In today’s rapidly evolving world, businesses are becoming increasingly aware of their environmental responsibilities. For global mobility professionals, the challenge lies in finding a balance between the transition of employees across borders and mitigating the environmental impacts associated with relocation.
In Australia, this shift is underscored by the growing emphasis on sustainability, with 89% of large Australian companies now incorporating sustainability into their strategies, according to a 2024 Deloitte survey. Additionally, Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions were recorded at 464 million tonnes in 2023, prompting industries across the board to seek ways to reduce their carbon footprints, including in mobility sectors.
Sustainability has now emerged as a cornerstone of corporate relocation strategy, and as this awareness grows, so does the necessity for integrating environmentally conscious practices into global mobility programs.
At the recent TEMi webinar, these themes were explored in-depth, focusing on practical strategies to reduce the environmental footprint of global mobility. As Jane Everett, Director of Crown World Mobility Australia, and Wayne Wescott, CEO of Greenfleet, highlighted, there is an urgent need for businesses to address their role in contributing to carbon emissions through smarter, more sustainable mobility practices.
The urgency of sustainability in global mobility
It’s no secret that corporate responsibility extends beyond profitability. Businesses today are expected to contribute positively to the environment, and global mobility is no exception. According to Jane, “a lot of companies understand the real, genuine need to be proactive when it comes to sustainability. This is no longer just a nice-to-have; it’s a requirement.” And indeed, with increased regulation around climate disclosures on the horizon, organisations must integrate sustainability into all aspects of their operations.
Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions: Understanding the framework
A key part of the webinar was a discussion on Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions – a framework that helps businesses identify and manage their environmental impact. Scope 1 emissions refer to direct emissions from company-owned and controlled resources, such as vehicle fleets and waste. Scope 2 covers indirect emissions from the generation of purchased electricity, while Scope 3 encompasses all other indirect emissions, including supply chain emissions.
Wayne emphasised that companies must prioritise reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions as they have the most control over these areas. This could include adopting low-emission vehicles, improving energy efficiency, or investing in renewable energy sources. However, global mobility programs often contribute to Scope 3 emissions – those outside a company’s direct control, such as employee commuting, flights, shipping, and accommodation during relocations.
In global mobility, Scope 3 emissions can be significant due to the inherent nature of relocating people and goods across borders. From the packaging materials used to ship personal belongings, to the flights employees take, there are numerous points in the relocation process where environmental impact accumulates.
Steps towards a more sustainable mobility program
- Use of technology for virtual consultations: One simple yet impactful change is adopting virtual home surveys. This removes the need for a physical visit, reducing fuel consumption and emissions related to travel.
- Rethinking logistics: By optimising the routes that moving trucks take and considering alternatives like rail transport, businesses can significantly reduce emissions. As Jane pointed out, Crown has already implemented measures such as traffic management systems to ensure trucks take the most efficient routes, minimising their environmental impact.
- Sustainable packing materials: Switching to eco-friendly packaging materials, like paper tape instead of traditional plastics, is another simple yet effective step. Crown has already implemented this in several regions, including Mexico and South Africa, and continues to explore additional ways to make packing and shipping more sustainable.
Carbon offsetting strategy
Carbon offsetting plays a crucial role in helping businesses achieve net-zero emissions. While companies can take steps to reduce their emissions, there will always be some level of unavoidable emissions. This is where offsetting becomes essential – by removing an equivalent amount of carbon from the atmosphere, businesses can balance their emissions and minimise their environmental impact.
However, it is important to approach carbon offsetting ethically. Greenwashing, where companies falsely claim to be environmentally responsible without taking genuine action, remains a significant issue in the field of sustainability. Businesses are encouraged to engage in credible offsetting projects and ensure their sustainability claims are backed by tangible actions and results.
Integrating sustainability into corporate strategy
For many companies, the journey towards sustainability can feel overwhelming, particularly for smaller businesses with limited resources. However, small businesses have the advantage of agility, allowing them to implement changes more quickly than larger organisations.
Sustainability should not be viewed as a constraint but rather as an opportunity. By focusing on sustainable practices, businesses can uncover new opportunities for efficiency, cost savings, and social benefits. Whether it’s adopting energy-efficient technologies, recycling, or supporting renewable energy, there are numerous ways for organisations to contribute to a greener future.
The future of sustainable global mobility
The future of global mobility lies in its ability to adapt to the changing environmental landscape. As sustainability becomes a core part of corporate strategy, mobility professionals must continue to explore innovative ways to reduce their impact on the planet. Whether through adopting virtual technologies, rethinking logistics, or engaging in carbon offsetting, there are countless ways for mobility programs to become more sustainable.
Crown World Mobility demonstrates its commitment to sustainability by actively integrating greener practices into every aspect of its mobility program. Jane emphasised that the focus is on making steady progress rather than achieving perfection—each small step toward sustainability moves the company closer to a more environmentally conscious future for global mobility.
