Officials should consider environmental impacts alongside value for money, including alignment with the Net Zero in Government Operations Strategy.
Air Travel
Officials should consider low-emission air travel, including direct flights to reduce the need for stopovers.
Officials should be aware that unforeseen or external factors may require changes to flight arrangements, such as being rebooked onto a flight with a layover instead of a direct route or different fuel or aircraft. This may impact the sustainability of the trip.
Accommodation
Officials are encouraged to consider sustainability measures when booking accommodation, including National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) ratings where available.
Vehicle Rental
Officials should book zero-emission vehicles where feasible, considering availability, location and operational needs.
Examples: Sustainability and value for money considerations
Direct and connecting flights
Selecting a direct flight over a lower-cost connecting option.
- A cheaper fare is available with a connecting flight, increasing total travel time and risk of delays.
- A slightly higher fare offers a direct service, reducing travel time and emissions associated with additional take-off and landing cycles.
Where the cost difference is small, selecting the direct flight can reduce emissions and improve efficiency, while still achieving value for money.
Rail and air travel
Rail instead of air for short inter‑city travel.
- A Rail option is marginally higher in ticket price but avoids airport transfers, baggage costs and waiting time.
- Rail journey supports lower emissions and allows productive work time during travel.
When total cost and productivity are considered, the lower‑emission rail option may represent better value for money.
