Sustainable Travel
Better management of business travel is a key way in which public sector bodies can improve the sustainability of their operations. Travel has a wide range of sustainability impacts, both positive and negative, including environmental, social, economic and health issues.
Perhaps the most widely-acknowledged issue for sustainable travel is the emission of greenhouse gases by motor vehicles. The Stern Review (2007) identified that transport accounts for 14% of global greenhouse-gas emissions, and transport related emissions are predicted to double in the period to 2050.
In simplest terms, there are two ways in which any organisation can improve the sustainability of its travel:
- Avoid Travel - eliminating unnecessary travel, where there are practical business alternatives. There are many occasions when travel is necessary on public sector business. But it is important to remember that travel serves no purpose in itself. Avoiding travel is about minimising the need for staff to travel in order to deliver their business objectives. It is about changing working practices and putting in place a culture which supports not travelling.
- Travel Differently - where travel is truly necessary, adopting different travel behaviours. This could include changing modes of transport; utilising different vehicles or fuels; better travel planning; and/or changing behaviours such as driving style.
The Buying Solutions Travel Services framework agreements provide a comprehensive range of booking services for rail, air, ferry and car hire, as well as hotel accommodation and conference facilities. These travel service providers are able to provide a range of advice and support services to customers to assist them in managing their sustainability, including:
- Online trip carbon calculators;
- Carbon Management Information reporting and analysis;
- Consultancy support on assessing existing travel behaviours and improving travel policies;
- Practical support in communicating and implementing change - such as running staff road shows and ‘carbon leagues'
Here to Help
These web pages will bring you news and articles on items of interest within Sustainable Travel, including new services, case studies and guidance and best practice.
If you have any questions relating to Sustainable Travel please contact our Customer Service Desk on 0345 410 2222.