How to Reduce the Carbon Impact of Business Travel in 2026

Business travel is a normal part of working life again, but expectations around how it is managed have changed. SMEs are increasingly expected to travel with purpose, balancing the value of face-to-face interaction with cost, carbon impact and efficiency. In 2026, the question is no longer whether business travel is necessary, but how it can be planned and delivered more responsibly.

For UK SMEs, business travel often represents a significant and visible source of carbon emissions. Flights, car journeys and overnight stays all contribute to a company’s environmental impact. The good news is that reducing travel-related emissions doesn’t mean stopping travel altogether. It means travelling smarter.

Why business travel matters for SMEs

Business travel emissions may not be the largest part of an SME’s footprint, but they are often among the easiest to influence. Decisions about meetings, transport and accommodation are made daily, and small changes can add up quickly.

There’s also growing external pressure. Customers, investors and larger supply-chain partners increasingly ask about travel policies and emissions. At the same time, rising fuel costs mean that reducing unnecessary travel often saves money as well as carbon.

In 2026, SMEs that can demonstrate thoughtful travel choices are better positioned for both commercial and sustainability success.

Start by questioning the need to travel

The most effective way to reduce travel emissions is to avoid unnecessary journeys. Remote working tools are now well established, and many meetings that once required travel can be handled virtually without loss of value.

This doesn’t mean eliminating face-to-face interaction. Instead, it means being intentional. Asking simple questions, such as whether travel is essential, or whether multiple meetings can be combined into one trip, can significantly reduce emissions.

Clear internal guidance helps. When teams understand when travel is encouraged and when alternatives are acceptable, decision-making becomes easier and more consistent.

Choose lower-carbon transport options

When travel is necessary, how people travel matters. In the UK and across Europe, trains are generally far lower carbon than flights or car journeys, particularly for domestic or short-haul routes.

Encouraging rail travel where feasible can make a big difference. For car journeys, promoting electric vehicles, car sharing or efficient driving practices helps reduce emissions and fuel costs.

For international travel, direct flights are typically less carbon-intensive than indirect routes. While flights are sometimes unavoidable, thoughtful planning can still reduce their impact.

Make accommodation choices count

Hotels and accommodation contribute to travel emissions through energy use, water consumption and waste. Choosing hotels with credible sustainability practices can help reduce overall impact without affecting comfort or convenience.

Many booking platforms now highlight environmental credentials, making it easier to identify lower-impact options. Even simple preferences, such as opting out of daily linen changes, can make a difference.

These choices also send a signal to staff and partners that sustainability is taken seriously.

Track travel emissions without overcomplicating things

You don’t need complex systems to start tracking travel emissions. Many SMEs begin by recording basic information such as miles travelled, transport type and frequency of trips.

This data can then be converted into estimated carbon emissions using simple calculators or tools. Over time, patterns emerge, allowing businesses to set realistic reduction targets.

Tracking also helps SMEs respond to customer questions and tender requirements with confidence, even if their data isn’t perfect.

Offset with care, and transparency

Carbon offsetting is often discussed in relation to travel, but it should be approached carefully. Offsetting does not replace emission reductions and should be used only for emissions that can’t be avoided.

If an SME chooses to offset, it’s important to be transparent about what’s being offset and how. Clear communication avoids misunderstandings and reduces the risk of greenwashing.

In 2026, offsetting is best seen as a temporary measure, not a long-term solution.

Engage your team in better travel choices

Reducing travel emissions works best when employees understand the reasons behind it. Clear, supportive communication encourages buy-in rather than resistance.

Providing practical guidance, such as preferred booking options, travel policies or sustainability tips, empowers teams to make better choices without feeling restricted.

Celebrating reductions in travel emissions or cost savings can also reinforce positive behaviour.

A smarter approach to travel in 2026

Reducing the carbon impact of business travel isn’t about cutting connections or limiting growth. It’s about using travel where it adds value and managing it responsibly when it’s needed.

For SMEs, smarter travel choices deliver multiple benefits: lower emissions, reduced costs, stronger credibility and greater resilience. In a business environment where sustainability expectations continue to rise, thoughtful travel management is a simple but powerful place to start.