Business Travel

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Commuting and business travel produce harmful greenhouse gas emissions, reduce air quality and use up fossil fuels. That’s why we are taking steps to reduce our travel-related impacts and have introduced schemes to promote:

  • Use of public transport, including special company bus services and rail passes,
  • Car-sharing,
  • Video or teleconferencing and other collaborative working tools to limit the number of individual business trips,
  • Virtual working and flexible working hours,
  • Increased employee awareness, thanks to a Global Travel Manager that helps staff to work out their carbon footprint based on where they are flying from and to.

2005 saw a decrease in travel expenses per employee of over 6%.

Spotlight on Business Travel in the UK 

We recognise that travelling is an integral part of our business but it can have a significant impact on the environment.  Where possible, we are aiming reduce this impact and are currently working on a number of initiatives in this area.  Current examples include car share schemes, site buses and bicycle racks at a number of our sites.  In addition, we also encourage our staff to consider the following options:

  • Effective diary management – arranging diaries to maximise any travel they undertake
  • Telephone or video conference – these facilities are free to use, available to all employees to set up themselves and can often satisfy the objectives of a meeting.  The use of virtual Team Rooms can also assist in effective collaboration without the need for travel.  
  • Teleworking – Many of our employees can work flexibly from any location using mobile technology.  They are encouraged to consider the place from where they can best work which requires less travel.
  • Environmental impacts of travel – we encourage our employees to consider various aspects when selecting their mode of travel.  This includes life-work balance, cost and environmental impact.  For example, a long car journey or flight might be better made by train.