Local Travel Company Halves its Emissions, Paving the Way for the Industry
A local travel company has halved its emissions over the past five years, establishing itself as an industry leader in running a more sustainable business.
Orbit Corporate Travel Auckland is so committed to sustainability that staff often request recycled paper and use public transport wherever possible.
The company’s commitment to lessening its impact on the environment has seen its CO2e emissions (carbon dioxide equivalents) decrease by more than 50% from 148 to 71. CO2e is the internationally recognised measure of greenhouse emissions.
The sustainability efforts of Orbit Corporate Travel Auckland have meant it’s secured a spot as a finalist at the Green Ribbon Awards in the Small Business Leadership Category.
The national awards honour individuals and companies’ outstanding contributions to protecting New Zealand’s environment.
The Managing Director for Orbit Corporate Travel, Brendan Drury, says the company is thrilled to be recognised for reducing its impact on the environment.
“Taking care of our beautiful country is a focus for us, as we aim to keep New Zealand in its stunning, pure condition for our travellers. This is something we’re extremely passionate about and very devoted to,” Drury says.
“Wherever we can, we try to stay abreast of initiatives available to work more sustainably right throughout the office, and we inform our customers of sustainability-focussed suppliers when they book their trips.”
The company’s ongoing attendance at sustainability events could have in fact partially contributed to its 33% increase in business over the past five years, says Drury.
“Our focus on the community and attendance at many carboNZero events enables us to make contact with like-minded companies who share our values on sustainability. It’s fantastic to be able to work with other businesses like this,” he says.
Orbit Corporate Travel Auckland’s emissions reduction plan involves managing its emissions by offsetting them, using wind power projects and native forest regeneration.
Issuing clients with electronic tickets and biodegradable ticket wallets for holiday documentation helps the company to encourage them to lessen emissions too.
The travel outlet also promotes sustainability through the recycling of all waste products, double-sided printing and photocopying, and by giving carbon emissions reports to clients.
“Additionally, we educate our staff about the latest ways to travel more sustainably, so clients can be best assisted to meet their business travel environmental responsibilities,” says Drury.
Orbit Corporate Travel Auckland was the first travel management business nationwide to be certified carbon neutral in 2008 through Landcare’s carboNZero programme.
Following a recent audit, Orbit Corporate Travel Auckland is now certified until February 2016.
The 2013 Green Ribbon Awards will be presented by the Minister for the Environment, the Hon Amy Adams, on World Environment Day in Auckland on June 5.