As we’ve seen over the past 12 months, sustainability has crept up the news agenda crossing over into the mainstream. As a pressing issue, there’s no escaping it as a priority in your organisation.
As the world starts to return to ‘pre-pandemic normality’, so are norms such as business travel. However, in light of the past two years, and recent events such as COP21, we must come together to look at how we move forward with a new emphasis on minimising our global footprint.
With time to reflect on our personal and professional habits, co-workers will undoubtedly return to the office with a renewed interest in their part to play too. In a recent industry survey, over half of all European companies said they include sustainability initiatives in their company’s travel policy – a figure that’s only set to grow.
So where does this leave your business? If you haven’t already reviewed your existing travel policy, or if you’re in the process of creating one, it’s time to put your sustainability hat on.
Here’s how…
First and foremost, it’s important to understand what your corporate sustainability program stands for and what your objectives are. Is it to rebalance your organisation's carbon footprint, to improve the way you conduct business travel, or perhaps to lead the way in your sector?
Once you understand your core objectives, everything else will fall into place. These values should be shared with colleagues and should be easy to remember, so they can be widely adopted and implemented in the long-term.
When creating a travel program, it’s important to look at how you can operate in the most efficient way. A helpful tool for evaluating this is the ‘three Rs’, as follows:
Sustainability shouldn’t be seen as a box-ticking exercise, it must be a considered and authentic part of your overarching business strategy. As such, your corporate travel program must dovetail into your company’s key sustainability objectives. How can your business support the communities it serves and make a difference in an authentic way? This should be at the very core of what you’re trying to achieve.
You can’t dispute the data, which is why it’s so important to be able to demonstrate a return on investment (ROI) to key decision makers. One of the many benefits of a considered sustainability travel program is that it can reduce unnecessary travel and associated costs, as well as helping to meet targets such as zero-waste. There’s also the benefit of brand perception to customers and clients, as a business with green credentials.
Since your employees are often at the forefront of business travel, why not ask them for their views and feedback? Not only can this help generate great ideas to take forward, but it will help them understand why a sustainability program is important, and encourage buy-in.
Collecting data
Collecting CO2 data from suppliers, clients and tools is one way you can manage and therefore mitigate (or offset) your carbon footprint. It might also force you to look at other, perhaps more efficient ways of operating. For instance, Roomex has seen an increase in queries around its ability to simplify the travel process, and help businesses stay on top of work travel movements.
PwC, a global leader in professional services, has committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2030—precipitating significant change in how it approaches business travel.
With offices in 152 countries and over 328,000 employees worldwide, business travel represents a substantial portion of PwC's carbon footprint. But, by leveraging digital technologies and adopting a 'more from less' approach to flights and physical meetings, PwC has successfully reduced air travel emissions by 76% since 2019 and overall business travel emissions by half.
The new ‘Thoughtful Travel Programme’ encourages employees to reconsider the frequency of their trips and their modes of transport, advocating for fewer, longer trips that encompass more client meetings to reduce the need for repeat visits.
The global pandemic has given us an opportunity to pause and evaluate the way we carry out business. As we return to business travel, the time is now to review how we can better align values with strategy and make a positive change for the future of our planet in a positive way.
A sustainable travel plan is a strategic approach aimed at reducing the environmental impact of business travel activities while maintaining business efficiency. It involves measures such as minimising carbon emissions, promoting alternative transportation methods, and encouraging mindful travel behaviour among employees.
Sustainable travel is less a trend and more a growing imperative. In 2023, 74% of travellers recognised the urgency of making sustainable choices to preserve the planet for future generations. In the same Booking.com survey, 74% wanted travel companies to provide more sustainable options.
Benefits include reduced carbon emissions, cost savings through efficient travel practices, and enhanced corporate reputation. By prioritising sustainability, organisations can mitigate environmental impact, improve financial efficiency, and position themselves as responsible industry leaders.