Singapore Sustainable Business Travel Guide: ACE Travel ...

Sustainable Business
    Travel Guide:

     Singapore

Calculating Your Carbon Footprint
In order to help you travel sustainably and confidently to Singapore, we’ve calculated the estimated carbon foot-
print of this trip. Whilst this will not be a complete reflection of your individual journey, it will provide an approxi-
mation of the carbon footprint your business travel decisions can have.

All results are based on these guidelines:

•   One traveller in economy class, one-way
•   Starting their journey in Central London (EC1)
•   Travelling from London Heathrow (LHR) for flights
•   Flying on a Airbus A320 aircraft
•   Driving a 2018 1.5 litre Ford Mondeo Hatchback (manual)
•   Journey times are from the point of origin to arrival in Singapore (airport), not your hotel.
•   All travel distances are approximates based on the best available data

                If you want a true indication of your own carbon footprint, the ACE Travel team
                        can provide a full emissions breakdown at the time of quoting.

                   Travel by Air
                    Driving to the airport

      17 hrs 05 mins                                 £510.00                                       3180kg of CO2
          1 hour in the car                              £82.40 on parking                               32kms = 0kg (car)
          3 hrs in airport                               £428.00 on flights                              10,875kms = 3180kg (plane)
          13 hr 05 mins on the plane                 *Does not include car fuel                      *Plane emissions for 1 passenger

                                                                                  Travel by Air
                                                              Catching a Train to the airport

        17 hrs 10 mins                               £434.00                                       3180kg of CO2
            1 hr 5 mins on the train
                                                        £6.00 on train                                   30kms = 0 kg (train)
            3 hrs in airport
                                                        £428.00 on flights                               10,875kms = 3180kg (plane)
            13 hr 05 mins on the plane
                                                                                                     *Plane emissions for 1 passenger

                                                                 All carbon emissions data calculated with ACE Travel tools and carbonfootprint.com

How have we calculated your footprint?

In utilizing our own sources, as well as several third-parties, we’ve been able to obtain an accurate (average)
reflection of the carbon footprint produced by business travel to Singapore – no matter the travel method.

Price data has been accumulated from a range of sources; including direct providers, aggregators, and
ACE Travel’s own in-house pricing systems. All data is accurate as of September 2020.

Distance has been calculated based on existing data from suppliers as well as map information. This is designed
to provide an approximate distance – from the assigned starting point to Singapore – but individual mileage may
vary.

Carbonfootprint.com has been used in order to provide accurate CO2 emissions data for individual travel.

Assessing your impact?

Our research strives to offer a fair, and accurate, reflection of carbon emissions as well as sustainable
alternatives when considering business travel. However, it’s important to put the data within the relevant
context.

For example, whilst rail journeys are generally considered carbon neutral, this does not consider the emissions
produced in the creation of electricity to power the trains – which could also be significant. Similarly, we have
not assessed the carbon consequences of food or drink on flights, electricity used to power roads, airports or
rail stations. Likewise, calculations for air travel highlight the emissions for an individual and are not
representative of the whole flight.

As such, it’s important to assess sustainable options, and their relative impacts, within the existing parameters
of business travel.

Remaining Sustainable in Singapore
Getting around
As Singapore is renowned for being South East Asia’s biggest international hub, it’s safe to say that the island has
quickly evolved its transport options to accommodate almost any business traveller. One of the most popular
transport options is, of course, the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system which makes up the majority of Singapore’s
railways – with a total span of 200Km – and operates with the support of two Light Rapid Transit (LRT) systems.
Singapore’s automated rail system has quickly become known for its efficiency, affordability as well as its envi-
ronmental stance.

If you’re looking for a more convenient approach then hiring a car may be more suitable. Whilst not as
sustainable as public transport links, car hire can be made more so by opting for eco-friendly and hybrid
models. Alternatively, taxi hire and car hailing serices can also be found around the city.

