Modal shift: The low-hanging fruit in corporate emissions reduction

As sustainability reporting and net-zero targets become business-critical, travel managers are under growing pressure to demonstrate real, measurable emissions reductions. For many organisations, travel, particularly air travel, remains a significant contributor to Scope 3 emissions.

Encouragingly, viable alternatives are emerging. In 2025, Eurostar announced plans to expand its network to Frankfurt and Geneva, opening up new options for UK-based businesses looking to decarbonise their travel programmes. For companies that have so far found sustainable travel options between the UK and Europe limited, this represents a long-awaited shift.

“Beyond a few existing Eurostar connections, such as Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and Lille, there has been very little alternative to flying,” explains Pippa Ganderton, Director at ATPI Halo. “And while hybrid or electric vehicles are advancing, most business travellers don’t have time for ferry crossings or extended charging stops.” In this context, expanded high-speed rail options aren’t just a convenience, they’re a catalyst for change.

Why rail matters for emissions reductions

Switching from air to rail offers one of the most immediate and impactful opportunities to cut travel emissions. The UK Rail Delivery Group reports that rail travel can reduce emissions by over 80% on many domestic routes, and the same applies across much of Europe for short-haul business trips.

With aviation often accounting for the highest emissions output in corporate travel programmes, this shift has tangible benefits. ATPI supports this transition through in-house reporting tools such as Carbon Analytics and Carbon Savings within ATPI Analytics, as well as the leading-edge, dynamic emissions data platform Thrust Calculator, both powered by the Thrust Carbon methodology. These tools enable clients to analyse their travel footprint, identify routes where modal shift is viable, and simulate emissions reductions using predictive analytics.

Modal shift potential is typically assessed by comparing air and rail journey times. “We work with clients to define thresholds, for example, replacing flights under two hours with rail journeys of up to four hours,” says Ganderton. “Our reporting platforms help visualise the impact of those choices.”

From policy to practice

While awareness is increasing, the key to real change lies in policy. ATPI has seen clients in sectors such as financial services go beyond encouraging behaviour to actively mandating rail for high-frequency routes like London–Paris. According to Ganderton, this is where the real impact begins: “Clients who are disclosing their CO₂e emissions, voluntarily or as part of non-financial audits, quickly realise that modal shift is one of the most effective ways to reduce their footprint.”

Introducing first-class rail for longer trips, allowing an extra hotel night to compensate for longer travel time, incentivising emissions reductions through team challenges, or implementing carbon budgets are all proven ways to support this transition. “Carbon pricing is another effective tool,” she adds, “where bookers see the cost benefit of choosing rail over air directly at the point of booking.”

These practical levers help businesses balance sustainability goals with productivity and traveller comfort, demonstrating that greener choices don’t have to mean compromise.

Time, tracking and traveller experience

Understandably, extended journey times remain a common concern. That’s why ATPI works closely with clients to set realistic boundaries and create tiered travel policies based on route length and operational needs.

Crucially, duty of care needn’t be compromised. ATPI’s risk management tools track rail bookings just as effectively as air, ensuring that travellers remain visible to the organisation and receive alerts and support when disruption occurs. And when it comes to traveller experience, rail often delivers surprising advantages.

“There can be other efficiency gains through shifting to rail,” says Ganderton. “Less time spent going through busy airports and gaining more time to work or unwind onboard.”

The business case for acting now

With growing pressure to disclose travel emissions and meet regulatory expectations, the window for voluntary change is narrowing. Companies that build modal shift into their strategy now are far more likely to succeed in reducing emissions before legal obligations force them to make more abrupt adjustments.

“Starting early, on your own terms, gives organisations time to adapt,” Ganderton says. “It also sends a clear message to auditors that sustainability is being embedded with integrity.”

Switching demand from air to rail also supports future rail infrastructure investment across the UK and Europe. “When governments and operators see growing corporate demand, it helps justify investment in expanding the network,” she adds.

Real reductions start with smarter travel choices

As companies work to decarbonise travel, offsetting unavoidable travel emissions alone is no longer enough. Modal shift offers a proven, practical way to achieve real reductions, and it’s available now. ATPI is helping clients lead the way by embedding rail-first strategies into travel programmes that are smart, efficient, and aligned with long-term sustainability goals.

“Sustainability goals and Net Zero can only be achieved through bold decisions,” Ganderton concludes. “Set a realistic cut-off point for how many hours of train travel is acceptable and begin to mandate rail over air where it makes sense. The climate case, and the business case, are already here.”