In The Know

Greener Corporate Travel

Whether a Lethbridge-based company is sending workers to Fort McMurray or the company president volleys between Edmonton and Calgary on a weekly basis, carbon-saving corporate travel solutions can work for any Alberta business. – Stephanie Sparks

Getting There

Greenhouse gas emissions from air travel leave a larger carbon footprint than many companies care to leave. As part of Uniglobe Custom Travel’s Green Flight Program, business travellers can calculate online their carbon emissions to go from point A to point B and then purchase credits to offset their emissions. The credits are invested into projects in Western Canada. “It’s the only [program] of its kind to be EcoLogo certified by Environment Canada,” says Tania Stilson, vice-president and partner for Uniglobe in Calgary, Lethbridge and Canmore. “In order to get that certification, you have to go through all sorts of policies and procedures to make sure you’re doing it right.”

Local Motion

When they reach their destination, business travellers can take advantage of more than the usual rental cars. Try cycling, buses or light rail transit systems. Some airport pickup and drop-off services, like the Banff Airporter, run on biodiesel and other green fuels. But if a personal vehicle is necessary, try renting a hybrid or fuel-efficient vehicle and consider carpooling with co-workers. “There’s more than 600 million tonnes of carbon emissions [released] into the atmosphere each year, and that’s just air travel. It doesn’t take into account car rental companies, hoteliers or cruise line tour operators,” says Stilson.

Green Accommodation

When planning overnight stays, choose accommodation nearest the destination, whether that’s the airport, branch office, job site or meeting venue. “For staff visiting different locations across Calgary, reserve accommodations closest to the one likely to be visited the most or near convenient public transportation routes.” To cut down on additional commuting, plan any conferences in a hotel or venue near the airport. Stilson says clients and planners can work together to determine what the company’s ultimate needs are. If booking without planners, don’t hesitate to inquire about the hotel’s environmental initiatives.

Skip the Trip

Maintain the company’s environmentally friendly image – stay in the office and conduct meetings through video- or teleconferencing. The technology will not only prevent larger carbon footprints, but it can save the company’s travel budget. Invest in or rent equipment for the office or book meetings in public facilities that lend out the technology.

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