Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of WERC.
What if the key to a more sustainable future isn’t found in staying in one place, but in moving? This surprising idea was presented at the WERC APAC Conference in Singapore this year, where a panel challenged conventional thinking and delivered a powerful new perspective.
This session was titled “Relocating a Person Can Be Better for the Planet Than Not Relocating!” and brought together leaders from across the global mobility industry. They challenged traditional thinking and offered a fresh, hopeful view: When done with intention, relocation can be a powerful force for environmental progress. They explored how sustainability and international assignments can work together, not in conflict, but in harmony.
The panel included myself, CEO of ExpatRide International and co-chair of WERC’s Sustainability Advisory Council; Sarah Katz, director of sustainability and CEO at We.do Advice; Stephen Park, head of the international mobility centre at Schneider Electric; and Katherine Asperin, director of client services at Cartus.
Together, they made a compelling case: the future of talent mobility is not only global; it’s green.
Sustainability Regulations in Mobility
Katz of We.do Advice opened the session with a global snapshot of sustainability trends. Drawing from frameworks like the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), she outlined how regulation is quickly moving from voluntary to mandatory and how “double materiality” is now a driving principle. Companies face growing pressure from investors, clients, employees, and governments to act responsibly and transparently.
But for Katz, the shift isn’t just about compliance. “The business case remains strong,” she said, pointing to cost savings, enhanced brand value, and improved talent attraction, all driven by sustainability efforts.
And the global mobility industry? It has a huge opportunity to lead. With demand rising for roles in the green energy transition, water resource management, and sustainable city development, the question isn’t whether we need to move people but how to do it with purpose. By incorporating sustainability into the relocation experience, companies can amplify their positive impact. This includes educating assignees on fundamental sustainability concepts, such as energy use, waste reduction, circularity, and governance.
Building a Sustainable Supply Chain Strategy
Park of Schneider Electric brought the perspective of a multinational tackling these challenges head-on, outlining how to integrate sustainability into mobility operations. With sustainability woven into Schneider’s core strategy, Park highlighted how the mobility function must evolve, not just to support talent, but to contribute to the company’s overall ESG performance. Schneider presented a four-step approach to sustainable mobility:
- Measuring impact
- Setting targets and identifying opportunities
- Designing an implementation program
- Program execution and monitoring
But more than a strategy, Park presented a challenge: If you want your mobility function to remain relevant and competitive, it must support your company’s sustainability goals. It’s no longer enough to be operationally efficient; programs must also be environmentally focused.
Accelerate Green Mobility Solutions to Market
Representing the relocation canagement company (RMC) perspective, Asperin shared how Cartus is turning ESG commitments into operational action, highlighting the company’s success in reducing CO2 emissions. She also outlined Cartus’ 2025 plan and its long-term vision, detailing the steps being taken to achieve these sustainability goals.
Asperin introduced a two-part call to action:
- Evaluate current relocation services through a sustainability lens and data. Make these more carbon efficient or find alternative, more responsible solutions.
- Align corporate strategy with clear, measurable sustainability goals.
“Our clients aren’t just asking for relocation; they’re asking for responsible relocation,” Asperin said.
A Holistic Strategy: Sustainability Starts With the Assignee
I was interested in bringing the focus back to the individual: the relocating employee. What if relocation, done with sufficient support, can lead to a lower carbon footprint in the long run?
While infrastructure, data, and policy are essential, I shared that relocation should be seen as an opportunity to change behavior, not just move people. ExpatRide, in partnership with professor of social psychology Bas Verplanken, examined how the “habit discontinuity effect”—a psychological phenomenon where people are more open to change during life disruptions—could be leveraged during relocations. The insight: Relocations present a unique opportunity for expats to adopt more sustainable lifestyles, from switching to electric vehicles to reevaluating daily consumption habits.
I shared case study data along with this theory: An expat moving from New Orleans to Birmingham and back emitted around 4.1 tons of CO2 through container shipping. However, choosing an electric vehicle for the assignment could reduce driving emissions by around 5.8 tons, effectively saving more CO2 than the original container emitted. If combined with greener housing and better daily habits, the net environmental effect could become positive within just a few years.
ExpatRide has developed a three-step framework to support this:
- Integrate sustainability goals into mobility policies.
- Implement cultural awareness and sustainability training for assignees
- Provide relocation support (lump sum is unsustainable)
Relocation disrupts habits. That’s our opportunity. Let’s not just move people; let’s help them live better.
Key Takeaways
When done right, relocating a person can actually be better for the planet than not relocating.
- The business case for sustainability remains strong. Regulations are here to stay.
- To remain relevant and competitive, ensure your products and services meet your clients’ sustainability rating.
- RMCs are transforming data into action, helping clients meet their ESG targets and enhance their employer brand.
- Relocation creates a unique window for habit change, supporting talent requirements, CO2 reductions, and a competitive edge.
Sustainability isn’t just a challenge to overcome; it’s an opportunity to lead. With the right support, relocating talent can become a turning point for both individuals and organizations in the journey toward a greener future.
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