Reduce the need to travel

The easiest and most effective way of reducing the impacts of business travel is not to travel.  

There are two main ways this can be done, either by engaging remotely, for example by video conference, or by coordinating travel plans to reduce the overall number of trips. 

Video Conferencing

Video conferencing may not be suitable for every type of meeting but with technology improving all the time, it is becoming easier and more acceptable as a way of working together without travelling. 

Host organisations for many conferences and other meetings now offer a remote participation option, so it is always worth enquiring before planning to attend in person.

If your department is planning to host a conference of its own, there are several options for using virtual conferencing to reduce its travel footprint. A Quick Guide to Hosting a Virtual Conference (PDF, 1,078kB) is available to view.

Further guidance on organising your own phone or video conference for any type of meeting is available from Unified Comms.

Co-ordinating travel plans

Even when some travel is necessary, it may be possible to reduce emissions by cutting the total number of trips. This can be done by coordinating your travel plans in advance, for example:

  • avoiding repeat travel to the same destination by bundling several trips into one, staying overnight if necessary to schedule multiple meetings;  

  • limiting the size of your group when travelling together with colleagues to the same event or destination; and 

  • checking with colleagues if anyone else is planning to travel to the same place and could represent your interests, or if you could do the same for them.