Business travel produces our biggest CO2 emissions, just after natural gas use. In 2018/19, which serves as reference year before the COVID-19 pandemic, our university emitted about 4,000 t of CO2 on business travel. 95% of these emissions were caused by air travel.
A rough calculation based on business travel expenses indicated that the Psychology Unit would account for 56 t of CO₂ emissions for business travels in 2024.
Conducting business travel is more within the control of every work unit and therefore seems to be the most significant individual factor in contributing to CO2 reduction. We are well aware that there are many factors to consider when planning business trips (not just sustainability issues). Nevertheless, it is possible to reduce travel emissions – some more easily than others. Here (Link), you may also find some more practical tips to plan your business travel without flying. Especially, with regard to our own experiences within the FU (Reisekostenstelle).
- Do you really need to fly? Fly directly!
There is significant potential for savings here, particularly on long-distance flights.
Stopovers increase emissions due to additional take-off/landing cycles. To avoid stopovers, you can take the train to a different departure point (e.g., Frankfurt a.M.). Furthermore, the type of aircraft also determines the level of CO2 emissions.
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Do you really need to fly? Travel economy!
Particularly, for shorter-distance flights, you should ask if train travel is also possible.
Premium classes use more space per passenger which results in higher emissions per person.
Whenever you absolutely have to fly, avoid stopovers and travel in economy class!
To keep track of your CO2 emissions, use the following calculators:
Flights: https://germany.myclimate.org/de/flight_calculators/new
Train travel: https://www.goclimate.de/co2-rechner/
Comparison between flights and trains: https://co2kompass.bahn.de/