PfPs No travel month: Protecting our resources, protecting the planet

July at PfP is “No Travel Month.” For the full month, employees are encouraged to work from home where possible. This pause on non-essential business travel is to protect internal resources also embedding sustainability into the way we work; reducing our carbon footprint to conserve company resources and support the UK’s broader NetZero goals. 

The No Travel Month initiative benefits both our organisation and the environment, demonstrating how small collective actions can help tackle the climate emergency.

The Bigger Picture 

Transport remains the largest emitting sector of greenhouse gases in the UK, contributing to around 27% of total emissions, according to the most recent government data. While road transport (cars, vans, and lorries) is the main contributor, business travel - including car journeys, rail, and air travel - makes up a significant portion of those emissions.

By taking a proactive stance with a month-long break from travel, we’re actively:

• Reducing unnecessary mileage
• Minimising our carbon output
• Supporting the UK’s legally binding commitment to reach net zero by 2050

2023 UK Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Final Figures

The Environmental Benefits of Reducing Business Travel

Lower Carbon Emissions

Studies show that remote workers can reduce their carbon footprint by up to 54% compared to their office-based colleagues. By staying off the road and avoiding flights, we significantly reduce Scope 3 emissions (those indirect emissions that are often hardest to manage but crucial to address).

In one month, an employee who skips a daily 20-mile roundtrip commute could save around 140kg of CO₂, the equivalent of charging over 17,000 smartphones.

Reduced air pollution 

Air pollution remains a public health emergency in many UK cities. Cutting back on car journeys helps reduce nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and particulate matter (PM2.5), both of which are linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

No Travel Month helps improve local air quality, particularly in high-density urban areas where PfP staff might otherwise commute daily or attend in-person meetings.

Less Strain on Public Infrastructure

Avoiding unnecessary travel also alleviates pressure on the UK’s overstretched public transport networks and congested roads. Fewer peak-hour trips mean less wear-and-tear on infrastructure and a smoother, safer experience for those who must travel. 

Small Changes, Big Impact

PfP’s No Travel Month is just one step, but it’s part of a wider sustainability journey. When adopted consistently, these small but meaningful actions contribute to:

• Lower emissions
• Healthier communities
• More resilient businesses

As we move toward a greener future, we’re committed to staying grounded; literally and figuratively. Every skipped car trip, every online meeting, every low-carbon choice helps us protect Communities.