Unveiling the benefits of a sustainable travel and events strategy

Whilst aviation emissions continue to surge with demand, whilst other sectors strive for decarbonisation, it’s crucial for businesses that need to travel to be proactive in adopting a sustainable travel and events strategy.

Leading by example has many benefits. When it comes to environmental sustainability the results can be rewarding in several ways. Accommodation, event venues, ground transportation, and aviation, especially, emit significant amounts of CO2. If forecast demand continues and emissions remain unaddressed, aviation could account for up to 25% of global CO2 emissions by 2050. Addressing and reducing these emissions requires a combined global effort.

In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of a sustainable travel and events strategy and provide some practical tips for achieving it. We’ll also highlight how ATPI can help reduce your company’s environmental impact and promote sustainability.

Taking a Proactive Step Towards a More Sustainable Travel and Events Strategy

Some industry sectors are already bound by Science Based Targets (SBTs) to reduce their emissions year-on-year. Others know it is probably a matter of time before legislation determines what reductions are required to reach net zero by 2050. More and more corporates are waking up to the idea that they want to be ahead of the curve and make choices now to reduce the impact of their travel programme as part of their wider ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) strategy.

Benefits of a Sustainable Travel and Events Strategy

Adopting a sustainable approach to travel and events can bring a range of benefits to companies, including:

• Reduced environmental impact: By prioritising environmental sustainability, companies can significantly reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier planet. Year on year reductions will gain approval from auditors.
• Cost savings: Sustainable practices can sometimes lead to cost savings, for example, by choosing more environmentally friendly transport options (switching domestic air to domestic rail travel) or reducing waste during conferences and events.
• Enhanced reputation and brand image: Consumers are increasingly concerned about environmental issues and are more likely to support companies that prioritise tangible sustainability criteria. A sustainable travel and events strategy can, therefore, improve a company’s reputation and attract more customers.
• A good place to work: Many employees, especially generation Z, look for credible ESG criteria when considering future employers. Having a clear strategy towards environmental sustainability is one critical element.

Key Steps to Achieving a Sustainable Travel and Events Strategy

Developing a sustainable travel and events strategy requires a comprehensive approach that addresses various areas of operations. Here are some practical steps that companies can take to achieve this:

• Set sustainability goals: The first step in developing a sustainable travel and events strategy is to set clear goals and objectives with bookers and travellers. Companies should identify areas where they can make the most significant impact and establish measurable targets to track progress. Some corporates are introducing carbon budgets to drive down travel related emissions e.g. 5% or more year on year.
• Travel policies that ensure travel is for a purpose, and thus eliminate unnecessary trips, are increasingly common. Travellers are encouraged to avoid same-day travel, and instead combine meetings, resulting in fewer overall trips.
• Make it visible: Show CO2 calculations throughout the booking process. Awareness is an important first step that can guide bookers and travellers to more sustainable transport and accommodation choices: Your TMC can help with this, and in sharing some best practice with bookers and travellers. If you use an online booking tool, make sure it has the capability to make “greener” choices stand out to users.
• Reduce waste: Waste reduction is another critical area to address in a sustainable travel and events strategy. Companies should encourage attendees to bring reusable water bottles, use digital tickets instead of paper, choose sustainable catering options, and ensure good waste management keeping waste to a minimum and recycle whatever possible.
• Work with sustainable suppliers: Companies should work with suppliers that prioritise sustainability in their operations. This includes choosing event venues that use renewable energy sources, caterers that source local and organic food, and transportation providers with fuel-efficient vehicles.

How ATPI Can Help

At ATPI, we recognise the importance of sustainability in the travel and events industry and are committed to helping our clients reduce their environmental impact. Here are some of the ways we assist clients in achieving a sustainable travel and events strategy:

• MEASURE – ATPI has partnered with Thrust Carbon to provide accurate and up-to-date CO2e calculations for all possible modes of transport, as well as event footprint measurement, which includes a host of additional areas from waste management to the energy consumed and emissions created during an event. CO2e is made visible throughout the booking cycle.
• REDUCE – Account managers who know your business will work with you to analyse your corporate travel footprint and identify areas for improvement, and guide you on how to implement and monitor reduction goals, and choose sustainable suppliers.
• OFFSET – last but not least, through ATPI Halo we offer a range of high quality, largely nature-based carbon offset projects that clients can invest in to offset their unavoidable travel footprint in part or fully. ATPI Halo has been recognised by auditors for its due diligence in terms of project choices, permanence and accreditation, as well as traceability through to carbon credit retirements and certification. 

Taking a proactive approach to environmental sustainability when creating a corporate travel programme is essential for companies that want to reduce their GHG impact, manage costs, and enhance their reputation. By setting clear goals, choosing sustainable options, working with sustainable suppliers, measuring, and reporting on CO2e emissions, companies can not only develop a comprehensive and effective sustainable travel and events strategy, but meet the requirements auditors are increasingly looking for when assessing a company’s approach to sustainability. 

ATPI can help you on this journey.