Why it works
What does STL seek to achieve?
Sustainable Travel Leave can be applied to leisure or business travel, and addresses the following issues:
Flying is the most polluting thing an individual will do in their life and commercial aviation is one of the largest contributors to the UK’s CO₂ emissions.
Business travel is also one of the largest growing contributors to employer emissions.
67 percent of UK flyers say they want to fly less, but it often takes longer to travel by land or sea, which is a key barrier to flight-free travel for even highly motivated individuals.
Employers are facing a talent landscape where environmental action and policies are becoming a major differentiator.
Does It Work?
Yes. Already adopted by ~200 employers, Sustainable Travel Leave…
Overcomes a key barrier to flight-free travel; enabling and supporting colleagues to make low-carbon travel choices.
Drastically reduces Scope 3 emissions - often by more than 90 percent per journey.
Aids recruitment efforts and improves employee retention.
Why Companies Need To Consider Their Travel Emissions
Companies can no longer afford to overlook Scope 3 emissions, particularly from business travel, as regulation, market expectations and commercial risk are rapidly converging.
In the UK, large and mid-sized companies meeting two of the following thresholds — 250+ employees, £36m+ turnover or £80m+ balance sheet — are already in scope for mandatory reporting that includes business travel, with further sustainability reporting requirements coming into force from this year and expanding through 2027 and beyond.
These frameworks don’t just require disclosure, but credible plans to reach net zero. Adopting a sustainable travel policy is a straightforward and visible way to evidence action.
At the same time, government contracts and major partners are increasingly mandating carbon reduction plans regardless of company size, while EU-linked operations face even stricter reporting obligations.
For smaller businesses, acting now is about future-proofing, strengthening competitiveness, and becoming a preferred supplier. To this end, reducing employee travel emissions is one of the most practical places to start.
Benefits for employers
Attract and retain talent
70 percent of under 40s consider environmental policies and benefits before accepting a job.
Staff value working for an organisation that shares their values and supports them to make the choices they want to make.
74 percent of accredited employers say it increases staff motivation and wellbeing.
67 percent say it has aided recruitment efforts.
Enhance Company Profile
Official accreditation available to all employers who adopt STL.
Annual report on your estimated carbon savings.
Access to press and media opportunities.
96 percent of accredited employers say STL has helped them to demonstrate their own climate commitments.
Impress customers, investors, and stakeholders.
Company Discounts
In addition to the exclusive discounts for employees, organisations can also access exclusive discounts on products and services, such as:
Team-building workshops
e-bike hire
Carbon literacy training courses
Workplace sustainability solutions
Supports ESG Commitments
STL also helps companies to meet their environmental, social and governance commitments, while encouraging sustainable thinking across the business.
81 percent of accredited employers say it helps embed sustainability across their operations.
Employees get free access to a suite of tools and resources to help them reduce their carbon footprint at home and at work.