The modern global economy means your company likely has connections far and wide. Your position could require the occasional conference visit or a meeting with the board. How can your company reduce its carbon footprint for your travel needs? Here are 8 strategies to consider.
1. Research the Accommodations
When traveling, you’re likely visiting hotels or short-term rentals for your stay. Tracking emissions when you don’t own the buildings is challenging, so you must be conscious of where you stay. How can you reduce your carbon footprint for hotels during company travel? Research your accommodations to see which hotels have the best sustainability record.
The World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance’s 2020 report said hospitality accounted for 1% of global emissions, so prioritize eco-conscious features. Sustainable hotels optimize their operations by doing small things like keyless entry or plastic-free water bottles. On a larger scale, they may use energy-efficient HVACs and stormwater harvesting systems.
2. Monitor Your Resource Consumption
Hotel guests don’t have to pay for the water or utility bills, so it may be tempting not to consider your usage. However, you should monitor your resource consumption regardless of your lodging choices. Treat the room or short-term rental as your home and practice the same energy-efficient decisions. While they seem small, the little things add up over time.
Your HVAC usage should be the first consideration. If you leave your lodging for the day, lower the air conditioning or heating to reduce waste and unnecessary emissions. Don’t forget to turn off the lights because the hotel could use incandescent bulbs or another less-efficient option. If the hotel allows it, use your bathroom towels for multiple days before asking for a wash.
3. Optimize Your Flight Booking
If your destination is overseas, you may have to book a flight and contribute to the aviation industry’s emissions. Experts say planes generate about 2.5% of the world’s carbon emissions due to the fuel used when flying. While the CO2 is a liability, you don’t have to give up flying. There are a few strategies to reduce your carbon footprint for company travel in the air.
For instance, you could select a direct flight instead of one with layovers. Most plane emissions derive from takeoff and landing, so staying in the air as much as possible increases your sustainability. Another option is to research airliners or private jet companies to see their environmental policies, such as using biofuels and efficient planes.
4. Consider Carbon Offsets
If you calculate your trip’s carbon emissions, the plane ride will likely be the most significant quantity. Air travel to and from your destination is sometimes unavoidable, so you may need to find other ways to lower your carbon footprint. One easy option is to buy carbon offsets, which compensate for your emissions. Research to see where your money goes the furthest.
Some airliners let you purchase carbon offsets with your ticket to streamline your trip planning. That said, there are other options available to the general public. Find verified platforms like the United Nations Carbon Offset Platform to ensure your dollars do good things. Alternatively, you can directly donate to local conservation organizations to know where your money is going.
5. Choose an Electric Car
Driving to your big meeting or industry conference means stopping for gas and service. However, you can remove your fuel needs and emissions by driving an electric vehicle (EV). These battery-powered machines have no tailpipe emissions and eliminate the liabilities of fossil fuels. With an EV, you can ride in style and use new technology like infotainment systems.
Using EVs is more sensible nowadays because of their improved range. Modern electric machines have a 270-mile median range, with some models eclipsing 500 miles. When planning an EV road trip, it’s vital to account for charging stops. Identify your route and the public stations because you may need to stop before you run out of battery.
6. Minimize Your Local Emissions
While plane emissions are high, local transportation options let your company reduce its carbon footprint for travel. Some people rent passenger vehicles to make their way around the city, but they’re not the most environmentally friendly option. Leverage local mass transit — such as subways, buses and streetcars — because it has fewer emissions per person.
Additionally, you can use non-motorized options by walking and cycling to your destinations. These transportation options are excellent for the environment because you don’t need gas to get anywhere. They also let you exercise with some easy cardio on your work trip. If driving is the only option, ask your colleagues to carpool and reduce your road emissions.
7. Watch What You Eat
When considering travel emissions, you likely think of planes, trains and automobiles. However, other minor factors are critical to your carbon footprint. Your breakfasts, lunches and dinners matter because of the food source and how long it takes to reach the restaurant. Find businesses with short supply chains and local produce for minimized emissions at dinner.
For example, suppose your business trip takes you to Napa, California. Restaurants like Melted have intentionally sourced ingredients and farm-to-table options to minimize the impact of your meal. When in doubt, select plant-based foods because they require fewer resources to produce. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains avoid the harmful effects of red meat’s emissions.
8. Reduce Your Plastic Usage
When you’re on the go, you prioritize convenience. Your trips to grocery stores, restaurants, and convenience stations may encourage plastic usage because they’re cheaper. However, you should reduce this consumption wherever possible because of its environmental impact. Bring your silverware and seek more recyclable options to limit your carbon footprint.
Plastic is commonplace in businesses despite its detrimental environmental effects. Throwing away forks, bottles, and cups means adding more plastic to landfills. Experts say plastic requires up to 500 years to decompose despite its 10-year life span. While bad for the environment, plastic production has surpassed 400 million metric tons. Therefore, alternatives are necessary to mitigate emissions and help the environment.
How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint for Company Travel
Business trips can be exciting because they take you to fascinating destinations. These company travels also let you bond with colleagues over shared experiences and industry insights. That said, you should understand your carbon footprint to reduce your environmental impact. Be holistic with your itinerary and think green from start to finish.
