CO₂ reduction in everyday life – sustainability & environmental management at Comitas
Sustainability in everyday IT: CO₂ reduction at Comitas through sustainable mobility
Sustainability in everyday IT operations means far more than energy-efficient servers or sustainable software development. Business processes such as mobility also have a significant impact on an IT company's environmental footprint. As part of its ISO 14001 environmental management system, Comitas aims to measurably reduce its own environmental impact. A key lever in this effort is the emissions generated by business travel – particularly for client meetings and management trips.
Initial situation: Emissions from mobility
Whether it's meetings with clients, conferences, or internal meetings: business trips are an integral part of everyday work life. However, they cause CO₂ emissions – especially through flights, journeys in combustion engine vehicles, or inefficient travel planning.
During the implementation of the environmental management system according to ISO 14001, it became clear that there was potential for savings, particularly in the area of management and project-related external meetings. Therefore, Comitas formulated a concrete environmental objective – and consistently supported it with concrete measures.
Environmental goal: 30% less CO₂ in two years
Comitas has set itself the goal of reducing CO₂ emissions from business travel by [amount missing] within two years. 30 % to reduce emissions (reference year: 2024). The measures do not aim for a travel ban, but rather for a more climate-friendly design of mobility, without impairing the quality of customer relationships or project work.
The most important measures at a glance
- Video conferences instead of business trips:
All employees are encouraged to use digital formats for meetings that don't necessarily require physical attendance. MS Teams, Zoom, and similar platforms have long since become an integral part of everyday life. - Prioritizing public transport:
For travel within Switzerland or to neighboring countries, trains and buses should consistently be preferred to cars or planes. Corresponding travel guidelines and reimbursement rules support this recommendation. - Stricter flight regulations for management:
More than one business flight per year is only permitted with management approval – and must be justified in writing. This ensures that flights only take place when absolutely necessary. - Fleet review:
The company's vehicle fleet is reviewed annually with regard to fuel consumption, CO₂ emissions, and suitability for electric mobility. The first vehicles are to be replaced by lower-emission alternatives in the medium term.
Control & Transparency: How to make the goal measurable
The environmental goal is firmly anchored in Comitas' environmental program. Progress is measured annually – based on:
- Travel expense reports and means of transport used
- CO₂ calculations according to recognized standards
- Documented air travel and management approvals
- Fleet analysis based on consumption and mileage
Furthermore, compliance with the travel policies is reviewed annually, and adjustments are made where necessary. This process is part of the ISO internal management review and ensures the long-term effectiveness of the ISO 14001 certification.
Impact beyond the company
Besides saving CO₂, the project also sends a strong signal to customers, partners, and potential employees. It demonstrates that sustainable practices and economic success go hand in hand at Comitas – even in everyday mobility.
With a clearly defined environmental goal, concrete measures, and transparent monitoring, Comitas is taking another step towards responsible corporate governance. Reducing CO₂ emissions from business travel is not only a contribution to climate protection, but also an expression of a modern, future-oriented corporate culture.
Learn more about our environmental policy and how we implement sustainable IT solutions – for a responsible digital future.
