Green travel

We all want to and need to travel. Whether it's getting to work or going on holiday, your travel accounts for around a quarter of your greenhouse gas emissions, which contributes to climate change.

Try to reduce your car use

Reduce the number of short trips you make in the car. Walking, cycling, or taking the bus or train will help you keep fit and healthy, reduce local air pollution and reduce your carbon footprint.

Choose an efficient car

If you’re buying a new car, look for the fuel efficiency label to choose a more efficient model. This will cut your carbon emissions and save you money on fuel and vehicle tax.

Tackling the environmental impact of flying

Consider alternatives to taking a plane or think about options for reducing your travel, for example taking fewer, longer holidays if possible instead of several short ones. Maybe you can find what you want closer to home, by taking a holiday in the UK or travelling to nearby countries by rail or sea.

Carbon Offsetting

If you do fly, you can offset your CO₂. Offsetting is a way of compensating for the emissions produced with an equivalent carbon dioxide saving. Carbon offsetting involves calculating your emissions and then purchasing ‘credits’ from emission reduction projects. These projects have prevented or removed an equivalent amount of carbon dioxide elsewhere.

Government is working on establishing a voluntary Code of Best Practice for the provision of carbon offsetting to consumers. The purpose of establishing a Code is to ensure consumer confidence in an emerging market and continued growth of that market through that confidence.