Last week world leaders agreed on a deal to limit the rise in global temperatures to less than 2C has been agreed at the climate change summit in Paris.
Nearly 200 countries took part in the negotiations to strike the first climate deal to commit all countries to cut emissions, which would come into force in 2020.
Having ‘green’ policies and targets for companies is nothing new but with sectors like travel coming under greater scrutiny over emissions, Rocketrip has provided seven tips on how your travellers can help your company cut its carbon footprint.
1. Schedule Virtual Meetings - The greenest business trip is one that doesn't happen. Virtual meetings cut emissions, save time, and save money. Of course not every trip can be replaced with remote interaction, but we've seen Rocketrip clients slash their T&E costs by incorporating virtual meetings alongside smart travel budgeting and incentives for employees to save on the road.
2. Coordinate Travel Schedules - Not all meetings can be replaced with virtual interaction, but many can be scheduled in ways that cuts down on the need for travel. Rather than traveling between branch offices for one-off meetings, employees might think about scheduling monthly, or better yet, quarterly visits. When colleagues have visibility into each other's travel plans - for instance, through a shared online calendar - they can see upcoming opportunities for in-person interaction. If a colleague is going to be in town in the near future, is it really necessary to schedule another trip to visit them in the interim?
3. Take Alternative Modes of Transportation - Travel by train or bus is up to 90% more carbon efficient than travel by plane.
4. Carpool - Driving your own car is also a greener travel option than flying in most cases, especially when you carpool. Outside of its employees' overnight business trips, a company's largest travel-related source of carbon emissions is often time employees' daily commutes to the office. A company-sponsored carpool program makes it easier for employees to find ride-sharing partners.
5. Or, cut out the commute all together - Companies like Github and Automattic (a Rocketrip client) have an entirely remote workforce. Allowing employees to work from home, even for just one day a week, has many potential benefits (improved work-life balance, increased productivity, lower overhead costs, etc.), including reducing the carbon footprint associated with employees commutes.
6. Skip the Rental Car - On business trips, minimize the impact of getting around your destination by using taxis, ridesharing apps, airport shuttles, and public transportation.
7. Avoid First Class - Premium seating on flights comes with a higher price tag, and a higher carbon footprint. First and business class seats take up more space than economy seats, and bear a higher per passenger carbon footprint.
Tips provided by Rocketrip CEO and Founder Dan Ruch
Click on the tag below for more travel advice