By Biba Hartigan

The global economy demands global business travel. We are crossing continents to meet up and do business in unprecedented numbers. Britain's carbon emissions from aircraft virtually doubled between 1990 and 2000 and the growth is continuing. Any amount of offsetting is not going to halt climate change, only a change in behaviour will do.

We think of the US and China as the big polluters, but when it comes to air travel, the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands are the worst. Flying places a disproportionate burden on the environment. Although fuel consumption per passenger is similar to car use over the same distance, because the emissions are released high in the atmosphere, they have double the climate changing effect. Rail is the most efficient transport creating a quarter to a third the carbon as the same journey travelled by air.

It's perfectly possible to reduce the impact of business travel and, at the same time, improve conditions for employees. Obviously the most effective means is just not to fly. Travelling for work can be stimulating. However, when you're on the go too often it soon palls. So cut these journeys down and treat staff to more time at home. Air travel should be restricted to essential journeys only. Why send three when two will do? Is it really necessary to send as many delegates to conferences, seminars or business meetings abroad? For regular foreign meetings it may be possible to replace one in three with a video or teleconference. Videoconferencing is now relatively simple to set up from the office, the hard bit may be finding a clutter free background.

When planning essential flights, prioritise direct routes. Diversions waste valuable staff time and fuel. Your colleagues will be thankful for a more relaxed journey. Look for fuel efficient airlines with an up to date fleet. In general, older aircraft are less fuel efficient than modern versions.

Rail is best for all UK and European short haul journeys. A flight from London to Paris costs 230kg CO2 while the same rail journey costs only 75kg. The shorter the flight, the worse the impact as more fuel is used for takeoff and landing. London to Newquay by air causes six times the impact of the journey by train. There are other cost savings to consider too. An overnight sleeper to Edinburgh could save a hotel bill.