CAN BUSINESS TRAVEL REALLY BE SUSTAINABLE?

Whether you are on the road weekly or just occasionally, travelling for business can be a rewarding experience. Seeing new places and visiting old favourites while building relationships with colleagues is a unique privilege, but it is one that comes with responsibility for eco-minded travellers.

Our carbon footprint still increases with every flight, but the travel industry as a whole continues to shift to more sustainable business practices. From hotels operated exclusively with solar power to airlines making increasing strides towards the implementation of sustainable aviation fuel, it has never been easier to make empowered decisions about responsible business travel.

Fly Smart: Getting from one place to another is not always as simple as swapping planes for trains, but if it is possible to fly direct, you will save both time and carbon dioxide. Since take-offs and landings are when aeroplanes produce the most carbon, the more connections you have, the more impact your journey will have. On average, connecting flights add 100 kg of carbon dioxide per person versus direct routes, and that adds up quickly when your company is sending the entire sales team to that big conference in Cape Town.

Stay Local: Hotels at all price points have long been encouraging guests to reuse towels, but there is more to going green than skipping fresh linens. Look for hotels that have a formal sustainability policy, those that do usually have it readily accessible on the website, highlighting any eco-friendly certifications such as Green, Green+ Tourism, Eco Tourism, LEED, EarthCheck or B Corp. Even properties in busy city centres can have small pockets of nature to indicate alignment with green practices. On-site vegetable gardens, hydroponic walls and rooftop beehives are just a few examples. Sustainable hotels should avoid single-use plastics, have a recycling program in place and encourage guests to use resources responsibly.

And remember, business travel does not have to mean booking in at a soulless corporate hotel. Instead, look for a locally owned boutique property. This goes a long way in ensuring the money your company spends on accommodations actually stays in and benefits the communities you are visiting, not fattening the bank account of an offshore corporation.

Play Local: There is no question that the real fun of business travel starts after the day’s meetings are over, and your quest for sustainability can continue right on into the evening simply by thinking local. Make dinner bookings at independent restaurants, chat with residents about their favourite bars and find mom-and-pop shops for your souvenirs or sartorial purchases. Not only does eating and shopping local once again keep the money where it belongs, in the pockets of the community, it will also give you a better feel for the vibe of the city or town you are visiting.

Sweat The Small Stuff: Travelling with your own reusable water bottle and choosing to skip the daily room cleaning at your hotel may not seem like much, but these are effortless choices you can make to help conserve resources. It also makes a difference to pack light, more weight equals more fuel burned, whether you are on a plane or in a car. Consider downsizing your travel wardrobe and fly with hand luggage instead of checking a big suitcase.

In cities where it is possible, try taking all of this to the next level by opting out of a rental car and asking your company to instead reimburse your expenses for public transportation.

Start With Synergy: You don’t have to be the CEO of your company to make a difference. If you notice opportunities for improvement in how business travel could be handled around your office, speak up! Small changes can add up to a big difference for the planet and your company’s bottom line.