Free Sustainable Business Travel Policy

Want to give employees some clear, high-impact rules to help reduce your business travel emissions? Download and edit our template, or just use it as a guide for your own!
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Why should businesses care about sustainable travel?

Business travel is a significant source of carbon emissions, especially Scope 3 emissions, which are often the hardest to measure and reduce. Adopting sustainable travel practices isn’t just good for the planet - it’s increasingly expected by clients, employees, and investors. It also demonstrates leadership, reduces costs over time, and helps future-proof your business against regulatory and reputational risk.

What does sustainable business travel actually look like?

It means choosing lower-impact options wherever possible - think trains instead of flights, video calls instead of in-person meetings, and walking or cycling for short trips. It also involves smarter planning: combining meetings, prioritising local suppliers, and selecting eco-certified hotels. The goal isn’t to eliminate travel entirely, but to make every journey count.

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How can companies start reducing travel emissions?

Start by understanding your current travel footprint - how often staff travel, why, and by what means. Then, create a clear policy that sets expectations and offers guidance. Provide alternatives (like remote collaboration tools), embed approval processes, and support your team with the tools and flexibility they need to travel smarter, not more.

Can sustainable travel policies really make a difference?

Yes - and often faster than you’d think. Even modest changes (like cutting short-haul flights or encouraging public transport) can lead to noticeable emissions reductions. Beyond the carbon savings, these policies foster a culture of awareness and responsibility, helping to embed sustainability across your business operations.

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FAQs

Some common questions answered around our template.

Does this policy apply to contractors and freelancers?

We recommend applying the policy to all employees, contractors, and representatives involved in business-related travel, to ensure consistency and measurable impact.

Can we adapt the sustainable travel hierarchy to suit our organisation?

Absolutely. The template provides a clear structure, but you’re encouraged to tailor the hierarchy based on your business model, locations, and travel needs—while maintaining its core sustainability principles.

How can we make sure employees follow the policy?

Integrate the policy into your travel booking system or approval process, and provide training or onboarding materials. Consider assigning a sustainability lead or using software to track compliance and emissions.

Are there tools to help us track business travel emissions?

Yes. Carbon accounting software can simplify the tracking and reporting of Scope 3 travel emissions.

How often should we review and update the policy?

We suggest an annual review to ensure it remains aligned with your sustainability goals, operational needs, and industry best practices. You can also invite staff feedback for continuous improvement.

Still have questions?

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