Simon-Kucher’s commitment to sustainable business travel recognized by Travel Smart

For the second year in a row, Simon-Kucher has been recognized by Travel Smart for its strong commitment in reducing emissions from business travel.

The assessment by Travel Smart evaluated companies worldwide on their ambition and action to curb emissions from air travel. Over 320 companies from the US, Europe, and Asia were included in the analysis, which spanned 11 indicators related to air travel emissions, reduction targets, and reporting.

Simon-Kucher, a global commercial strategy and pricing consultancy with more than 2,000 employees in 30+ countries, was once again named a top performer by Travel Smart.

The jury spotlighted Simon-Kucher’s ambitious target to reduce business travel emissions (52% percent less emissions per FTE by 2030, using 2023 as the baseline), its adoption of scientific standards to validate its progress (using the Science Based Targets initiative), its actionable strategy to stimulate greener alternatives, and its transparent reporting towards staff and stakeholders.

Key pillars of Simon-Kucher’s approach include efforts to replace short-haul flights with train travel, lower the carbon footprint of its automotive fleet, use carbon offsetting where possible, and promote virtual collaboration.

Discussing the company’s approach to business travel, Anne Rupp, Global Head of ESG, said: “At Simon-Kucher, driving decarbonization means embedding sustainability into every travel decision we make. By focusing on where the impact is greatest – like switching from short-haul flights to rail – we are taking targeted steps to enable long-term change. Setting clear, achievable goals help build momentum and show stakeholders that sustainability is a business priority.”

Joerg Kruetten, Co-CEO of Simon-Kucher, added: “A sustainable approach to business is essential to achieving better growth. By putting ESG at the core of our strategy, we’re creating positive impact while actively working towards our climate commitments and supporting long-term success – for our clients, our people, and the planet.”

Leading the way

Prior to the pandemic, when consultants traditionally commuted to their clients’ office on a daily basis, business travel was a major part of the carbon footprint of consulting firms, typically accounting for around 80% of total carbon footprint. With the structural shift to remote working, that number has now dropped considerably, although Travel Smart stresses the fact that much still needs to be done for the world to achieve sustainable business travel.

“The shift towards purposeful travel and flying less is clear. Many companies are doing it successfully while remaining competitive,” said Denise Auclair, Head of Travel Smart.

Other companies that achieved a high rating in the Travel Smart ranking include Novo Nordisk, Swiss Re, Oracle, PwC, Publicis Group, and Salesforce. Travel Smart is an initiative from Transport & Environment, a European non-profit dedicated to cleaner transpor