Business travel doesn’t look the way it used to—and honestly, that’s not a bad thing
Jan 28: In 2026, companies aren’t just asking how fast or how cheap a trip is anymore. They’re also asking a new question: What does this journey cost the planet? From flights and hotels to taxis and conference venues, every mile now carries a carbon footprint—and businesses are paying attention.
Sustainability has shifted from a buzzword to a boardroom conversation. Corporate travel, once seen as unavoidable and emissions-heavy, is now one of the easiest places for companies to make meaningful environmental changes.
From “Book the Flight” to “Book the Right Flight”
Not long ago, corporate travel policies were simple: get there quickly, keep costs low, submit your expenses. Today, things are different.
Many companies now guide employees toward greener choices—like choosing direct flights, flying economy when possible, or taking a train instead of a plane for short trips. These small decisions, repeated across hundreds or thousands of trips, add up fast.
Carbon offsetting has also become more common. While it’s not a perfect solution, it helps companies take responsibility for unavoidable emissions by investing in clean energy or reforestation projects. More importantly, it shows intent—and intent matters to employees, clients, and investors alike.
Carbon Tracking Is No Longer Optional
Here’s the big change in 2026: companies aren’t guessing their travel emissions anymore—they’re measuring them.
Modern travel booking tools now show the carbon impact of a trip right alongside the price and duration. That means an employee can see, in real time, how choosing one flight over another affects the environment.
For leadership teams, this data is gold. It helps sustainability and finance teams track progress, set realistic reduction targets, and report emissions accurately for ESG disclosures. For travelers, it gently nudges behavior without forcing it.
Why Trains Are Winning Over Planes
If you’ve noticed more business travelers on trains lately, there’s a reason.
For short and medium distances, rail travel is cleaner, calmer, and often more practical. No long security lines. No airport transfers miles outside the city. And yes—much lower emissions than flying.
In regions with strong rail networks, companies are actively encouraging employees to take the train. Many travelers don’t mind at all. Trains offer more space to work, fewer delays, and a noticeably less stressful experience. Sustainability just happens to be a bonus.
Hotels Are Going Green—and Companies Are Taking Notes
Where you stay matters just as much as how you get there.
In 2026, corporate travel teams increasingly prefer hotels that take sustainability seriously. That means energy-efficient lighting, water-saving systems, reduced plastic use, and responsible waste management.
Hotels with recognized green certifications are rising to the top of corporate booking lists. Some even win repeat business because they align better with a company’s values—not just its budget.
For travelers, the experience doesn’t feel restrictive. In fact, many green hotels are smarter, quieter, and more comfortable than their traditional counterparts.
ESG Goals Are Driving Travel Decisions
Sustainability isn’t just about doing the right thing—it’s also about accountability.
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting has made corporate travel emissions impossible to ignore. Investors want transparency. Regulators want data. Employees want proof that sustainability claims are real.
As a result, travel policies now include measurable goals: fewer flights, more rail journeys, lower emissions per trip. Travel is no longer a blind spot in ESG strategy—it’s a clear, trackable metric.
Technology Is Making Green Choices Easier
The good news? Employees don’t have to do the heavy lifting.
Travel tech in 2026 does much of the work automatically—comparing emissions, suggesting greener routes, and even recommending virtual meetings when travel isn’t truly necessary.
AI helps companies plan smarter trips, avoid unnecessary travel, and combine meetings into fewer journeys. Sustainability isn’t slowing business down—it’s helping it run more efficiently.
The Real Challenge: Changing Habits
Of course, change isn’t always easy.
Some employees still worry that sustainable options mean longer travel times or less flexibility. Others assume greener choices are more expensive. That’s why communication matters.
The companies getting this right are the ones explaining why changes are happening—and showing that sustainability and convenience can coexist.
The Bottom Line
In 2026, sustainable corporate travel isn’t about sacrifice. It’s about smarter decisions.
By choosing cleaner transport, responsible hotels, and better technology, companies are cutting emissions without cutting productivity. The result? Travel that feels more thoughtful, more efficient, and more aligned with the world we live in.
Green miles aren’t just good for the planet—they’re becoming good business.