Once upon a time, business travel was looked at strictly with a cost-effective purpose: Is this trip worth the cost in terms of business success? Today, companies must balance financial considerations with the environmental impact of corporate travel. Implementing sustainable business travel practices is becoming not just the expectation, but the standard.
Why Is Sustainable Business Travel Important?
Sustainability has become an integral part of our culture, and every business should look to utilize sustainable, environmentally friendly practices wherever they can. According to a research study by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) 88% of the global business travel sector views addressing climate change as the number one priority area for action. This means limiting carbon-heavy flight travel, choosing green corporate housing when possible, and using companies that invest in carbon offset programs. An eco-conscious mentality aligns with consumer expectations, and everyone benefits from it.
4 Ways to Travel More Sustainably for Business
Only 38% of business travel buyers say they currently incorporate sustainability practices in their travel management policies, but now is the perfect time for your company to implement or improve its sustainable business travel program. It’s OK if you start with one or two items and grow the program over time. Here are four ways to achieve more sustainable corporate travel.
1. Choose green corporate housing
Find lodging that adheres to green standards, such as those that meet LEED standards set by the U.S. Green Building Council. This means that accommodations have eco-friendly appliances, participate actively with recycling, and have cleaning standards that limit energy consumption. You can also go green by choosing a company that rents its furniture from Brook, where we recycle and reuse pieces instead of adding more furniture to crowded landfills.
2. Track your carbon footprint
Develop a partnership with a carbon offset program, such as Carbonfund.org, that helps you track your carbon consumption and then invests in initiatives that offset that footprint. This might include projects such as tree planting or water purification efforts around the world.
3. Evaluate the need for travel
Reducing your company’s environmental impact might mean reducing the amount of travel your company does. If you can incorporate technology to reduce the need for travel, you can eliminate a large portion of your carbon footprint. Ask the tough questions about whether a trip is truly needed, or whether you can accomplish the same goals with video conferencing and virtual technology.
4. Enlist the help of your team
Ask other members of your team to consider reducing carbon emissions, especially during business travel. This might include rideshares to and from the airport or events, or remembering to turn off hotel lights when not in your room. It’s easy to forget these things most of us don’t think about that when we are away from home and not responsible for footing the bill.
Bottom Line
It doesn’t take a lot to make a real impact on the environment. You can build a sustainable business travel program by increasing awareness of your company’s carbon usage and exploring ways to lower it. Sustainability is here to stay, and finding ways to help should be the goal of every company’s corporate travel program.
One of Brook’s primary values is sustainability. By renting furniture, our customers get the best in design and function while keeping these items out of landfills.
