How to make business travel more sustainable
Published: April 11, 2024
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s standard practice for companies to send employees great distances for business growth opportunities. The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) predicts that global corporate travel costs will rise to more than $1.4 trillion this year—with no signs of slowing down.
At the same time, businesses are more aware of—and invested in—travel sustainability. According to Statista, 20% of companies rate climate and sustainability as the number one concern facing business travel as of January 2024.
It seems like a catch-22: businesses must travel more to grow—and reduce traveling to remain environmentally responsible.
But with the right business travel partners and tools and a commitment to reducing emissions (like how Uber has committed to becoming a zero-emission platform by 2040), it’s possible to travel smarter, cleaner, and greener.
What is sustainable business travel?
Sustainable business travel is the practice of managing corporate trips to minimize environmental impact while maintaining efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Sustainability goals in business travel are vital, as they support environmental conservation and reduce corporations’ ecological footprints. These goals also align with growing consumer and stakeholder expectations for businesses to reduce emissions over time.
Benefits of traveling green
Deloitte reports that just over 40% of American and European companies say they are refining their corporate travel policies to lessen their impact on the environment. And many companies around the world have adopted carbon emissions reduction plans that include modifying business travel practices to be more sustainable.
Below are some of the advantages of commiting to green business travel.
Environmental benefits
There’s a reason why ,66% of organizations are working to increase their energy efficiency. When companies commit to sustainability, they significantly reduce their carbon footprint and consume fewer resources.
Business travel often contributes heavily to carbon emissions, so adopting sustainable travel practices has a positive impact on the environment.
Positive perception of company values
Green business travel policies (and enforcement of them) show a company’s dedication to sustainability, which enhances its public image, boosts customer loyalty, and improves employee perception.
Forbes reported that 92% of consumers are likely to trust a company that supports social or environmental issues. And 88% are more loyal to these companies.
Cost savings
Traveling green is not only environmentally friendly but also cost-effective. Efficient use of resources, such as opting for less-resource-intensive travel options, can lead to significant financial savings for companies.
McKinsey’s research identifies a significant relationship between a company’s resource efficiency and its financial success. By minimizing resource expenses, a business can enhance its operating profits by up to 60%.
Employee satisfaction
Deloitte reports that 69% of employed adults want their companies to invest in sustainability —including reducing carbon. And over 70% of employees at large US companies are more likely to opt to work somewhere with a strong environmental program.
A company's commitment to sustainability attracts talent and contributes to employee morale. When people know that their employer values environmental responsibility, it increases their job satisfaction.
Ideas to make business travel more sustainable
Every year, more travelers, employees, and businesses are dedicated to sustainable travel. But what steps can companies take to accomplish this goal? Below are 4 key ideas.
1. Book trips selectively
Aviation currently accounts for 3% of all global emissions, according to Reuters. Aviation companies are actively investing in pollution-lowering projects and working toward finding more sustainable fuel. But it will take a more collaborative approach to reduce emissions. Corporations can reduce their carbon footprints through more active planning and smart travel analysis. In other words, corporate travel managers can conduct cost-benefit analyses to identify which trips are critical to the business and which they can eliminate from their travel agendas. In terms of ground transportation, corporations can invest in the Uber for Business platform. The platform allows companies to set limits and allowances for ridesharing to reduce any unnecessary travel.
2. Choose sustainable accommodations
Companies can further their commitment to sustainability by selecting eco-friendly hotels that prioritize green practices.
Choose hotels, for example, that commit to actively reducing energy and water consumption. This can include advocating for reusing towels and linens or allowing guests to opt for room cleaning as needed.
Many hotels also incorporate energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy sources, such as using LED lighting, solar panels, and energy-efficient heating and cooling systems. These measures reduce the hotel’s environmental footprint, creating an ideal partnership for business travel.
3. Explore eco-friendly transportation options
The airline industry isn’t the only travel industry investing in environmentally friendly solutions. The automotive industry is creating more lower-emission and electric vehicles. Municipalities are making cities increasingly bikeable. And Uber for Business offers sustainable travel options as well, like Uber Green and Uber Comfort Electric.
These industries, governments, and businesses are on the right track, and corporate travel managers and bleisure travelers can take action individually to further the cause. Opt to do the following:
Use eco-friendly ground transportation alternatives. Commit to carpooling, pick low-emission rideshare options, or book zero-emission vehicles (electric vehicles) with a service like Uber Comfort Electric.
Take nonstop flights. Takeoffs and landings involve high fuel consumption and emissions. Nonstop flights minimize the environmental impact. They also have shorter durations, decreasing the amount of fuel needed per trip.
Get some exercise. Is the destination within walking or biking distance? Dust off those walking shoes, unlock your bike, and pick a more environmentally friendly way to travel. If it’s a bit farther, consider an e-bike or an e-scooter.
4. Eat and shop local
Encouraging business travelers to eat and shop at local establishments promotes sustainable travel. By choosing restaurants and vendors that prioritize sustainability and source their products locally, companies can reduce the environmental impacts of food transportation and support local economies to boot.
Opting for local dining options also allows employees to walk or bike to their destinations—further reducing their carbon footprint.
Learn from available data
Moving toward more sustainable business travel practices hinges on the ability to track data and monitor progress. Below are some ways to reduce CO2 emissions through data tracking and reporting:
Carbon emissions tracking
Through the Uber for Business dashboard, you can access sustainability insights. This allows companies to track carbon emissions data related to corporate travel.
To monitor CO₂ emissions from business flights, consider investing in software that integrates with travel booking systems to calculate the carbon footprint of each flight.
Transparency and reporting
As environmental regulations increase, it’s essential for businesses to remain transparent about their climate impact each year.
To maintain their commitment to sustainability, it’s important for companies to track emissions caused by corporate travel and create an annual environmental, social, and governance (ESG) report.
Among other data, ESG reports include the company’s annual carbon footprint and energy usage metrics. Companies can then demonstrate how these elements align with their long-term sustainability goals and progress toward becoming a net-zero company.
Drive progress with Uber for Business
Reducing (or eliminating) carbon emissions from business travel doesn’t happen overnight, but setting goals, tracking data points, and investing in partnerships with organizations that care about the environment take you one step closer.
Uber for Business is dedicated to becoming more sustainable and helping your business reduce its carbon footprint. Be part of the movement toward net-zero emissions with Uber for Business.
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