Flying Forward whilst Reducing the Footprint 

With the pressure mounting on organisations to decarbonise, many believe that reducing corporate travel is the only viable solution to cutting emissions. However, for global organisations and industries that rely on workforce deployment and in-person collaboration, travel remains essential. This makes it increasingly important for companies to focus on making smarter, more sustainable choices that actively reduce emissions without compromising business operations. 

Smarter Travel, Lower Emissions 

Where a ‘travel less’ mindset might work for some parts of the business, asking “how can we travel more responsibly” could work for others. The key lies in data-driven decision-making. 

“It is a misconception that Sustainability should mean stopping travel entirely. The business case should instead be to focus on travelling smarter – using data-driven insights to make informed decisions on airline and other suppliers, routings, modal shift, and purposeful travel,” says Pippa Ganderton, Director of ATPI Halo. 

By leveraging advanced carbon reporting tools, organisations can pinpoint their highest-impact travel activities and develop targeted reduction strategies. Whether it’s selecting more efficient flight routes, opting for lower-carbon transport alternatives like rail, or consolidating trips to reduce overall journeys, small shifts can make a significant difference. 

The Power of Measurement 

One of the most critical components of reducing emissions without cutting travel is accurate measurement. Businesses that understand their carbon footprint can make strategic decisions to reduce it. 

“Without accurate data, businesses are flying blind when it comes to emissions reduction. You cannot reduce what you don’t measure, right? Visibility can lead to more critical supplier selection, policy changes, and even investment in innovation,” says Ganderton. 

With advanced carbon analytics tools like those offered by ATPI Halo, businesses can track emissions across flights, accommodation, and ground transport, enabling them to build long-term, effective sustainability strategies. 

Supplier Insights and Smarter Selection 

The choice of travel supplier can significantly influence a company’s environmental footprint, particularly when it comes to air travel. Different airlines, even on the same route, can vary widely in emissions based on aircraft type and fleet age. 

“An airline operating a newer aircraft fleet will typically produce fewer emissions than one using older planes – even if the aircraft models are technically the same,” explains Ganderton. 

Additional sustainability factors, such as the use of tow trucks for taxiing, lightweight interiors, and eliminating single-use plastics, also play a role. By collaborating with their account manager and leveraging tools like ATPI’s Thrust Calculator, organisations can compare suppliers based on emissions data and sustainability ratings, enabling more informed and environmentally responsible choices. 

Empowering Change Through Visibility and Planning 

Transparency is a powerful motivator. When travellers can see the carbon impact of their choices during the booking process, whether online or offline, it leads to more sustainable behaviour. 

“Visibility of CO₂ throughout the booking cycle provides visual guilt,” says Ganderton. “We’ve seen travellers opt for lower-emitting alternatives – especially when those options are within policy.” 

Beyond booking, strategic trip planning plays a crucial role. Encouraging employees to consolidate multiple meetings into a single trip, rather than taking several short ones, can significantly reduce emissions. By analysing travel patterns such as trip purpose and average length of stay, businesses can identify optimisation opportunities and support better habits through data-backed travel policies. 

Sustainable Aviation Fuel: A Game-Changer 

Aviation has a long way to go to decarbonize. Yet one promising development is already available, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Made from renewable sources such as waste oils and agricultural residues, SAF can reduce lifecycle emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel. 

“Sustainable aviation fuel is the only effective tool we have for reducing aviation emissions today. While adoption is still growing, businesses that integrate SAF investment into their travel Scope 3 sustainability strategy are actively reducing aviation-related carbon emissions, whilst research and development continues,” explains Ganderton. 

ATPI Halo has been at the forefront of facilitating access to SAF for corporate travel programs, allowing businesses to contribute to aviation decarbonisation directly. 

Carbon Offsetting: Credibility Over Convenience 

While reducing emissions at the source is the ultimate goal, businesses still need to address their unavoidable travel emissions. This is where high-quality, verified carbon offsetting comes in. The key is credibility, ensuring that offsets are genuinely impactful, fully certified, and not just a box-ticking exercise. 

“Carbon offsetting is not an excuse to carry on as usual.  Projects need to be high quality, certified, independently monitored, and part of a broader emissions reduction strategy. At ATPI Halo, we guide businesses toward projects that deliver real impact, from blue carbon initiatives to community-driven reforestation,” notes Ganderton. 

Investing in nature-based solutions, such as mangrove restoration through projects like the Delta Blue Carbon initiative, offers long-term benefits beyond just carbon sequestration, including biodiversity protection and coastal resilience. 

A New Era of Responsible Travel 

The future of corporate travel is all about travelling more responsibly. By integrating data-driven decision-making, investing in SAF, compensating for residual emissions with credible carbon offsets, and working towards net-zero goals, businesses can continue to operate internationally while significantly reducing their environmental impact. 

“The journey toward net zero is not about sacrifice but optimisation. For organisations willing to embrace sustainability, the solutions are already here.” 

Curious how your organisation can travel smarter and more sustainably? 
Get in touch and explore what’s possible with ATPI Halo.