What is Sustainable Travel Leave?
Imagine getting extra days off from work without sacrificing your salary. That's the promise of Sustainable Travel Leave (STL), a scheme gaining traction across the UK. More than 200 workplaces and organisations have adopted this policy, created by climate charity Possible. If your employer participates, you could be eligible for up to two 'sustainable travel days' per year, pro rata for part-time staff.
But there's a catch: these days must be used for sustainable travel. Instead of flying, you take slower, low-carbon transportation. For example, a train from London to Berlin takes about nine hours—seven hours more than a flight, but it reduces emissions by 92%. STL compensates you for that extra time.
How Does Sustainable Travel Leave Work?
If your company offers STL, you can apply for additional time off to cover the extra duration of a sustainable journey. The amount of leave is at your employer's discretion, but typically you receive paid time off equal to the extra travel time. For the London-Berlin train trip, that would be seven hours.
Employers may grant this time in various ways: as time off in lieu, additional annual leave after the trip, volunteering leave, or other paid leave categories in their HR system. The flexibility allows companies to integrate STL into existing policies.
How to Pitch STL to Your Employer
If your workplace doesn't yet offer STL, you can propose it as a low-cost, high-impact benefit. Highlight how it demonstrates the company's commitment to carbon reduction targets while boosting employee morale. Direct them to sustainabletraveleave.org for templates and implementation guides.
Online reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. On Instagram, users called it 'a great idea,' 'brilliant,' and 'an awesome concept.' One commenter noted, 'Time can be a huge barrier to travelling more sustainably, so this could make a huge difference.'
Key Benefits of STL
- Extra paid time off without salary sacrifice
- Reduced carbon footprint by choosing trains, buses, or ferries over flights
- Less stressful travel as slower modes often offer more comfort
- Employer branding as a sustainable and employee-friendly organisation
As more people discover STL through viral videos, the scheme is gaining momentum. Whether you're a seasoned eco-traveller or just looking for more holiday time, it's worth checking if your employer is on board—or helping them get there.
