Businesses are now seeking ways to make their travel practices more eco-friendly. They’re exploring sustainable options, from choosing green hotels to using public transportation. It’s not just about reducing carbon footprints. It’s also about creating a positive impact on the communities they visit.
So, how can businesses make their travel more sustainable? And what are the benefits of doing so? Let’s delve into the world of sustainable business travel and find out.
Sustainability in Business Travel
In today’s market, Sustainability in Business Travel has taken a front seat. Not only is it a significant factor for preserving the environment, but it’s also an aspect that consumers and employees increasingly value. There are several reasons why sustainable business travel matters, and they’re not all about being green.
Reduced Carbon Footprint
One of the main benefits of sustainable business travel is reducing a company’s carbon footprint. By opting for public transportation, carpooling, or cycling instead of driving, businesses can greatly reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere.
Community Impact
Choosing green hotels and local businesses for accommodations and dining is another way businesses can positively impact the community they’re visiting. It helps support the local economy, contribute to conservation efforts, and reduce the demand for non-renewable resources.
Employee Satisfaction
Employees today want to work for companies that prioritize sustainability and social responsibility. By focusing on sustainable travel practices, businesses can meet this demand and increase job satisfaction.
Sustainable Practices for Business Travel
For corporations looking to make their operations more sustainable, business travel is a key area that’s ripe for intervention. An array of practices are readily available for companies seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and promote sustainable development.
Restructured Travel Policies: The first step is often a complete overhaul of travel policies to highlight sustainability as central. Instead of allowing all employees to travel unnecessarily, companies encourage web-based meetings or combine several meetings into one trip. This drastically reduces the overall carbon emissions, thus making a considerable contribution to the preservation of the environment.
By emphasizing local travel over international and encouraging the use of public transportation, corporations can significantly decrease their carbon emissions. As well, it promotes engagement with local economies and communities.
Green Accommodation Options: Another effective practice is the preference for “Green” accommodations. Many hotels and accommodations have now started to offer eco-friendly services. For instance, hotels that reduce water consumption, use renewable energy, offer locally sourced food, and practice recycling, contribute to sustainability.
Choosing Eco-friendly Accommodations
Once upon a time, the options for environmentally conscious lodging were limited and often involved sacrificing comfort. These days, that’s simply not the case. Green accommodations have emerged as not only vital players in the sustainable travel realm, but as providers of excellent and comfortable experiences for the discerning business traveller.
It’s worth noting that, while global travel and tourism contribute roughly 10% to global GDP, it’s also responsible for nearly 8% of total worldwide greenhouse gas emissions. Choosing eco-friendly accommodations can drastically reduce this number.
When it comes to selecting eco-friendly accommodations, corporations can look out for hotels and other facilities with green certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), Green Seal, and Eco Label. These certifications ensure that the establishments are implementing practices that conserve energy, reduce water usage, and support waste reduction.
To further support Sustainability in Business Travel, corporations must also consider supporting locally-owned accommodations. Not only do they provide unique cultural experiences, but they also often have a smaller environmental footprint. Investments made in these establishments typically stay within the local community, promoting economic growth and stability.
