Climate change and emissions from business travel
Prevailing scientific wisdom is little doubt that climate change is the result of human activities, and as a topic that will definitely have a global impact on all levels of society, urgent action is needed. Without a concerted effort by both companies and individuals, we face increased extreme weather, coastal flooding, species extinction and widespread large upticks in human disease and premature death, to name some possible consequences.
Our collective challenge is to determine the cause of climate change, but how to prevent the emission of other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere (GHG) such as CO2. Can any immediate action with instant impact to it that will not harm economic growth? It is a question that has worried many companies that must choose between financial viability and social responsibility.
However, achieving greater energy efficiency has many significant business opportunities. Take business for example. The transport sector in the U.S. was responsible for 28% of total emissions of greenhouse gases in 2007 with corporate travel to play no small role.
Note that costs between 0.40 and 0.64 kilos of CO2 per passenger per mile for air travel, which is four times the emissions of greenhouse gases from road transport, or 2 – 50% of total emissions GHG of a company. However, air transport is the most common way to get to meetings. In fact, 81% of all business is conducted in cars with lower CO2 per kilometer charge, but still a significant effect on climate change.
But business travel is not just an environmental issue, is big business. On average, 46% of the budgets of business air travel will be significant opportunity for financial savings.
A 2007 survey of 345 executives indicated that 57% of companies are working on strategies to reduce carbon emissions. When asked about approaches to reduce their carbon footprint, reducing air travel through carbon neutral meeting was at the top of the list.
Achieving carbon and financial savings of web conferencing
Web conferencing can dramatically reduce travel costs and cut greenhouse gas emissions in general, AT & Tthe company reduced their air travel by 15% through web meetings and video. But the advantages do not stop there:
* The time is saved by keeping employees close to home instead of on the road.
* Participants can simultaneously cooperate and gain practical training through online interaction with the presentation.
* All meetings may be recorded for future reference.
Unfortunately, executives often lack knowledge, have security problems, and fear of losing prestige in the world of trip hop. However, economic concerns and interest in corporate social responsibility is driving more companies to seek operations carbon neutral.
Evaluate options for web meeting
Independent service provider are at the forefront of providing a complete presentation of solutions to meet many and varied web. With detailed, well documented comparisons, pricing structures and valuations of the functionality of all the main actors of the meeting site, policy makers can approach the process with confidence and ease.
Tags: business air travel, carbon emissions, climate change, coastal flooding, financial viability, gases in the atmosphere, global impact, greenhouse gases, instant impact, species extinction