Embracing sustainable travel: A roadmap to environmental responsibility

Welcome to the ultimate guide to making eco-friendly choices on the go. In this article, we'll show you how to reduce your business travel carbon footprint, support local communities and make every business trip a win for the planet.

Before we begin, here are a few interesting facts from a report published by SAP Concur:

• 81% of consumers firmly believe that companies have a responsibility to actively contribute to improving the environment.

• 58% of executive stakeholders consider sustainability and CO2 emissions reports to be extremely or very important.

So, pack your bags with purpose and get ready to travel green — let's hit the road to a more sustainable future!

Sustainable Business Examples: Pioneering environmental responsibility

Here are three examples of companies that are leading the way in pioneering sustainable practices in their business travel:

• Google has made significant strides in reducing the environmental impact of its business travel. The company has implemented a robust carbon offset programme, purchasing high-quality offsets to balance the emissions from employee travel. Additionally, Google encourages the use of virtual meetings to reduce the need for travel and promotes the use of eco-friendly transportation options, such as electric vehicles and public transit, for necessary trips.

• SAP is another leader in sustainable business travel, integrating eco-friendly practices across its operations. The company has implemented a comprehensive travel policy that focuses on reducing carbon emissions through the use of public transportation, carpooling and selecting green hotels. SAP also leverages its own technology to track and manage the carbon footprint generated by its travel activities, setting ambitious targets to continuously improve its sustainability efforts.

• FREENOW believes that shared mobility is an integral part of the solution to creating more sustainable cities. It is fully committed to making cities thrive through clean, diverse and accessible mobility and inspiring other companies to up their sustainability game. Its trusted multi-mobility platform gives you access to the most diverse mobility offer available, including Europe’s largest fleet of eco-friendly transport options.

These companies demonstrate that with commitment and innovative strategies, it's possible to significantly reduce the environmental impact of business travel.

Understanding the meaning of travel sustainability. Eco-conscious practices

Sustainable business travel means focusing on minimising the environmental impact of your business trips and promoting eco-friendly practices. Boosting sustainable practices can even help boost your business strategy.

This resonates with many business leaders. According to Deloitte, almost two-thirds of business leaders (61%) said climate change would have a high or very high impact on their business’s strategy and operations over the next three years.

Here, then, are some ways that you can make your business travel more sustainable:

• Choose Eco-Friendly Accommodation: meaning you opt for hotels and lodgings that have sustainable certifications, use renewable energy and implement water and waste reduction programmes.

• Use Public Transport: Encourage your employees to use trains, buses and other forms of public transport, where possible.

• Fly Green: Try to select airlines that have strong sustainability initiatives, such as fuel-efficient fleets, carbon offset programmes and waste reduction practices on flights.

• Offset Your Carbon Emissions: Invest in carbon offset programmes to compensate for the emissions produced by your business travel and support projects like reforestation and renewable energy.

• Use Hybrid or Electric Vehicles: When car travel is necessary, opt for hybrid or electric taxis, rideshare vehicles and rental cars.

• Encourage Sustainable Behaviour: Provide your employees with guidelines and incentives to help them make eco-friendly choices, such as reusable water bottles, digital tickets and sustainable travel kits.

By integrating practices like these, you can significantly reduce your company’s environmental footprint while still achieving your business travel objectives.

Balancing profit and planet in business travel travel sustainability

When it comes to business travel, balancing the need to make a profit with caring for our planet is about making smart, strategic choices that benefit both the bottom line and the environment.

Your company can cut costs and emissions by implementing eco-conscious practices like the ones listed above. These sustainable practices not only reduce your company’s carbon footprint but also enhance your brand reputation and employee engagement.

By integrating sustainability into your travel policies, your business will thrive financially while demonstrating a commitment to a greener future.

Travel smarter, save money and protect our planet — it's a win-win!

Exploring sustainable travel companies in the UK and Ireland

When it comes to sustainable travel companies in the UK & Ireland, FREENOW stands head and shoulders above the rest!

Its Mobility Super App provides you with a technologically advanced and increasingly sustainable way to move seamlessly from A to B. Added to that are a range of services and practices that will support and inspire your company in its sustainability goals, including:

• Electric Vehicle Fleet: FREENOW offers a significant number of electric and hybrid vehicles, reducing carbon emissions and promoting cleaner air in cities.

• Partnerships with Green Initiatives: FREENOW collaborates with various green initiatives and organisations to enhance its sustainability efforts and promote eco-friendly transportation.

• Commitment to Reducing Footprints: FREENOW has clear goals and strategies in place to reduce its overall environmental footprint and promote sustainable travel options. You can check out FREENOW’s commitment in our latest sustainability report. 

• User-Friendly App: The Mobility Super App allows users to choose sustainable travel options easily, making eco-friendly choices more accessible and convenient.

• Awareness Campaigns: FREENOW actively raises awareness about the importance of sustainable travel and encourages users to make greener choices.

• Innovative Mobility Solutions: Beyond traditional taxi services, FREENOW offers bike-sharing and scooter options in some locations, further promoting low-emission transportation.

• Corporate Responsibility: The company integrates sustainability into its core business strategy, demonstrating a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility.

• Support for Public Transport: FREENOW integrates with public transportation networks, encouraging users to combine ridesharing with public transport for more sustainable travel.

• Leadership in the Industry: As a leading mobility provider in Europe, FREENOW sets a benchmark for sustainability in the transportation sector, inspiring other companies to follow suit.

Embracing sustainable travel is no longer a choice — it's a responsibility. By integrating eco-friendly practices into your business travel, your company can significantly reduce its environmental footprint and boost its bottom line at the same time.

Partnering with a leading sustainable travel company like FREENOW helps make this transition smoother and more effective. 

With its electric vehicle fleet, carbon offset programmes and innovative mobility solutions, FREENOW empowers your employees to travel green without compromising efficiency or convenience.

Are you ready to lead the charge toward a greener future? 

Let FREENOW help drive your sustainable travel trajectory and make every business journey a leap towards environmental responsibility. View eco-friendly transport solutions here.