Buy a hand-crafted ceramic daffodil from the Ten Thousand Daffodils installation

30 Steps to Another Way Business: Transport


Step 7: Remote Working/ Virtual Meetings

If 2020 has shown us anything, it is the power of technology, and the world of remote working and virtual meetings. Since travelling makes up about 26% of the average UK citizen’s carbon footprint, encouraging remote working and virtual meetings where possible will dramatically reduce the carbon footprint of your business.

  • Allowing employees to work from home one or two days a week, or whenever possible, is a great way to ensure you as a business are doing all you can to reduce your CO2 emissions.
  • Remote working is a great way to reduce the energy consumption of the workplace, not only reducing carbon footprint but also saving you money.
  • Reduce the number of domestic and international flights by having virtual meetings. There are so many great Apps and websites that are easily accessible; Microsoft Teams, Zoom and Facetime are just a few examples. Not only will this massively reduce the business’ carbon footprint, but it will also save money which would usually be spent on flights and accommodation when employees go abroad for meetings.
  • If employees have to fly, use economy class and consider offsetting emissions (e.g., donate to reforestation projects, plant trees or invest in renewables). Economy class is the more economical and environmentally friendly way to fly is travel is necessary, as business class seats take up more room, which means CO2 emissions per person are higher than those in economy class.
  • If these steps are not possible and neither is remote working, doing all you can to ensure you are meeting recommendations in Step 6: Employee Transport is a fantastic way to still make a difference.