Balancing sustainability and business travel

The topic of sustainability is more relevant than ever and ideas and concepts are being developed everywhere to make life more sustainable and keep everyone’s carbon footprint as small as possible. In some areas, we are already well positioned or at least on a promising path – from renewable energies to job bikes, the trend towards more organic products and fair fashion. Every individual has numerous opportunities to make a contribution. When it comes to travel, however, it becomes more difficult, as air travel in particular is the biggest source of CO₂ emissions. A single return flight from Europe to North America can cause several tons of CO₂ emissions per passenger. However, giving up and being overwhelmed by such high figures is not an option, as there are also positive developments and ideas in the business travel sector.

Business travel soon to return to pre-corona levels

According to a survey by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), 59% of travel managers expect the number of business trips in their companies to increase in 2024 compared to 2023. Expectations are particularly high in North America, while European companies are somewhat more cautious. Not only the recovering economy after the coronavirus pandemic is contributing to this, but also the new working models resulting from coronavirus, such as remote or hybrid working. This has led to the development of a new phenomenon, “super commuting”, which means that employees regularly travel to central offices. At the same time, the need for face-to-face meetings has increased again after coronavirus. This trend means that companies now have to think more about their travel management again and the issue of sustainability plays an important role here for several reasons.

Top reasons for companies’ sustainable actions

1. reputation and brand image

Consumers and business partners are increasingly paying attention to the sustainability of companies. Sustainable business practices can strengthen a brand’s image and increase customer trust. Companies that are perceived as environmentally conscious are better able to stand out from the competition and tap into new markets.

2 Regulatory requirements

Governments around the world are enforcing increasingly strict environmental regulations. Companies must comply with these regulations to avoid legal consequences. This includes laws to reduce CO₂ emissions, waste management and sustainable procurement practices.

3. cost savings

Sustainable practices can lead to cost savings in the long term. For example, company policies can be introduced that state that train travel must be booked instead of short-haul flights or that the entire travel management system is switched to a paperless digital solution.

4 Investors and financing

Investors are attaching increasing importance to the sustainability performance of companies. Sustainable companies have better access to capital, as more and more investment funds and banks are incorporating sustainability criteria into their decision-making processes.

5. employee motivation and loyalty

Sustainability can increase employee motivation and loyalty. Many employees prefer to work for companies that act responsibly and contribute to solving global challenges. This can lead to higher employee retention and improved morale.

6 Competitive advantage and innovation

Sustainability drives innovation. Companies that invest in sustainable technologies and processes can operate more efficiently and tap into new business opportunities. This creates competitive advantage and promotes long-term profitability.

What exactly can companies do in terms of business travel and sustainability?

Digital and paperless solutions

Let’s start with the simplest method. Digitizing travel management processes contributes to sustainability. This includes the use of mobile booking and payment systems, electronic tickets and digital expense management tools to minimize paper consumption.

CO₂ offsetting and climate-friendly travel

Companies are increasingly turning to carbon offsetting measures to compensate for the emissions caused by business travel. This includes supporting climate protection projects, reforestation and investments in renewable energies.

Sustainable transportation options

Choosing environmentally friendly means of transportation such as train travel instead of short-haul flights, using electric vehicles and promoting public transport are important measures to reduce the environmental footprint of business travel.

Green hotels and sustainable accommodation

Business travelers increasingly prefer hotels that implement sustainable practices, such as energy efficiency, waste reduction, recycling and the use of eco-friendly materials. Some hotels offer special certifications that demonstrate their sustainability efforts.

Sustainable Travel Policies

Companies develop and implement travel policies that promote sustainable practices. This includes limiting unnecessary travel, promoting virtual meetings and selecting sustainable travel providers.

Awareness raising and training

Companies conduct training programs to educate employees about sustainable travel options and their importance. This includes raising awareness of environmentally friendly practices and encouraging participation in sustainable initiatives.

Conclusion

The compatibility of sustainability and business travel is an urgent challenge that companies have to face today. Despite the high CO₂ emissions of air travel, there are numerous positive developments in the business travel sector. Companies are increasingly turning to sustainable practices such as carbon offsetting, environmentally friendly transportation and green hotels. This is not only to meet regulatory requirements and save costs, but also to strengthen the brand image, convince investors and increase employee satisfaction. With digitalized processes and targeted awareness-raising, companies are actively helping to reduce their environmental footprint while maximizing the efficiency and satisfaction of their travelers. Giving up is not an option – sustainable travel management is the key to responsible and future-proof corporate governance.

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