March 21st, 2025

Green Travel: How to Make Your Corporate Travel Program More Sustainable 

As businesses become more aware of their environmental impact, sustainable practices are increasingly becoming a priority across all industries. Corporate travel is no exception, with companies seeking ways to reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining productivity and employee satisfaction. If you’re looking to make your corporate travel program more sustainable, there are several strategies and best practices you can implement to promote eco-friendly travel within your organization. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of green travel and how you can adopt sustainable practices to make your corporate travel program more eco-conscious. 

1. Encourage Sustainable Travel Choices 

The first step in creating a more sustainable corporate travel program is to encourage employees to make environmentally friendly travel choices. This can include opting for trains or buses instead of flights for shorter distances, where possible. Train travel, for example, is often more energy-efficient than flying, and it can also provide a more relaxed and productive environment for employees. For longer distances, encourage employees to choose flights with fewer stopovers or those that use newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft. 

2. Choose Eco-Friendly Hotels and Accommodations 

When booking accommodations for business travel, choose hotels and properties that prioritize sustainability. Many hotels now offer eco-friendly certifications and implement energy-saving measures, such as using solar power, reducing water usage, and recycling waste. Look for accommodations that have sustainable practices in place, such as providing guests with reusable water bottles, energy-efficient lighting, and green building certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). Partnering with hotels that focus on sustainability not only aligns your company with green initiatives but also helps reduce the environmental impact of your travel program. 

3. Prioritize Carbon Offsetting 

One of the most effective ways to combat the environmental impact of corporate travel is through carbon offsetting programs. Many airlines and travel agencies now offer the option to offset the carbon emissions generated by flights. By contributing to carbon offset initiatives, such as reforestation projects or renewable energy programs, companies can help mitigate the environmental effects of their travel activities. Encourage your employees to take advantage of these options and consider incorporating carbon offsetting as a standard part of your corporate travel policy. 

4. Use a Corporate Travel Management Company (TMC) with Sustainability Programs 

Partnering with a Corporate Travel Management Company (TMC) that prioritizes sustainability can make a significant difference in the environmental impact of your corporate travel program. TMCs that focus on sustainable travel can help you find eco-friendly flight options, accommodations, and ground transportation. They also offer tools for tracking carbon emissions, so you can measure and report on the environmental impact of your travel program. A TMC with a green travel focus can streamline the process of making sustainable travel choices for your employees. 

5. Implement a Business Travel Policy with Sustainability in Mind 

To make green travel a consistent part of your corporate travel program, it’s important to implement a business travel policy that emphasizes sustainability. This can include guidelines for choosing eco-friendly transportation, reducing the frequency of business trips when virtual meetings are feasible, and prioritizing accommodations with green certifications. Establishing clear expectations around sustainable travel can help employees make more environmentally conscious decisions when booking their trips. 

6. Reduce the Need for Travel with Virtual Meetings 

While travel will always be a part of doing business, there are opportunities to reduce the overall frequency of travel through the use of technology. Virtual meetings, video conferencing, and collaborative online tools can help minimize the need for in-person meetings. By embracing these technologies, you can not only reduce your company’s carbon footprint but also save on travel costs and employee time. Integrating virtual options into your business operations can help create a more sustainable and flexible work environment. 

7. Optimize Travel Routes and Reduce Travel Time 

Another way to reduce the environmental impact of corporate travel is to optimize travel routes and minimize travel time. This can be achieved by working with a TMC to plan the most efficient itineraries, reducing layovers, and booking direct flights whenever possible. Additionally, consider grouping multiple meetings or events into one trip to avoid unnecessary travel. Efficient travel planning can help reduce the total carbon emissions of your corporate travel program by ensuring that employees take the most direct and time-efficient routes. 

8. Encourage Employees to Use Public Transportation and Shared Rides 

Once your employees arrive at their destination, encourage them to use public transportation, walk, or take shared rides instead of renting cars or using taxis. Many cities have well-developed public transportation systems, and using them reduces the carbon footprint of getting around. When public transportation isn’t an option, encourage employees to opt for ride-sharing services such as Uber or Lyft, which typically have a smaller carbon footprint than solo car rentals. By promoting these sustainable travel options, you can further reduce the environmental impact of your corporate travel program. 

9. Educate Employees on Sustainable Travel Practices 

Education is key to fostering a culture of sustainability within your organization. Provide employees with information on sustainable travel practices and encourage them to make eco-friendly choices during their trips. This could include offering tips on reducing waste, conserving energy in hotel rooms, and choosing environmentally friendly travel options. By raising awareness and providing guidance on sustainable travel, you can help employees make more informed decisions that align with your company’s sustainability goals. 

10. Track and Report on Your Sustainability Efforts 

Once you’ve implemented sustainable practices into your corporate travel program, it’s important to track and measure your efforts. Many TMCs offer tools that allow you to monitor the carbon footprint of your business travel and report on sustainability metrics. Regularly tracking these metrics can help you identify areas for improvement and ensure that your company is meeting its sustainability goals. It can also serve as a valuable tool for communicating your green travel efforts to clients and stakeholders. 

Conclusion: Embrace Green Travel for a Sustainable Future 

Sustainable corporate travel is not only good for the environment but also for your company’s bottom line. By implementing green travel practices such as encouraging eco-friendly travel choices, prioritizing carbon offsetting, and working with a TMC focused on sustainability, you can reduce the environmental impact of your corporate travel program. With increased awareness of climate change and environmental responsibility, companies that adopt sustainable travel practices are better positioned to lead in their industries while contributing to a more sustainable future. 

Ready to make your corporate travel program more sustainable? Contact TL365 today to learn how our corporate travel management services can help you implement eco-friendly travel solutions that align with your company’s sustainability goals.