Appearing at the event via video conference link in London, Dr Pachauri said reducing business travel would cut aviation emissions. In many developed countries, air transportation represents 40% of total greenhouse gas emissions.

Dr. Pachauri:

One important contributor to this source is the growth of civil aviation across the globe,” he told MPs. A focused effort to shift business travel for conferences and meetings of all types to video-based communication would be of great benefit in reducing and controlling the growth of emissions from aviation. I therefore endorse the concept and practice of video conferencing as an important substitute for business and conference-related travel in the fight to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.

A report published in May claimed 89% of FTSE 350 companies expect to reduce flights in the next ten years and 85% see video conferencing as a way to help achieve that goal. While the rise in fuel costs is the main reason corporations are reducing physical travel and replacing it with video conferencing services, many of them are also concerned about the environment. Shifting to video conferencing in the short term reduces travel and indirect costs, while protecting the environment is a long term problem that many individuals and corporations are realizing needs to be dealt with today.

By eliminating the need for business travel without sacrificing the quality of communication, businesses can significantly reduce their carbon footprint, while saving money and the environment. Less travel and more online collaboration also reduces expenses, increases productivity and expands a company’s global reach.

Web conferencing and screen sharing enable people to share information in a fast, easy, affordable and environmentally friendly way. InstantPresenter.com provides a suite of online tools that allow businesses to conduct web demos, sales presentations, and project collaboration without leaving the office.

You can calculate the carbon footprint of your business by visiting: CarbonFund.org.

“We’ve reached a point where everyone is realizing the importance of creating sustainability with our environment, and of business,” said Carolyn Campbell, senior director of marketing for InterCall. “Reducing travel through conferencing is a way companies can lessen their footprint while still expanding their business reach.”

“Companies are finding that audio, web and video conferencing are actually easy tools to use and will not only save time and money, but also help the environment. We’re seeing people are choosing to travel less and conference more,” Campbell said. “Tools like web conferencing empower individuals to make the right choices about when to travel and how to connect with business partners. And it’s an easy change to make, without requiring significant process changes or equipment.

On Earth Day, (April 22nd) from 1PM – 2PM PST, Chief Operating Officer of Esurance, Chris Henn and community relations representative Joanne Lee will provide insight into how their company’s green strategy has driven its success, as well the successes and challenges Esurance faces as it carries out its commitment to the environment and best practices. Martin Fox of Stradbrooke Consultancy will also discuss how companies can make their idea of a green strategy a reality.

Sign up by visiting

http://www.greenconferencing.com