Airbus a350-900 and Boeing's 787 Dreamliner.
- Book nonstop flights whenever possible to minimize resource consumption.
Check out our article on making business travel greenerMaking Business Travel Greener: A Journey Towards Sustainability
3. Embracing Sustainable Hotels
The hotel industry has embraced sustainability trends that emerged during the pandemic. When selecting accommodations for your business travellers, look for hotels promoting resource conservation. Consider factors such as towel and sheet reuse programs, green certifications (e.g., LEED, Green Globe), and participation in sustainability initiatives like the Hotel Water Measurement Initiative and ENERGY STAR's Portfolio Manager tracking tool. Other sustainability measures to prioritize include:
- Property-wide recycling programs for glass, paper, and cardboard.
- Implementing resource conservation measures like low-flow toilets and energy-efficient light bulbs.
- Emphasizing the use of organic products, supporting fair-trade and local vendors.
4. Exploring Sustainable Ground Transportation
Transportation remains a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, making it crucial to prioritize sustainable ground transportation options. Consider incorporating alternative energy vehicles, such as electric or hybrid cars, into your fleet or rental options where charging stations are accessible. Encourage travellers to share rental cars, select accommodations near public transportation or within walking distance, and negotiate discounts on hybrid vehicles with rental car companies. By embracing greener transportation alternatives, you can contribute to a more sustainable travel program while potentially reducing costs.
5. Educating Travellers on Sustainable Practices
Informing and empowering your business travellers with knowledge about sustainable business travel practices is key to fostering a culture of environmental responsibility. Provide comprehensive guidance on making greener choices and consider implementing reward programs to incentivize the adoption of sustainable travel habits. By nurturing awareness and understanding, your employees can actively contribute to your company's sustainability goals while embracing personal accountability.
Read our Guide to Measuring Corporate Sustainable Travel The Ultimate Guide to Measuring Corporate Sustainable Travel
The Importance of Sustainable Business Travel
Sustainable business travel transcends economic success and carries profound social and environmental implications. Embracing sustainable practices ensures the preservation of natural resources for future generations, aligns with consumer preferences, and establishes your brand as a responsible corporate citizen. As conscious consumers increasingly seek products and brands that reflect their values, sustainability has emerged as a powerful selling point. By prioritizing sustainable business travel, you not only reduce your environmental footprint but also position your organization to meet the evolving expectations of your customers.
In conclusion, integrating sustainable business travel practices is an essential step toward a greener future. By implementing purposeful travel policies, reducing air travel emissions, selecting sustainable hotels, exploring eco-friendly ground transportation options, and educating your travellers, your business can contribute to a more environmentally-friendly corporate travel program. Sustainability is no longer a choice but an imperative that aligns with social responsibility and business success. Embrace the journey towards greener corporate travel, and pave the way for a better future.
In today's world, sustainability is not just a buzzword but a necessity for businesses. Regarding travel management, embracing sustainable practices is more important than ever. That's why you should check out BNW VoyagePro, the ultimate solution for sustainable travel management. With BNW VoyagePro, you can seamlessly integrate sustainability into your travel program, from carbon tracking and offsetting to selecting eco-friendly vendors and optimizing resource consumption. By using BNW VoyagePro, you can reduce your carbon footprint, contribute to a greener future, and align your business with the values of environmentally conscious travellers. Don't compromise on sustainability when managing your business travel. Choose BNW VoyagePro and embark on a journey towards a more sustainable and responsible travel program today.
