Sustainable mobility

Sustainable mobility: the future of eco-conscious transportation

container truck with cargo trailer drives on highway
As a company, it is crucial to be aware of your carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions, not only for the environment but also for the success of your business. With investors increasingly looking for companies with positive environmental and social impacts, sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) are vital. One way to achieve this is by adopting a sustainable global mobility policy, which can reduce the company’s carbon footprint and contribute to sustainable development.
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Sustainable tax

Grant Thornton's Tax Sustainability team assists organisations by providing insights into available taxes, grants and compliance requirements. We would be happy to assist your organization in designing and implementing a sustainable tax strategy.

This can lead to a reduction in ESG taxation and a positive impact on the company's reputation and brand image. There are several key strategies and best practices that companies can adopt to achieve sustainable global mobility, including encouraging the use of sustainable transportation modes, optimizing transportation routes, reducing unnecessary travel, and adopting sustainable supply chain practices. The benefits of sustainable global mobility include cost savings, improved reputation, reduced ESG tax, and contribution to sustainable development. Our team of tax specialists can assist you in achieving sustainable global mobility, which helps reduce your company's carbon footprint and ESG tax burden. 

Global Mobility and Sustainability 

Global mobility refers to the movement of people, goods, and services across borders. It has become increasingly important in today's globalized world, where businesses need to have a presence in multiple countries to remain competitive. However, this movement has a significant impact on the environment, with transportation being a significant contributor to emissions. 

Sustainability, on the other hand, refers to meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It is essential to ensure that our actions today do not harm the environment or future generations. Sustainable global mobility, therefore, refers to the movement of people, goods, and services across borders in a way that is environmentally friendly and socially responsible. 

Understanding Carbon Footprint and Greenhouse Gas Emissions 

A carbon footprint refers to the total amount of gases that are emitted into the atmosphere as a result of human activities. Gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to global warming and climate change. The transportation sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for around 23% of global CO2 emissions. 

It is, therefore, essential to reduce the carbon footprint of the transportation sector. One way to achieve this is through sustainable global mobility. By using sustainable transportation modes, such as electric vehicles, public transport, or cycling, companies can reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change. 

Sustainable Global Mobility: Key Strategies and Best Practices 

There are several key strategies and best practices that companies can adopt to achieve sustainable global mobility. 

  • Encourage the use of sustainable transportation modes. Companies can encourage their employees to use sustainable transportation modes, such as public transport, cycling, or electric vehicles. This can be achieved by providing incentives, such as subsidies for public transport or electric vehicles, or by providing facilities, such as bicycle parking or showers for cyclists. 
  • Optimize transportation routes. Companies can optimize their transportation routes to reduce the distance traveled and, therefore, reduce their carbon footprint. This can be achieved by using technology, such as GPS and mapping software, to plan the most efficient routes. 
  • Reduce unnecessary travel. Companies can reduce unnecessary travel by using video conferencing and other communication technologies. This not only reduces the carbon footprint but also saves time and money. 
  • Adopt sustainable supply chain practices. Companies can adopt sustainable supply chain practices, such as using eco-friendly packaging and reducing waste, to reduce their overall carbon footprint. 

Reducing Carbon Footprint through Global Mobility 

By adopting the key strategies and best practices outlined above, companies can significantly reduce their carbon footprint. For example, by encouraging the use of sustainable transportation modes, companies can reduce their carbon footprint by up to 90%. 

Another way to reduce the carbon footprint is through the use of renewable energy sources. Companies can use renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, to power their transportation infrastructure, reducing their dependence on fossil fuels and reducing their carbon footprint. 

The Benefits of Sustainable Global Mobility 

There are several benefits to adopting sustainable global mobility practices. 

  • Cost savings. By adopting sustainable transportation modes and optimizing transportation routes, companies can save money on fuel and transportation costs. Next to that, tax incentives may be available for certain Sustainable Global Mobility items to help companies optimize their compensation and benefits package and to enhance employee satisfaction. Finally, personal tax savings can be obtained by their employees (e.g. more favorable tax regimes can apply to electric company cars). 
  • Improved reputation. By adopting sustainable practices, companies can improve their reputation and brand image, attracting more customers and investors. 
  • Reduced ESG tax. By reducing their carbon footprint and adopting sustainable practices, companies can reduce their ESG tax burden. 
  • Contribution to sustainable development. By adopting sustainable practices, companies can contribute to sustainable development and combat climate change. 

Sustainable Mobility and its implications on Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) 

The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is an EU policy that will enter into force as per October 1, 2023, that aims to reduce the carbon footprint of imports into the EU. As per that date until the end of the transitory period (31-12-2025), three-monthly reports are to be filed. After the transitory period, the report is amended into an annual return: importers are to report and pay a carbon tax on goods imported into the EU, based on the carbon footprint of the goods as per 2026. Starting from January 1, 2026, unregistered declarants will not be authorized to import CBAM goods. Additionally, there will be an annual declaration of obligation. The declaration must include specific data, such as, e.g. verified embedded emissions, quantity and GN-codes of CBAM. The first annual declaration must be filed by May 31, 2027, covering the 2026 calendar year. 

Sustainable global mobility can help companies to ease the effects triggered by CBAM. By adopting sustainable transportation modes and reducing the use of goods produced from CBAM-affected parts, companies can help reduce the carbon tax burden of the imports liable to CBAM. Contact us today to find out how we can help your company achieve its sustainability goals while maximizing tax benefits. 

Read more about CBAM

Globalisation and its Impact on Sustainability 

Globalisation has had a significant impact on sustainability. The movement of people, goods, and services across borders has led to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions and a significant impact on the environment. 

However, globalisation also presents an opportunity to promote sustainable development. By adopting sustainable global mobility practices, companies can reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to sustainable development. 

Sustainable Global Mobility Services and Solutions 

There are several sustainable global mobility services and solutions available to companies. 

  • Electric vehicles. Companies can switch to electric vehicles to reduce their carbon footprint. 
  • Public transport. Companies can encourage their employees to use public transport by providing incentives, such as subsidies or free passes. 
  • Cycling. Companies can encourage their employees to cycle to work by providing facilities, such as bicycle parking and showers. 
  • Green logistics. Companies can adopt green logistics practices, such as using eco-friendly packaging and reducing waste, to reduce their overall carbon footprint.

Measure company-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and set targets for emissions reduction 

Measuring greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and setting targets for emissions reduction is of paramount importance for companies striving to make their transport and mobility more sustainable. By quantifying and monitoring their GHG emissions, companies gain valuable insights into the environmental impact of their operations and can identify areas where improvements can be made. This data-driven approach allows them to understand their carbon footprint and take informed actions to reduce emissions. Setting targets for emissions reduction provides a clear roadmap for companies to follow and ensures that sustainability becomes an integral part of their business strategy. Our sustainability advisors can assist you in developing your own GHG inventory and in setting targets to comply with the coming EU CSRD regulations. 

Conclusion: Driving Sustainability through Global Mobility 

Our innovative approach to global transportation is designed to minimize your carbon footprint and foster a greener planet, combining cutting-edge sustainable transportation modes, optimized routing, and eco-friendly supply chain practices to help your business thrive while making a positive environmental impact. 

Experience unparalleled efficiency as we optimize routes and implement sustainable supply chain strategies, all while enjoying substantial cost savings and an enhanced brand reputation.  

Stay ahead of the curve with reduced ESG tax and join the movement towards a cleaner, greener tomorrow. Feel free to contact our Sustainable tax team, where professionalism meets environmental stewardship, setting a new standard for responsible transportation. Let's drive change together. 

Contact one of our specialists