Building a sustainable travel policy
Sustainability is a real buzz word right now and something we all must take seriously, particularly in travel.
We’re finding an increasing number of clients are coming to us for advice on how to do their bit to reduce their effects on the environment. Few see it as a low priority these days, but many are still in need of help when it comes to tackling the issue.
That’s perhaps understandable, sustainability is a daunting challenge and just getting started can be off-putting, particularly with things like carbon reporting and adding carbon budgets alongside cost budgets.
There’s a good reason why some haven’t gone down this road already; currently, only companies with a turnover of £36 million or a balance sheet of £18 million, or 250 employees, are required to report their emissions. But there are strong indications from the government it will soon apply to everyone as we move towards New Zero in 2050.
Fortunately for those that need to catch up, we have a simple off-the-peg policy framework we can share with clients, both existing and potential, that do not yet have the concept built into how they go about buying travel. There are though a few things you can think about before you begin working on spreadsheets covering carbon budgets and the like.
First, know that employees want to do the right thing when it comes to sustainability, so it’s safe to assume they are on board with what you’re thinking. Travel is now universally seen as an option that’s balanced against virtual alternatives, so in your policy detail those communications tools available to employees and provide easy access to them as well as any training materials available.
If travel is the chosen option, make it clear one or two-day trips are not desirable and that an extended duration – perhaps taking in multiple locations - is a more sustainable one. Travel is typically the biggest contributor to an organization’s environmental footprint, so reducing the amount of it will contribute to achieving overall sustainability and corporate social responsibility goals.
Put simply, being a road warrior isn’t cool anymore, so include a “stay or go” decision making tool in your policy.
Just arguing the case for virtual versus in-person isn’t enough; there needs to be a tangible element to this, so quantify savings in terms of carbon, money and unnecessary time spent away from home.
One statistic worth communicating is in the latest report from the UK government’s Climate Change Committee published in June. It shows aviation now contributes a greater share of total UK emissions than the entire electricity supply.
Last year, emissions from flying increased 9%, marking a return to pre-pandemic levels. The Committee compared this to 1990 “when aviation emissions were ten times lower than emissions from electricity, and close to half their current level”.
It’s a sobering statistic, so when travel is undertaken, there are transport choices that can be made with sustainability in mind. Obviously, trains produce less carbon per mile than cars or aircraft, making them one of the most eco-friendly transportation options, but you can also choose airlines that fly newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft – the Neo (New Engine Option) Airbus aircraft series is one example. Likewise, fly direct instead of connecting. And of course, if you can switch that diesel taxi for a train transfer to the airport, then do so.
Hotel groups are also working to accommodate corporates’ sustainability policies, so target brands that have actively been reducing their carbon footprint – there are now a range of certifications to prove these credentials.
All this is complicated stuff, but if you need someone to help navigate your way through, we’re ready to assist.
