Business travellers in the UK are increasingly concerned about their carbon footprint, according to research by rail technology provider, Trainline Partner Solutions.
The survey of more than 1,000 road warriors across the UK found that more than two thirds (72 per cent) would like to use more lower carbon modes of transport, such as rail, for business trips in 2023.
More than half of respondents (53 per cent) stated their business travel volume in 2022 was either similar to or higher than the number of yearly trips taken pre-pandemic, and 67 per cent demonstrated concern over their 2022 carbon footprint.
Ninety-five per cent of respondents said they had taken a trip via car that could have been taken via an alternative mode of transport, with 66 per cent stating they would have preferred to travel more by rail than they were able to.
Additionally, 78 per cent of business travellers surveyed said sustainability will be an ‘important consideration’ in 2023.
Champa Magesh, president at Trainline Partner Solutions, said the survey results point to a “societal shift” as an increasing number of business travellers are conscious of their carbon footprint, and likewise “businesses are examining how travel contributes to their carbon disclosures”.
The survey results come just days after high-speed rail operator Eurostar Group unveiled its new brand following the merger between Eurostar and Thalys as it looks to take advantage of increased demand for rail travel in western Europe.