The examples below can help global mobility leaders jump-start their efforts.

In considering an ESG strategy, global mobility professionals should work to implement changes that raise awareness for sustainability at the company level, and also empower individual employees to make a positive ESG impact. Examples include:

Define a clear action plan

Define a clear action plan that adds global mobility into the ESG strategy. Develop guidelines based on traveler and mobility types—such as assignment and business traveler—and along the whole global mobility value chain.

Integrate emissions into cost calculations

Integrate emissions into cost calculations for global mobility. Increase stakeholder transparency around all costs throughout the mobility lifecycle.

Digitize travel management and processes

With a paperless travel system, employees avoid having to print travel documents involved in today’s mobility process.

Utilize carbon mobility footprint tools to make travel decisions

Tools can help employees visualize the projected GHG impact of mobility options before they make global travel decisions. Employees can discover and understand the difference between the emissions produced by flying and driving to a new destination, staying at a hotel versus renting a furnished flat, and more.

Utilize co-working spaces

Set up local coworking spaces so employees don’t have to commute to main offices. Shortening employee commutes can even boost employee morale and positively impact employee productivity.

Consider transportation

Consider everyday transportation options that are environmentally friendly. Biking to work every day can positively impact GHG emissions. It’s a small yet cumulatively sizable way to think about emissions and make a difference.

Establish offsets

Establish offsets for unavoidable GHG emissions by supporting certified emission-reducing projects. Determine criteria for buying offset credits and monitor their use. Compensation should be the last option for reducing emissions.

Establish a sustainable mobility and travel policy

Establish a sustainable mobility and travel policy for all trips, regardless of trip distance and length. Companies can set guidelines to:

  • Offer cash allowances instead of shipments for employees to buy furnishing locally
  • Limit the amount of belongings to be moved
  • Reuse furniture between assignments
  • Specify efficient travel routes
  • Choose hotels that support carbon neutrality

Implement carbon budgets and embed sustainable targets

Implement carbon budgets and embed sustainable targets in employees’ performance plans, including those of leadership. Defining a ceiling for each employee’s GHG emissions can help ensure they consider sustainable options, particularly for potentially emission-heavy activities like travel. Tracking sustainability efforts through performance plans encourages employees to stay accountable. Rewarding employees through bonuses for compliance encourages adoption and acceptance.