A little luxury taken out of diplomats' air travel

Under proposals to deliver a 10 per cent reduction in emissions at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, staff will only be able to fly business class to destinations more than five hours away – up from the current three hours – and only if there is a "justifiable business case".

This would include officials who have to step off the plane and into meetings, but economy would be expected for most journeys.

Restrictions are also planned for staff taking holidays with their families – economy class will be mandatory for journeys under 10 hours.

A spokeswoman said: "Economy seats take up less room on a plane, and aviation emissions are calculated by the amount of room a person takes up on a plane. Therefore, business or first class have higher emissions than economy."

Some travel will be cut out completely as the office looks to increase the use of video conferencing following a successful "virtual leadership conference" last year.

The department has signed up to the 10:10 campaign, pledging to reduce carbon emissions by 10 per cent this year.

Central heating and air conditioning in buildings will be turned down and more hybrid and electric vehicles will be purchased.

The Foreign Office will also take advantage of climate conditions in some of its posts, installing solar panel water heating in Africa, South America and Asia.