Sustainability in Corporate Travel: Green Initiatives Leading the Way
09 May 2025
As corporate travel rebounds, sustainability is taking center stage in travel programs worldwide
Environmental responsibility is no longer a niche concern — it’s a critical factor in business decision-making and employee satisfaction. Travel managers play a pivotal role in reducing the environmental impact of their company’s travel activities while supporting corporate social responsibility goals. Here’s a look at the green initiatives leading the way in corporate travel.
1. Embracing Virtual Meetings
While face-to-face interactions are invaluable, many meetings can be held virtually without sacrificing productivity.
Initiative: Implement policies encouraging virtual meetings when feasible, particularly for internal team discussions and cross-office collaborations.
2. Prioritizing Sustainable Airlines and Routes
Air travel is a significant contributor to corporate carbon footprints, but some airlines offer more sustainable options.
Initiative: Partner with carriers that invest in fuel-efficient aircraft, use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and commit to carbon reduction programs. Prioritize direct flights to reduce emissions associated with takeoffs and landings.
3. Opting for Eco-Friendly Accommodations
Hotels vary widely in their environmental practices, from waste management to energy efficiency.
Initiative: Choose accommodations certified by recognized sustainability programs such as Green Key, EarthCheck, or LEED. Look for hotels that practice water conservation, recycling, and renewable energy use.
4. Encouraging Public and Shared Transportation
Ground transportation contributes to travel-related emissions, and single-passenger car hires increase a trip’s environmental cost.
Initiative: Promote the use of public transport, shuttle services, and preferred partnerships with eco-friendly ride-hailing companies or hybrid/electric car rental providers.
5. Implementing Carbon Offset Programs
Despite best efforts, some emissions are unavoidable. Carbon offsetting helps balance out this environmental impact.
Initiative: Invest in reputable carbon offset programs supporting renewable energy, reforestation, and community development projects. Provide employees with options to offset their travel emissions during booking.
6. Reducing Single-Use Plastics
Business travelers often rely on single-use plastics in airports, hotels, and during meetings.
Initiative: Provide reusable water bottles, promote the use of digital boarding passes, and work with vendors that minimize plastic use.
7. Tracking and Reporting Travel Emissions
You can’t manage what you don’t measure. Tracking emissions provides a clear picture of corporate travel’s environmental footprint.
Initiative: Use travel management systems and carbon calculators to track CO2 emissions per trip and report on sustainability KPIs regularly.
8. Employee Engagement and Education
A sustainable travel program is only effective when employees are informed and engaged.
Initiative: Educate travelers on the environmental impact of their choices and share best practices through internal campaigns, workshops, and incentive programs.
Sustainability in corporate travel isn’t a passing trend — it’s a business imperative. By adopting these green initiatives, travel managers can lead the way in reducing environmental impact while enhancing employee engagement and corporate reputation. It’s time to prioritize planet-friendly practices and ensure that every business trip leaves a lighter footprint.
Let VMR Travel Management help you with your sustainability travel plans – get in touch today.