Industry Insights
Brian Tarns
July 3, 2023
Travel is necessary for almost any business, of any size. Countries cannot replace a good, well-timed in-person meeting, sales pitch, customer catch-up or simple visit. COVID taught us many things about our work habits, but it also reinforced the irreplaceable value of face-to-face interaction.
Business travel contributes significantly to corporate carbon footprints. Air travel alone accounts for approximately 2.5% of global CO2 emissions, and business travelers make up a disproportionate share of airline passengers.
The challenge for corporations is clear: travel is essential for business growth, but it must be managed responsibly. Forward-thinking companies are adopting comprehensive sustainability strategies that don't eliminate travel but optimize it.
Start by measuring your current travel carbon footprint accurately. ITS's Carbon Calculator provides detailed emissions data for every trip, enabling travel managers to identify the highest-impact reduction opportunities. Consider implementing a carbon budget alongside your financial travel budget.
Sustainable aviation fuel, carbon offset programs, and route optimization are all tools available today. The key is integrating these considerations into your travel program systematically rather than treating them as afterthoughts.
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