A new study reveals that fewer than 40% of the world’s largest companies publicly disclose the carbon footprint of their business travel — a striking omission as climate transparency becomes a boardroom priority.
The research, conducted by Paris-based Areka Consulting, analysed two years of ESG and sustainability reports from 150 global firms. While most companies (62%) report on their scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, only 37% specifically account for scope 3.6 — the category that covers business travel.
The consultancy flagged inconsistencies in how travel emissions are calculated, with methodologies varying widely across sectors. “There’s growing pressure for organisations to communicate their environmental impact in a way that’s credible, consistent and open,” said Areka CEO Pascal Jungfer.
Sector differences were pronounced. Technology, media, telecoms, and transport firms were more likely to report travel-related emissions, while oil and gas companies were least likely to do so — possibly because travel represents a smaller slice of their overall footprint.
Among the 55 companies that did disclose scope 3.6 data, business travel accounted for an average of just 0.26% of total emissions. However, Areka noted that this figure can be significantly higher in professional services, where travel is often central to client delivery. In some cases, it may represent the majority of a firm’s emissions.
The study also found a close correlation between travel emissions and travel spend, suggesting that emissions intensity may mirror financial investment in travel programmes.
Despite 60% of companies setting net zero targets — most aiming for 2050 — only half have defined scope reduction goals. Business travel-specific targets remain rare. Where they do exist, travel avoidance is the most commonly cited strategy, followed by a shift to lower-carbon modes.
“Climate disclosure is no longer optional,” said Areka consultant Jigyasa Nerchehal during a recent webinar. “It’s a strategic imperative — and business travel needs to be part of that conversation.”