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Sustainability has been a key buzzword for businesses in recent times and this summer’s soaring temperatures have, once again, made climate change a hot topic.
There’s no denying that the global economy has had an impact on Planet Earth—often not in a good way! So, responsible businesses are realising the importance of sustainability in their practices and not just as a tick-box exercise.
Having to do everything online recently made us all realise that some things are so much better face-to-face. So, business travel remains essential for companies. With the world’s temperatures rising, though, we can’t let it cost the Earth. Which is why improving sustainability in business travel has become so important.
The various modes of transportation are major contributors to our carbon footprint, but sustainable business travel is not just about how you get where you’re going. Sustainable travel policy examples include accommodation and location choices, as well as thinking sustainably when planning routes and transport.
Here are some tips for incorporating sustainable travel ideas into your business travel policy.
Although it’s not ideal for digital to replace face-to-face meetings altogether, there are occasions when it can. Identify these occasions and make sure your travel policy clearly stipulates what constitutes necessary business travel.
From prioritising direct flights and using railway connections where possible to electric rental vehicles and taxis, you can get where you need to go in a more sustainable way. Set out your priorities clearly in your travel policy, consider offering incentives and choose sustainable travel companies—like FREENOW, for example, who have one of the largest fleets of electric and hybrid vehicles in Europe.
Whenever possible, choose locations for your meetings that have direct rail and air connections, such as major cities, and venues that have public transport links or are within walking distance from arrival points or hotels.
Choose travel companies and hotels that prioritise sustainability. Many hotels are incorporating widespread green practices, such as solar panels, energy-saving appliances, water conservation measures, locally-produced food, etc. Additionally, sustainably-minded transport companies like FREENOW offer electric scooters, bikes and mopeds, as well as electric and hybrid cars. Make it part of your business travel policy to favour these businesses.
Our sustainable consumption practices can often go awry when we’re travelling. You probably have sustainable initiatives in place for your corporate sites, so encourage your travellers to maintain these when they’re away from home. Things like reusable water bottles and toiletries, along with digital itineraries and boarding passes are all easily incorporated into your business travel.
In terms of sustainable travel ideas, the most effective carbon-reducing measure you can take is going by train instead of flying, where possible. According to Eurostar, flights emit up to 38 times more emissions than the equivalent rail journey.
For instance, the CO2 emissions for a person travelling from London to Paris (at peak times when the train or plane is fuller and so more efficient) would be 154 g per km for flying and only 4 g per km by train. So, switching from planes to trains can massively reduce your company’s business travel carbon footprint. Plus, with high-speed trains, your team will get there just as fast.
Travelling by train is often more comfortable than by plane, with more leg room, table space and the ability to get up and stretch your legs. Plus, with less time taken for security checks and hanging around at the airport, we see that travelling by rail is actually better for the traveller, as well as the planet.
Of course, walking or biking still beats taking the train, but we’re talking about business travel here, not a team-building exercise!
Making your business travel more sustainable is not just good for the planet, it’s good for your business and your employees, too. A good sustainable travel policy avoids unnecessary trips (and the costs involved) and puts your employees in control of their travel plans—ultimately saving both time and money.
Your reputation in this area is also important for both your customers and employees. In fact, it’s a key element in building employee engagement—which then leads to better operational performance, improved loyalty amongst employees and increased competitive advantage.
All-in-all, it’s a win-win for everybody!
FREENOW’s Business Travel Software App, Admin Panel, is a digital solution for business travel management that puts you and your employees in control of your business travel. Its easy-to-use interface contains a range of flexible and sustainable travel options.
With features like online booking tools, carbon emissions tracking and management of corporate and individual travel policies, FREENOW’s Admin Panel can help you draw up and implement a sustainable business travel policy.
FREENOW boasts one of the largest fleets of electric and zero-emission transport in Europe, helping you make more sustainable choices and reduce your company’s business travel carbon footprint.
See all possible travel options, so you can make the most sustainable choices and take advantage of zero-emission taxis and eScooters, eMopeds and eBikes.
You can use CO2 reporting to set your sustainability targets and power your CSR strategy, enabling you to make adjustments to your travel policies to reduce your overall footprint.
Mobility Budget — when your employees are using FREENOW’s app for business travel, you can also give them a benefit that helps them make more sustainable choices for their personal travel needs. They get a monthly budget to spend on their personal travel, whether that’s commuting, a night out or holidays.
Find out how our Business Travel solution can boost your sustainability goals here.
