Low Fares Have Hidden Carbon Costs
Most corporate travel policies are designed to reduce the cost of air travel, e.g., "Buy non-refundable economy-cabin tickets at least 14 days in advance."
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Unfortunately, these low-cost travel policies allow more tickets to be bought within budget. This increases the carbon emitted from business trips compared to the emissions from higher-priced tickets.
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This Excel file lets the user model their own assumptions about ticket prices and carbon emissions. One tab is designed for tickets purchased in the economy cabin; the other tab explores the impact of price and carbon intensity across economy, premium economy, and business class cabins.
The Need For Long-sighted Travel Policies
Policies that focus on keeping travel costs low are short-sighted. Why? Because low travel prices make it easier to approve low-value trips and increase the number of trips taken.
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We need long-sighted travel policies focused on yielding high-value, low-carbon business trips.
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Read more in this Op-Ed in The Company Dime.