If car transport is paramount, ensure that you choose a hire car with low emission scores or a taxi service that
runs hybrid vehicles in their fleet.

ACE Travel recommends:

•   Hertz Singapore – The Green Traveller Collection offers a range of fuel-efficient vehicles for sustainable
    business travel.

•   Europcar’s Green Programme – A dedicated sustainable development programme for their fleet.

•   AVIS – Eco-friendly and hyrbid options across the range, reducing the environmental impact of hire.

Hotels
Whilst it may not immediately come to mind when considering sustainable travel, your hotel bookings can
similarly lower any negative environmental impact during the course of busines travel – if budget and location
allow.

Many hotels are adopting policies that prioritise sustainability, through wildlife conservation, verified eco
credentials or even through supporting local business and vendors. Choosing a hotel that pushes such
initiative swill allow for a more sustainable stay in Singapore whilst remaining in complete comfort!

Some sustainable elements to look out for when booking a hotel include, but are not limited to:

•   Towel reuse programs – encouraging guests to reuse linens on consecutive days, reducing the energy and
    water used to clean them.

•   Recycling bins – placed in rooms to allow guests to sort their waste from recycling.

•   Organic/ local food – whether it’s meat, fruit and vegetables, or drinks, hotels can supply ‘home-grown’
    produce to showcase their green credentials.

•   Zero-plastic initiatives – removing plastic containers for in-room complementaries and bathroom
    amenities.

•   Self-powered measures – utilising solar panels or other sustainable resources to power hotel amenities.
    amenities.

If your business prioritises sustainable business travel options, then checking out a hotel website and its policies
is a great way to understand their environmental stance prior to booking. This will allow you to make informed,
sustainable decisions when considering your traveller’s carbon footprint.

ACE Travel recommends:

•   PARKROYAL on Pickering – BCA Green Mark, Singapore’s •         Crowne Plaza Changi Airport – Gold Earth Check
    highest green rating & Solar Pioneer Award                     Certification
•   Oasia Hotel Downtown – Green Mark Certification &    •         JW Marriot Singapore South Beach – SG Clean
    Green Good Design Award                                        Certification
You may also like to consider booking a serviced apartment as opposed to a hotel for your traveller. This can
provide your traveller approximately 30% more space than a hotel room, with separate rooms to eat, sleep and
live in, allowing them to feel more comfortable.

Dining
As with hotels, there are plenty of options for choosing sustainable dining options whilst visiting Singapore for
business. One of the easiest ways of ensuring a lower carbon footprint is to book hotels with sustainable food
certifications – be that locally-sourced or organic produce. Whilst it would primarily be up to the business
traveller on where they eat day-to-day, a more sustainable policy can incentivise a more eco-friendly approach,
either through expenses or cash-back.

Of course, the options for sustainable dining are entirely determined by the length of the stay and the budget
for travel.

Making Sustainability Part of Your Travel Policy
Sustainability is going to be one of the biggest challenges to the business travel industry in the next few years,
as consumers push businesses to think more responsibly. But whilst the changes in the future may be big, there
are plenty of small habits that can be incorporated into your business travel policy today, ensuring that
sustainability is a core concern in your process, along with care and cost.

Intelligent Purchasing Techniques:

              Combine meetings and trips to reduce your footprint – work with your TMC to explore creative
              ticketing methods, save some money, time and reduce your emissions.

              As our data shows exploring international rail options – especially against short flights – can have a
              significant impact on sustainability.

              Reward employees for making the right sustainable choices, either through expenses or through
              gifts/prizes.

              Pack light. Your carbon footprint is heavier if your luggage is, so work with your TMC and business
              traveller to determine what is necessary for the trip.

              Where possible, always use reusable products – such as water bottles, coffee cups etc

      Want to discuss how to make your business trip to Singapore more sustainable?

                                Speak to a business travel expert today!

                                  reservations@acetravel.co.uk