In our ever-evolving world, the significance of sustainability cannot be overstated. As businesses strive to minimize their environmental impact and embrace eco-friendly practices, the need for a green business travel program becomes paramount. If you're ready to embark on this transformative journey, we've curated a list of steps that will propel you towards a sustainable future.
Step 1: Calculate Your Travel Program's Carbon Footprint
To kickstart your green business travel program, thoroughly audit your travel activities and establish a baseline. This invaluable data will empower you to identify areas where carbon emissions can be reduced and implement initiatives that support carbon neutrality. With BNW VoyagePro, you'll have access to your air, hotel and car travel emissions data, enabling you to track your progress and make informed decisions.
Step 2: Support Suppliers Committed to Green Business Travel
When selecting suppliers, prioritize those who share your sustainability values. Evaluate air carriers based on fleet age, focusing on those with newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft and a dedication to offsetting programs. Forge partnerships with hotels boasting environmental certifications such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, Green Key Global, and Green Globe. These properties often feature energy-efficient lighting, flow-restrictive showerheads, and linen programs, aligning with your commitment to sustainability.
Step 3: Encourage Train Travel for Shorter Distances
Short-haul flights contribute disproportionately higher greenhouse gas emissions per passenger than their longer counterparts. Urge your travellers to consider train travel for nearby destinations, significantly reducing their carbon footprint. Although train journeys may require a bit more time, the trade-off is worth it. When factoring in airport logistics and security procedures, rail travel can often be a more efficient option.
Step 4: Incentivize Travellers to Fly Economy
Opting for economy-class flights is not only more cost-effective but also aligns with your green initiatives. Consider offering incentives to employees who choose economy flights over business class, reinforcing their commitment to sustainability while avoiding unnecessary expenses for the company.
Step 5: Let Travellers Fly Direct
Despite potentially higher airfares, direct flights are a greener alternative due to reduced CO2 emissions associated with takeoffs and landings. While connecting flights may seem more convenient, their environmental impact is considerably higher. By encouraging direct flights, you minimize carbon emissions and save costs on carbon-offsetting programs.
Step 6: Offset Your Travel Program's Carbon Emissions
Once you've computed the carbon dioxide emissions produced by your travel plans, it's advisable to mitigate the impact by collaborating with organizations committed to greenhouse gas reduction. At BNW VoyagePro, our platform for corporate travel management and booking, we not only monitor your travel's carbon footprint but also provide you with a range of carbon offset projects to choose from in order to help you offset your carbon footprint.
Step 7: Promote Sustainable Ground Transportation Options
Encourage travellers to embrace eco-friendly alternatives such as sharing taxi rides and utilizing public transportation whenever feasible. Our innovative booking tool, BNW VoyagePro, provides you with the tools to book car rentals wherever your trip takes you, allowing your teams to carpool to their destinations.
Step 8: Work on Greener Meetings
Collaborate with our American Express Meetings & Events team to infuse sustainability into your meetings and events. We can recommend locations that minimize travel-related emissions and facilitate energy-efficient hotel sourcing. By implementing sustainable practices like eliminating single-use water bottles and utilizing reusable signage, you can significantly reduce indirect emissions associated with your events.
Step 9: Raise Awareness Among Travellers
Educate your travellers about the immense impact their actions can have on sustainability. Simple choices like reusing towels during hotel stays can add up to substantial carbon savings. Share articles and resources highlighting practical ways for them to become greener business travellers, instilling a sense of personal responsibility for sustainable practices.
Step 10: Receive Targeted Guidance for a Greener Travel Program
Our esteemed travel management team is dedicated to partnering with you on this transformative journey. We'll collaborate closely to craft travel policies that align with your corporate culture and environmental objectives. From building a compelling business case to leading change management initiatives, we offer comprehensive support to ensure a seamless transition to a greener travel program.
Read our beginners guide to sustainability Understanding the Role of Sustainability in Corporate Travel: A Beginner's Guide
By following these ten steps, you'll reduce your carbon footprint and inspire positive change within your organization. Contact your client manager today to embark on this transformative journey toward a more sustainable future. Together, we can make a lasting difference.
