How to make business travel greener in 2026

30 Dec 2023 · 4 MIN READ

Last updated: May 2026
To make business travel greener, companies should prioritize rail over air travel, adopt a green travel policy, use electric or shared vehicles, offset carbon emissions, and eliminate unnecessary paper and plastic waste.Sustainable business travel refers to corporate travel practices that minimize environmental impact through reduced emissions, responsible resource use, and support for local economies.
The roaring 2020s will be the home stretch of the 2030 Agenda. As we're in the final 10 years before our deadline to meet the Sustainable Development Goals, now is a good time to look at all the ways we can help achieve them.Sustainable travel has always been a hot topic in the industry. People on the move play a really important role in achieving the SDGs—particularly those to do with climate change and environmental impact.Whether you're traveling for business, developing your company's business travel policy , or planning trips for others, there's a lot you can do to make a difference. Let's have a look at how your company can travel for business in a sustainable way.

10 ways to make business travel more sustainable

  1. Offset your carbon footprint
  2. Go paperless with travel documents
  3. Behave responsibly in hotels
  4. Rent electric vehicles to reduce transport emissions
  5. Use car-sharing apps and public transport
  6. Choose rail travel over flights when possible
  7. Reduce plastic waste
  8. Create a green travel policy
  9. Plan company offsites in sustainable destinations
  10. Eat local to support communities
Here are a few travel tips on how to incorporate sustainability into business travel:

1. Offset your carbon footprint

Give back to the environment for every tonne of CO2 your business travel emits with Green Trip . At €10 per tonne of CO2, your carbon offsets can help NGOs like Atmosfair finance energy efficiency projects around the world.

2. Go paperless with travel documents

Airports and hotels worldwide accept digital tickets, boarding passes, booking confirmations, and more. Implement a "no-print" travel practice in your company to encourage traveling employees to go digital.

3. Behave responsibly in hotels

Many hotels now ask you to put your towels in a specific place if you would like them washed and replaced. You also need to ask if you would like your sheets changed during your stay. Encourage your traveling employees to observe these practices and only change these amenities when needed.

4. Rent electric vehicles to reduce transport emissions

Hire an electric car! Use Perk's car booking service and choose an electric car to minimize your carbon footprint. Include electric cars in your company travel policy so your travelers can have a positive impact on the global and local environment.

5. Use car-sharing apps and public transport

You can also consider using the car-sharing economy if it's available at your destination to decrease carbon emissions. Public transport is another great way to minimize the negative impact that mobility can have on the environment by increasing fuel efficiency and reducing traffic congestion.

6. Choose rail travel over flights when possible

According to Wired (2023), rail travel accounts for 14g of CO2 emissions per passenger per mile, making it the more environmentally-friendly option than flights at 158g. If you have the time and the journey you need to take is available, why not enjoy "the scenic route" and take a train?

7. Reduce plastic waste

Avoid single-use plastics and bring a reusable water bottle wherever you go! Whether it's at the office or on a business trip, refilling your own water bottle is a great way to reduce plastic waste. Bring the bottle through airport security empty and refill it at the water fountains. You can also take your plastic cutlery off the plane with you and throw it in a recycle bin.

8. Create a green travel policy

Incorporate sustainable, green practices into your company travel policy. Set clear targets for your "green business travel policy", and encourage employees to get involved. Think about creating an incentive program to reward and celebrate the most carbon-conscious travelers.

9. Plan company offsites in sustainable destinations

Consider organizing key company events like offsites or team buildings in "sustainable destinations". If you're looking to travel for these purposes, consider countries with carbon-neutral cities or that have eco-friendly urban planning.

10. Eat local to support communities

Support local communities and local businesses by embracing the 0KM food concept. By eating at restaurants that source their produce nearby, you help reduce food miles, preserve small farmland, and promote genetic diversity. Responsible travel is about more than transportation and accommodation!So there you have it! A few quick tips to help you support the ecosystem as you get back to traveling for business.
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