Businesses of all sizes are under pressure to make strides toward Net Zero emissions before the end of the decade. Many organisations have taken The Climate Pledge and are making significant progress in an effort to achieve zero emissions by 2040, 10 years ahead of the EU target. These leaders are reviewing their supply chains, transitioning to greener power sources, and investing in land preservation. Not every business has the resources to completely eliminate their use of fossil fuels in the next year. However, there are strategies any business can activate to reduce their carbon footprints — and one of the simplest is to address employee commuting habits. Here are some steps to consider, all of which may have a significant and lasting impact.
Real change starts with real data, so you’re able to level-set and benchmark the impact of your business’s commuting staff. From there, your organisation can monitor the effectiveness of sustainability initiatives, make data-driven decisions, and refine their strategies over time for maximum impact. (Note: Raedam can assist in measuring the sustainability of your sites by tracking commuter miles and the emissions generated by staff travelling to work. Contact us to schedule a demo.)
While limiting parking spaces is a common practice to encourage sustainable commuting, a more holistic approach to your organisation’s parking policy will be more effective and easier to maintain in the long-run. Consider that restricting parking may not have the intended impact; staff may simply park elsewhere rather than choose a greener commute. Instead, offer a range of viable alternatives such as cycle to work schemes, shuttle services, or even subsidise public transport tickets. Furthermore, you could help team members arrange carpools and reward them with preferred parking. A considered, fair, and equitable parking policy actively engages employees in adopting eco-friendly transportation options.
Long commutes often translate to higher carbon emissions due to increased fuel consumption, however, employees who live further afield may not have convenient access to rail or bus routes, and driving could be their only option. Consider introducing initiatives that cater specifically to these employees, offering special perks such as carpooling incentives, flexible work hours (perhaps starting and ending the day a few hours earlier or later to avoid rush hour), and telecommuting options. This can help ease the burden of lengthy commutes and ultimately reduce the larger carbon footprint usually associated with them.
Bicycles, buses, and trains don’t get the glory or the adoption they deserve as modes of transportation, despite their potential to reduce carbon emissions. If it’s possible, your organisation might inquire about collaborating with local transport providers to offer discounted or subsidised bus or train passes for employees. If it’s appropriate for your team, you might also consider bike-sharing programs or the installation of secure bike storage facilities to create a supportive infrastructure for staff who choose to ride to work, such as shower facilities and clothing lockers.
Electric vehicles are leading the charge (see what we did there?) in the transition to greener transportation. By offering free or subsidised EV charging stations at the workplace and incentivizing employees with preferential parking, businesses can accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles.
To encourage employees to embrace sustainable commuting, introduce incentive programs that reward environmentally-conscious choices. These incentives could include financial rewards, recognition within the company, or access to premiere wellness programs. Initiatives like this not only help to reduce the organisation’s carbon footprint but also foster a sense of community and shared responsibility among employees. That’s what we call a “win-win.”
Ultimately, every organisation will be responsible for achieving zero emissions by 2050. While there are business-changing impacts to this initiative, companies can create positive change in the short term by reviewing their parking and commuting policies. Prioritizing EVs, addressing longer commutes, and promoting alternative modes of transportation collectively to contribute to a more sustainable future for businesses and the environment. By adopting new approaches, your business can take meaningful steps towards achieving sustainability goals while simultaneously enhancing your employees' overall well-being.