Winning with sustainability: What business travel can learn from Paris 2024
The Paris 2024 Olympics are underway, and while we’re glued to the edge of our seats cheering for Team New Zealand, there’s another race happening behind the scenes—the race for sustainability.
For Kiwi businesses prioritising corporate travel sustainability, there’s a lot to learn from how Paris is planning and executing this global event. Let’s dive into how your business can score high on sustainability while managing business travel needs.
Paris 2024: A masterclass in sustainability
Paris 2024 is setting the bar high with eco-friendly infrastructure and innovative practices. Here’s what Kiwi SMEs can take away from it:
- Eco-friendly infrastructure: Paris is all about using recycled materials and energy-efficient designs for their venues. SMEs can follow suit by choosing hotels and conference venues that prioritise sustainability.
- Smart transportation: The Games are promoting public transport, cycling, and electric vehicles. For your business trips, consider using public transport options or carpooling to cut down emissions.
Travel smart: Reducing and offsetting carbon emissions
With previous Olympic Games reporting an average carbon footprint of 3.5 million tonnes of CO2, the Paris Olympics aims to halve that. Similarly, your business can also take the necessary steps to make a more positive impact on the climate:
- Offsetting emissions: Consider using programs that offset your travel emissions. Many airlines and travel services offer carbon offsetting options to balance out the environmental impact.
- Efficient planning: Plan trips efficiently to reduce unnecessary travel. Combine meetings and visits to make the most out of each trip, cutting down on flights and car rides.
Sustainability on a budget: Tips for Kiwi SMEs
-
You don’t need a big budget to make a difference. Here are some cost-effective ways to incorporate sustainability into your travel policy:
-
Environment-conscious accommodations: Look for hotels with strong sustainability practices. They often offer competitive rates, and the added bonus of being environmentally friendly.
-
Digital tickets: Go digital with tickets, itineraries, and reports. It’s more sustainable, and keeps everything conveniently at your fingertips.
-
Pack light: Encourage your team to travel light. This can reduce fuel consumption for flights and make moving around easier.
Building a sustainable travel policy
Creating a sustainable travel policy is a long-term commitment. Here’s how to ensure your policy is both effective and sustainable:
-
Set clear goals: Define what sustainability means for your business and set achievable targets. This could be reducing travel by a certain percentage or ensuring all accommodations are eco-friendly.
-
Educate and engage: Keep your team informed about the importance of sustainable travel. Encourage them to adopt eco-friendly practices and reward those who make significant contributions to your sustainability goals.
-
Monitor and adapt: Regularly review your travel policy and its impact on the environment. Be ready to make adjustments as needed to improve your sustainability efforts.
The final lap: Going for green
As we ride the wave of the Paris 2024 Olympics, let’s take a moment to reflect on how these games are championing sustainability and what we can learn. By incorporating some of these practices, your SME can not only reduce its carbon footprint, but also inspire others to join the race toward a greener future.
At Corporate Traveller New Zealand, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether it’s finding green travel options or helping you craft a sustainable travel policy, we’re your travel sidekick, ready to make your journey smooth and eco-friendly.
Check out our Sustainability Hub to start your journey towards a cleaner future. Let’s go for gold together in sustainable corporate travel!