Travel Management
Published
9/24/24

Calculate the carbon footprint of a trip: a guide for corporate travel managers

Grégory Meslin
Responsable Marketing & Communication

In the face of climate urgency, companies are increasingly integrating carbon footprint tracking into their travel management processes. The ability to calculate the carbon footprint of a trip has become essential for travel managers seeking to implement more sustainable mobility policies. But how can this calculation be done accurately and effectively?

Why measure the carbon footprint of business travel?

Calculating a trip’s carbon footprint helps companies to:

  • Understand the environmental impact of business travel

  • Choose more carbon-efficient modes of transport

  • Feed into corporate carbon accounting and CSR reports

  • Comply with new regulations (CSRD, emissions disclosures, etc.)

🎯 Learn more: Fairjungle – Manage your low-carbon corporate travel

What factors influence the footprint?

The carbon emissions of a trip depend on several key variables:

  • Mode of transportation: plane, train, car, etc.

  • Distance travelled: in kilometers

  • Fuel type (for cars)

  • Occupancy rates (to allocate emissions fairly)

For example, 1,000 km by air generates ~230 kg CO₂e, while the same trip by train emits around 40 kg CO₂e, based on ADEME data.

How to calculate the carbon footprint?

There are three main approaches:

  • Default method: using average emission factors from the Base Carbone® (France's official GHG database)

  • Precise method: integrating variables like aircraft type, travel class, and transfers

  • Automated tools: platforms like Fairjungle include real-time carbon footprint indicators directly within the booking process

The role of business travel agencies

Business travel agencies play a key role in integrating environmental data into the booking and reporting process. They help travel managers to:

  • Access consolidated CO₂ reports by trip or traveler

  • Educate travelers on the impact of their transport choices

  • Align bookings with low-carbon travel policies

💼 Fairjungle’s booking platform includes real-time carbon impact estimates, empowering companies to prioritize the most sustainable travel options.

How to include carbon tracking in your travel policy?

Key best practices for travel managers:

  • Use a booking tool that displays emissions at time of search

  • Promote train travel whenever possible

  • Set CO₂ thresholds by trip type or employee role

  • Monitor emissions over time, by department or destination

📌 Explore: Fairjungle – Sustainable travel management for companies

The ability to calculate the carbon footprint of a trip is now a key pillar of responsible business travel. By leveraging tools like Fairjungle and aligning travel policies with climate goals, companies can combine efficiency with environmental responsibility.

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