Even the smallest eco-conscious actions you take can make your business travel greener.
When you’re prepping for important meetings and dealing with flight delays and layovers, the last thing on your mind is the impact that your business trip can have on the environment. The reality is, it’s more important now than ever before to do what we can to offset our carbon footprint and mitigate the devastating effects of global warming. With just a little pre-planning, you can change your business travel habits to make your trips as eco-friendly as possible. Here’s how:
Dial in
Thanks to technology, it is not always necessary to take a business trip. After all, the greenest business travel is knowing when to fly and knowing when to dial in.
Fly direct
If your only option is to fly, then choose to fly direct. Takeoffs and landings create more carbon emissions, so choosing a direct flight without any layovers can drastically reduce emissions – in some cases by up to 50 per cent.
Top tip: Fly economy as this allows more people on the plane and each person will create fewer emissions.
Travel light
The more luggage a plane has to carry and the heavier it is, the more fuel it will use. Pack a small, carry-on suitcase with mix-and-match essentials to get you through a few days on your trip.
Schedule your trips back-to-back
If you have a couple of business trips lined up, you can save time, money and the environment by booking them back-to-back. Additionally, if you are thinking of taking some time off, consider adding on a few days to the end of your business trip to save on flights (and fuel).
Stay in green hotels
Where possible, opt for hotels that are either Green Seal or LEED Certified. These hotels are doing their best to help the environment by using flow-restrictive showerheads, energy-efficient lighting and have programmes in place to reduce waste.
Be a green guest
One of the simplest ways that you can support the environment while travelling for business is to treat your hotel like you would your home. Be mindful of every decision you make, from how long your showers are, to switching lights off or reusing towels.
Choose local
If the goods you buy are local (not imported or trucked in), you’re saving significant emissions. Whether dining out or shopping for souvenirs, make every effort you can to seek out and support local businesses that grow, sell and serve locally sourced goods.
BYOB
Reusable bottles are non-negotiable today. Choose a plastic-free bottle and fill up where you can while on the go.
For more green travel tips, check out how you can be a responsible business traveller here.
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