Going green is part of every company’s to-do list this decade. Everyone is trying to reduce their carbon footprint to conserve and protect the planet. When it comes to business travel, companies are now in the process of designing green travel policies. If your company isn’t, and you’re travelling regularly, then point them to this handy blog for ideas.
Green policies need to be applied for every part of the trip. From booking corporate housing to seeing the sights, all aspects must be thought through. Accommodation is especially important, and one way you can book some of the greenest living spaces around is choosing Thesqua.re Serviced Apartments. With extended stay apartments all over the world, a greener stay is easier than you think.
So, if you want to point your head office in the green direction and save the environment on every business trip, continue reading:
Review your own company’s travel policies
Not sure if your boss and company have the environment in mind when they send you abroad? Take a look at what their current business travel policies are. This can save you (and the planet) so much time. Knowing what you’re dealing with enables a better, greener solution for all. Check with whoever books the essentials that they’re pursuing a green approach, and if not, point them here (or inform them yourself).
Use green suppliers and airlines
Most airlines are now implementing carbon offsetting programmes to reduce carbon footprints with every flight. What does this do? Well, it doesn’t mean that they fly on renewable energies (yet), but they do provide subsidies for conservation and renewable energy projects, like protecting African wildlife as well as reducing deforestation in the Amazon.
Taking non-stop flights can also help, as extra journeys add to fuel consumption.
And of course, the airline you pick could have a huge impact, especially those that aren’t applying the right policies for a greener and stable world. Be sure to take a look at the methods and policies that are being applied.
Eat healthy on your travels
Are you a persistent and intransigent carnivore? Well, if you really want to help the planet then you need to cut your meat consumption. Why? Because modern agricultural practices, especially deforestation to expand pasture land and methane producing livestock etc add to the CO2 in the atmosphere. Eating more greens or avoiding meat altogether can be a big help, considering that animal agriculture is responsible for 13–18% of human-caused greenhouse gas.
One trip in one go
Why take multiple trips to the same location when you can just take one and see everyone all at once? It’s really simple to logistically organise and only requires a few calls. Plus, it really makes sense. There’s no point going from London to Singapore multiple times in the same month when you can book an extended stay and see all your clients and business partners all at once.
Virtual meetings
Why take a plane (or car) at all? Skype and other communication software make it so much easier to parlay over long distances. Obviously arriving in person can add a personal touch to start off the working relationship, but future meetings can easily happen, and be just as productive, via a conference call.
Be sure to consider Skype before you jet off across the world.
Recycle your trash
When it comes to something like this, it’s best to apply the same principle that you do at home. Be sure to check the local recycling policies, obviously, but apply the same rules and drive that you do at home. Avoid using non-recyclable products and always recycle plastics; you’ve no idea how it helps both the environment and wildlife.
Book green accommodation
Last but not least, you need the perfect place to stay – one that goes out of its way to putting the planet first (as well as yourself). Green accommodation is fairly easy to source; suppliers that use environmentally chemicals, actively promote healthy eating, electric maintenance vehicles and more are worth the booking fee.
Check that whoever is booking your serviced accommodation is using a supplier that is doing their utmost to create a stable climate and world for all.