How to Create a Sustainable Travel Policy for Your Company

Sustainability is becoming a priority for companies of all sizes. Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives are not just internal affairs anymore; they extend to corporate travel policies as well. As someone managing corporate travel, you hold tremendous power to make a significant impact on your company’s sustainability.

In 2019, a single company generated nearly 146k metric tons of CO2 emissions, equivalent to the emissions from nearly 18k homes over a year. A large part of this footprint comes from business travel. With nearly half of companies reporting an increased focus on the social/environmental impact of business travel, it's clear that sustainable business travel is no longer a nice-to-have, but a must-have.

The good news is that there are simple and cost-effective ways to implement a new level of sustainability into your corporate travel policies. It all comes down to examining your current policies and modifying them as needed to incorporate more sustainably-oriented objectives. For more insights on this, check out this article by the World Economic Forum.

How to Make Your Corporate Travel More Sustainable

Implementing sustainability initiatives doesn’t mean you have to turn your policies upside down. It’s all about making small, easily-enacted changes that can have a big impact. Here are some strategies to consider:

• Consider Making It a Virtual Meeting: If there’s one thing that the pandemic taught us, it’s that a large majority of our work activities can be completed from an office (at home or in an office building). While there are times when an in-person visit is merited, it might be time to reevaluate which travel is essential. 

• Incorporate Sustainability into Your Policies: Include verbiage that puts priority/focus on more sustainable/eco-friendly travel methods. For example, consider trains vs. planes, direct flights vs. connections, EV rentals, and LEED-certified accommodations. 

• Offer Sustainable Amenities: Providing sustainable amenities, perks, and travel gear can help improve the sustainability of corporate travel. For instance, provide a refillable water bottle or reusable straw, offer reusable bags, and encourage eco-friendly travel practices. 

Take Your Corporate Travel Sustainability to the Next Level with AmTrav

Corporate sustainability initiatives are starting to permeate throughout every company policy, including travel policies. Fortunately, there are quick, easily-implemented changes you can make as a travel manager to help achieve corporate sustainability goals. At AmTrav, we're committed to helping you navigate this journey toward more sustainable business travel. Let's work together to make a difference. Get in touch with us today.

Consider Making It a Virtual Meeting

The pandemic has shown us that a large majority of our work activities can be completed remotely. While there are times when an in-person visit is merited, it might be time to reevaluate which travel is essential.

The rise of digital communication tools has made it easier than ever to connect with colleagues and clients around the world without leaving your office or home. By considering whether a meeting can be done virtually, you can significantly reduce your company's carbon footprint. For more on this, check out our blog posts on corporate meetings in 2022 and beyond.

Incorporate Sustainability into Your Policies

Incorporating sustainability into your corporate travel policies is a powerful way to promote eco-friendly practices. It's not just about reducing carbon emissions, but also about fostering a culture of sustainability within your organization. Prioritizing sustainable travel methods, such as choosing trains over planes or opting for direct flights over connections, can have a significant impact on your company's carbon footprint.

Consider the benefits of renting electric vehicles for ground transportation or encouraging employees to stay at LEED-certified accommodations. These choices not only reduce environmental impact but also align with the growing consumer preference for businesses that prioritize sustainability.

But it's not just about the big decisions. Even small changes in policy can have a big impact. For example, consider implementing a policy that encourages employees to turn off lights and electronic devices in their hotel rooms when they're not in use.

By making sustainability a core part of your travel policies, you're not just reducing your company's environmental impact. You're also setting a positive example for your employees, stakeholders, and the industry at large.

Offer Sustainable Amenities

Promoting sustainability in business travel isn't just about policies and procedures. It's also about providing the tools and resources your employees need to make sustainable choices while they're on the road.

Consider offering sustainable amenities and perks to your traveling employees. This could include providing employees with refillable water bottles or reusable straws, which can significantly reduce plastic waste. You could also offer reusable bags for travel, which are not only more sustainable but also often more durable and versatile than disposable alternatives.

Encourage eco-friendly travel practices by providing resources and information. This could include guides to local public transportation, maps of walking or cycling routes, or lists of nearby restaurants that source their food sustainably.

By offering these amenities, you're not just helping your employees make more sustainable choices. You're also demonstrating your company's commitment to sustainability in a tangible, meaningful way.

Take Your Corporate Travel Sustainability to the Next Level with AmTrav

Corporate sustainability is no longer a niche concern, but a central aspect of modern business strategy. This shift is evident in every facet of company policy, including travel policies. As a travel manager, you have the power to make significant strides towards achieving your company's sustainability goals.

At AmTrav, we understand that change can be challenging. That's why we're committed to making this transition as smooth as possible. We offer tools and resources designed to help you implement sustainable practices quickly and effectively. From providing insights on eco-friendly travel options to offering a platform that makes managing travel policies more efficient, we're here to support you every step of the way.

But we're not just about providing tools. We believe in the power of partnership. We're ready to work with you, understand your unique needs and challenges, and develop solutions that align with your sustainability goals.

Together, we can make a difference. We can transform the way we travel, reduce our environmental impact, and pave the way for a more sustainable future. So let's get started. Reach out to us today, and let's take your corporate travel sustainability to the next level.