Are carbon offsets enough? ATPI’s approach to genuine emission reductions in corporate travel 

For businesses embarking on their net-zero journey, as well as those already making strides in sustainability, carbon offsetting has often been seen as a convenient solution to address emissions. Offsets allow organisations to invest in environmental projects that remove or reduce carbon elsewhere to balance out their own footprint. But as sustainability regulations tighten and scrutiny around carbon offset credibility grows, organisations are being encouraged to do more than just compensate—they must actively reduce their emissions. 

“Integrity demands that corporates should not look at carbon offsetting alone,” says Pippa Ganderton, Director ATPI Halo. “For that reason, ATPI Halo’s approach has always been to first measure the travel and events CO2e footprint, then look at ways to reduce it, and finally compensate (or offset) what you cannot reduce.” 

At ATPI, we believe in a comprehensive approach that prioritises emission reductions first, with offsetting playing a complementary role. 

The role of carbon offsetting in a holistic strategy 

Carbon offsetting remains an essential tool, particularly for industries where emissions are harder to abate, such as aviation, shipping, and construction. However, recent studies have raised concerns about the effectiveness of some carbon credit schemes. However, recent discussions have raised concerns about the effectiveness of some carbon credit schemes, with reports suggesting that not all offsets deliver the intended reductions in carbon emissions. As scrutiny increases, companies are being encouraged to take a balanced approach that prioritises direct emissions reductions alongside credible offsetting strategies. 

And yet, we know that offsetting—when done correctly—adds real value. Certified carbon credits represent the reduction or removal of equivalent tonnes of CO2 emissions and can provide vital funding to projects that support environmental and social development. Many of ATPI Halo’s offsetting projects are nature-based, delivering environmental and bio-diversity benefits alongside positive impacts for local communities, such as job creation and  education.All investments are sourced from world-class project providers, ensuring they are Verra or Gold Standard certified and independently monitored for integrity. 

Reducing emissions at the source 

At ATPI, our strategy follows a clear and accountable framework: Measure, Reduce, and Compensate. 

We start by providing clients with accurate reporting on their travel CO2e footprint, ensuring they have the data needed to make informed decisions. Based on these insights, we help clients implement meaningful reduction strategies, such as: 

• Encouraging the use of airlines with newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft. 

• Shifting shorter journeys from air or car to lower-carbon alternatives like rail or coach. 

• Supporting modal shifts and extended trip planning to reduce total travel frequency. 

• Investing in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), allowing companies to lower their travel-related Scope 3 CO2 emissions immediately. Through our partnership with Neste, we ensure that SAF investments are ethically sourced and ISCC-registered. 

After maximising these reductions, we then suggest looking at offsetting unavoidable emissions through high-quality carbon credit projects. 

Why audit-readiness matters 

Regulatory frameworks are evolving, and sustainability claims are now under greater scrutiny. Businesses need to demonstrate measurable reductions rather than relying on carbon offset purchases alone. This is particularly critical in financial services, where Scope 3 travel and events emissions can be a company’s largest sustainability concern. 

“At ATPI, we aim to make the audit process seamless,” Pippa notes. “With our latest Thrust Calculator capabilities, clients have a toolkit that provides a clear overview of methodology, an auditor’s self-service area, and detailed emissions breakdowns, as well as recommendations for future emissions reductions.” 

The future of corporate travel sustainability 

With increasing regulatory focus and growing corporate responsibility, the travel industry must embrace real emissions reductions. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has set a clear roadmap for increased Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) adoption (IATA), and businesses are increasingly setting science-based targets to decarbonise their travel programmes. 

ATPI is committed to helping businesses transition towards more transparent, measurable, and credible approaches to travel and events related emissions reduction—ensuring they meet not only their sustainability commitments but also regulatory expectations.