BDO urges staff to swap planes for trains

THE accounting giant BDO has told workers they must swap planes for trains for short-haul business trips as it encourages staff to contribute to meeting its net zero targets.

BDO, which is the UK’s fifth largest auditor, has issued advice to staff that they should fly economy for journeys under seven hours and encourages workers to opt for premium economy class over business class for longer flights. Business-class seats on flights are viewed as more carbon-intensive than those in economy because they take up more room on a plane and are more likely to be empty, given the higher price tag.

The accounting group is also understood to have urged workers to travel less, combine meetings and events, and consider fewer travellers per trip.

The travel restrictions were introduced earlier this year as part of BDO’s increased efforts to slash emissions from business travel by 40pc by 2030.

The partnership is seeking to become a fully net zero business by 2050. Under the changes, BDO will also produce reports that calculate the carbon emissions for each partner and their teams in an effort to boost transparency.

It follows similar measures taken by rival “big four” accountants, which have also sought to cut costs and drastically reduce their carbon footprint.

A BDO spokesman said: “BDO, like every business, has a responsibility to do what they can. As individuals and as part of a bigger organisation, we have a role to play in protecting and preserving our resources so that the way in which we live our lives today is sustainable for future generations.”