Need More Information?
The following websites provide information on how to reduce the carbon emissions and
costs associated with business travel:
The Energy Saving Trust provides free guidance and support for companies wishing to reduce
the cost and CO2 implications of business travel, including the motorvate certification scheme.
See www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/england/Transport/Business
The Department for Transport website provides guidance on the Renewable Transport Fuels
Obligation and the use of biofuels in fleet vehicles.
See www.dft.gov.uk/topics/sustainable/biofuels/rtfo/
Save money and CO2 through smarter
business travel
Business travel associated with construction projects accounts for approximately 15% of total
emissions from the construction industry1.
You can reduce the impact of your business travel by adopting some tried and tested strategies
outlined below.
Actions to consider
ACT TravelWise provides a network for all organisations working to promote sustainable travel.
Members receive support through learning opportunities, partnership working, marketing
support and networking events. See www.acttravelwise.org
1.
Set up a low carbon travel policy
2.
Implement a fleet management strategy
The Strategic Forum for Construction has produced an action plan for reducing CO2 emissions
on construction sites. See www.strategicforum.org.uk/carbon.shtml
3.
Conduct a ‘Green Fleet Review’
4.
Specify vehicle fuel efficiency
The Green Construction Board is working in partnership with industry to provide a platform for
green growth. See www.greenconstructionboard.org
5.
Manage your mileage
Government and industry targets and actions for reducing CO2 emissions from the UK
construction industry are included within the Low Carbon Construction Action Plan.
See www.bis.gov.uk/policies/business-sectors/construction/low-carbon-construction-igt/lowcarbon-construction-action-plan
6.
Reduce the need to travel
7.
Change the culture of driving
8.
Promote smarter driving
9.
Consider use of hire cars
WRAP has developed useful guidance and tools for reducing construction-related CO2
emissions. See www.wrap.org.uk/construction
10.
Encourage green travel
The Carbon Trust provides CO2 reduction advice and support and can help you work out the
carbon footprint of your business, including the impact of business travel.
See www.carbontrust.com
A wealth of information is available to assist you. See the back cover for relevant links to
more information.
CIRIA deliver a programme of business improvement services and research activities for those
engaged with the delivery and operation of the built environment. See www.ciria.org
Transport Direct is a free online resource for planning effective and efficient journeys in the UK.
The website also provides a tool for comparing CO2 emissions for a journey across different
modes of transport. See www.transportdirect.info
The Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) represents the interests of civil
engineering contractors registered in the UK. See www.ceca.co.uk
The Construction Alliance represents small and medium companies.
See www.theconstructionalliance.org
For more information see www.strategicforum.org.uk
1 Strategic Forum for Construction (SFfC) 2010 Carbon Assessment Report
This guide has been produced by the Strategic Forum for Construction (SFfC) Carbon Subgroup as part of its
actions to decrease carbon emissions on construction sites. This work, which began as part of the delivery
programme for the 2008 joint government and industry Strategy for Sustainable Construction, is now absorbed
into the activities of the Green Construction Board through its Greening the Industry Working Group. The Strategic
Forum for Construction is a place where the industry comes together to discuss strategic issues facing construction
and seeks to develop approaches for the benefit of all.
THE GREEN CONSTRUCTION BOARD
How to save money and CO2 through smarter business travel
Key
£
Set up a low carbon travel policy
Reduce the need to travel
The policy should include annual emission reduction targets. Monitor
and report progress against these targets on a regular basis.
Use technology to avoid travel. Provide facilities for remote meetings such as
teleconferencing, webconferencing and videoconferencing.
£ 
Indicative scale of
implementation cost
CO
 Potential
saving benefit
2
££ 
The Energy Saving Trust (EST) Motorvate certification scheme helps
companies to report a robust and independently verified annual
transport CO2 footprint and any emissions reduction achievements.
Implement a fleet management strategy
£ 
Introduce, manage and communicate a fuel purchase and consumption strategy
which sets CO2 emission reduction targets and fuel economy benchmarks. Set up
and use a fleet vehicle database to monitor performance.
Conduct a ‘Green Fleet Review’
£ 
A review of your fleet can help reduce running costs, reduce environmental impact
and enhance corporate social responsibility.
Change the culture of driving
£ 
Promote car sharing and incentivise employees to choose low emission vehicles
and reduce their mileage over time.
Cap business mileage levels, reduce fuel benefits and consider providing
company car drivers with a fuel card.
Promote smarter driving
£££ 
Driver training can reduce fuel use by up to 15%. Offer ‘Smarter Driving’ lessons to
staff, this will help them to drive safely, use less fuel and lower insurance risk.
The Energy Saving Trust offers a free ‘Green Fleet Review’ or ‘Fleet Health Check’
for companies in England.
Specify vehicle fuel efficiency
££££ 
Establish corporate car fleet emissions standards. These standards should be
systematically reduced over time to drive down CO2 emissions.
Consider use of hire cars
££ 
The use of hire cars instead of company cars can save money and reduce the CO2
as cars are only booked when needed. Hire cars are usually newer models and
thus more fuel efficient.
Only lease and procure company vehicles with fuel economy labels in Band A or B
or equivalent.
Manage your mileage
£ 
Measure your mileage, set an appropriate reduction target, monitor and report
progress.
Encourage green travel
££ 
Promote the use of trains rather than car or air travel and consider whether journeys
can be carried out by cycling or public transport.
Incentivise with schemes such as cycle to work or green mileage rates.