Even though it is mostly in the garage, I still love my car. It has been with me since I was a teenager, and we are almost the same age. Although it is a classic, few of my family members or friends would agree. It works great, but there are some limitations. One of these is the fuel gauge, which can be quite playful. I will never forget the moment I felt a strange vibration on the motorway and realized that I was almost out of petrol. But I believed in the car and it was the last stretch of road before we get home. I took stock, focused, drove as smooth as possible, and – I kid not – rolled onto a forecourt coming up to an almost perfect, joyous stop. Right next to the pumps.
This is a great analogy that can be used by almost any organisation looking to green its travel program. It is possible to feel that we have limitations over the years and that the journey can seem difficult. Any organisation can accelerate to net zero by understanding the starting point, and taking care of its surroundings.
Let’s take an in-depth look at how this journey can be broken down.
- Your fuel tank – great data and carbon targetsMy experience has shown that you should plan your goal and monitor progress before you set off. Understanding your organization’s current emissions data can help you set carbon reduction targets for the future. These targets should be tracked with the greatest accuracy by using annual carbon budgets.
- Point of Sale: Information about your engineMotors (preferably electric) They get us where we need to go. However, they also emit emissions and must be optimized. You can use point-of-sale information CWT has announced that the myCWT travel management platform has been updated.Travellers can be pushed to choose the most efficient flights and greenest hotels. Making small, simple changes thousands of times can have a dramatic impact on an organization’s overall emissions. Travellers are used to making decisions based upon price and other data. This natural progression is made easier by adding carbon information.
- Your steering wheel – green travel policiesAs a steering mechanism, well-constructed green travel policies can help you get to your destination. Thrust Carbon ran a simulation of a typical SME-oriented travel program and found that 14% of flights in Premium Economy, Business, and First produced a staggering 47% of total air travel emissions. This illustrates how small changes, such as reducing business-class flights, can have a big impact on emissions. Businesses could also choose to mandate electric vehicles. These vehicles emit only 29gCO2/km in the UK, compared with over 100gCO2/km for traditional cars.
- Your passengers – taking travelers with you. Your organisation must have a shared mission that your travellers are committed to. A shared mission will not only help you get to net zero, but will also make your organisation more attractive to similar-minded clients and employees. It’s a great opportunity that the travel management community can expand its expertise beyond traditional priorities like cost control.
This is it. Net zero may seem daunting but it’s possible to break it down into manageable segments. These portions are more than the sum combined, just like my classic vehicle!
About the author
Tan Strehler Weston is the head of policy and operations for Thrust Carbon. He spent seven years prior to this working for the UK Government in net zero and international relations policies.
About the CWT
CWT is a Business-to-Business-for-Employees (B2B4E) travel management platform. Our ability to keep people connected anywhere, anytime, and anyhow is a key advantage for both governments and companies. We provide our employees with innovative technology, a safe and secure travel experience, and support their three core promises.
Get in touch with us via LinkedIn, Facebook, TwitterCheck out our website Podcast.
Media Contact CWT
CWT
