With an increasing awareness almost on a daily basis, looking after the planet has never been so important. Not sure how you can help without it impacting on your super-luxe life? It’s much easier than you think.
Consider how you fly
From a week soaking up the sun in St Barts to a meeting in Dubai, it’s easy to charter a plane to reach your destination. However, research revealed in 2023 alone private flights produced an estimated 15.6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide — the equivalent of 3.7 million petrol cars driven over the course of a year. Calling in a helicopter for a short time in the air? They’re still a significant source of pollution, with some emitting 500kg in just a one-hour flight. Instead, fly commercial, opting for business over first — and even economy over business if you really want to give yourself a green pat on the back. Why? The average carbon footprint of a passenger travelling business is three times that of economy – and nine times for first class.
Consider how you drive
Road travel also has an impact when it comes to being more eco-friendly. Ready to call your driver rather than climb behind the wheel yourself? Think of the impact, with that large SUV or limousine having a higher carbon footprint due to weight, size and engine capacity. Electric vehicles are, of course, the way forward: in June 2025 battery electric vehicles accounted for 25% of new car registrations in the UK, a record monthly share. Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos have one, and we don’t really need to talk about Elon Musk now, do we? It’s even well-documented that electric cars are now seen as a status symbol among the rich and elite, meaning it’s high time you invested in one, if you’ve yet to.
Consider what you eat
We know you understand the food on your plate has an impact on climate change, yet many are reluctant to alter their habits, with a survey revealing 47% did not see a need to change. It’s hard to hold back on the food and drink you’re used to, but subtle changes make all the difference. Love your steak? Try to limit the amount you feast on it: beef is extremely resource-intensive, with cows producing methane that has a warming potential 27-30 times higher than that of CO2 over a 100-year time period. Foods not in season also affect our world. Let’s talk facts: asparagus grown in Peru and air freighted to the UK emits around 6.3kg CO2 equivalent, whereas if it were grown here, its equivalent would be approximately 378g.
Consider what you wear
No need to compromise — there are many high-end businesses that are eco-conscious when it comes to fashion. Menswear brand Charles Tyrwhitt started their journey in 2021, committing to reduce organisational emissions by 5% year on year, as well as giving back via climate-focused and nature-based projects. Think quality over quantity: fast fashion is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions — more than international flights and maritime shipping combined. The watch you wear can also make an impact — Blancpain funds the Blancpain x Sulubaaï Marine Research Center in the Philippines. Here, fishing is banned in around 349 hectares, while the project captures wild fish post-larvae and raises them to the juvenile stage to enhance their survival chances.
Consider how you run your business
Recycling, hybrid working and Zooms are all positives at work, but there are many more areas to reduce climate change. Meetings and conferences often use single-use plastics such as water bottles and catering packaging — vital to eradicate, as by 2050 there could be more plastic in the oceans than fish. What’s more, research shows the average attendee creates 176.67KG of CO2 emissions. You should also ensure IT tasks run off-peak when electricity prices are lower, and replace outdated devices, as new models are more energy-efficient. Sustainable restaurants are a popular choice when it comes to doing business deals, giving you the chance to stand out by showing that you prioritise eco-friendly products and services.
Consider how you manage your home
Most households watch their energy consumption, but those with extra finances can further minimise their environmental impact. Solar panels are an obvious choice, reducing three to four tonnes of C02 each year, as well as pollutants that come from burning fossil fuels. If planning permits, opt for triple glazing to prevent heat escaping: the decreased reliance on heating and cooling systems results in lower greenhouse gas emissions. Invest in a ground-source heat pump, which extracts naturally occurring heat from the ground or water, with sustainable materials also helping to reduce climate change. They even increase your property’s value: homes with eco-friendly features sell for 2-4% more than comparable conventional properties.
