ExpatRide CEO Jesper Løvendahl moderated a panel discussion on sustainability in global mobility. He was joined by panelists Magali Horbert of FIDI Global Alliance and Brian Potts of Altair Global. He guided an exploration of the current landscape, regulatory pressures, and future sustainability expectations for global mobility.
Industry Perspectives: Where Are We Now?
The session opened by Horbert framing the increasing demand for sustainable practices from corporate clients and the impact of the Coalition for Greener Mobility in promoting environmentally responsible actions. Horbert explained challenges, such as regulatory pressures and the “Gartner Hype Cycle” on sustainability—moving from early optimism to realistic action as the industry tackles practical implementation. These pressures have helped move sustainability from a “nice-to-have” to a “must-have,” especially with growing mandates from regulations like the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting (CSRD) and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).
Horbert further provided insights on the state of sustainability across the global mobility sector, underscoring the importance of initiatives like the Coalition for Greener Mobility. She discussed FIDI’s recently launched carbon calculator, a tool enabling relocation providers to benchmark their environmental impact. The results thus far have underscored a need for greater resources and collaboration to support the Coalition’s objectives. When asked about Scope 3 emissions and their inclusion of assignee activities such as housing, transportation, and personal consumption, Horbert explained that FIDI’s efforts increasingly cover these lifestyle impacts, helping the industry achieve comprehensive sustainability.
Regulatory Impacts: EU Corporate Sustainability Legislation and the SEC Climate Disclosure Rule
Both Horbert and Potts highlighted the impact of major regulatory developments. Horbert explained the significance of the EU Corporate Sustainability Legislation, which requires detailed ESG reporting on carbon footprints, supply chain management, and procurement. She described the upcoming compliance requirements as a “CSRD tsunami,” which demands increased transparency starting in 2026, prompting relocation providers to be proactive about their carbon footprints.
Potts added that the SEC Climate Disclosure Rule, set to take effect in 2025 for public companies, focuses on Scopes 1 and 2 emissions. Although Scope 3 is excluded, for now, he noted that Altair’s supplier network aligns with client sustainability requirements through third-party assessments from frameworks like CDP, EcoVadis, and Watershed. Beyond compliance and financial penalties, he emphasized that other motivators—such as attracting talent and enhancing competitiveness—are essential in fostering change across the mobility sector.
Potts elaborated on how Altair Global is meeting client demands for sustainability by collaborating closely with its supplier network. He stressed that Altair’s approach goes beyond compliance by setting a proactive example within the RMC sector, integrating sustainability into every client interaction.
CO2 Readiness for Suppliers
Løvendahl underscored the importance of suppliers preparing for carbon emission reporting. The first essential step is to identify the required data—key data points may vary depending on the service type (e.g., relocation logistics, housing, or transport), but common elements include vehicle type, mileage, and fuel type for transport-related services or energy usage for accommodation—and ensure it’s systematically captured within CRM or ERP systems. This foundational step allows suppliers to track CO2 data accurately for each service.
Next, Løvendahl advised starting with test calculations. Early reports don’t need to be exact but serve to train teams in data extraction, calculation, and aggregation processes, building competency for accurate reporting over time. Tools like the GHG Protocol and the FIDI calculator can also assist in developing standardized reports.
Building CO2 readiness now, Løvendahl noted, will prepare suppliers for client and regulatory demands, making accurate, scalable CO2 reporting a competitive advantage as sustainability expectations grow.
Final Thoughts and the Road Ahead
The panel concluded with a forward-looking perspective, recognizing that increased environmental regulation and ESG transparency demands will drive further transformation across the mobility industry. Organizations that align early with sustainability standards will likely mitigate financial and reputational risks, positioning themselves as leaders. All panelists emphasized that sustainability is a strategic investment that supports long-term resilience and attractiveness to clients and employees.
As Horbert observed, sustainability in the industry will soon shift from a competitive advantage to an essential standard embedded in every aspect of global mobility practices. This shift will align relocation providers, corporate clients, and industry bodies under common environmental objectives, establishing sustainability as a core value within the global mobility field.