travel
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travel & logistics:
The transportation of goods and organisational travel are key sources of carbon emissions. Already responsible for a quarter of the CO2 emissions in the UK and growing, travel and transport is the second largest source of CO2 emissions in the South West. Much can be done by focussing more on achieving access (as opposed to mobility) and moving away from the current dependence on carbon based fuels. Trains are the cleanest forms of mass transport. Locally, cycling and walking offer car-free access whilst also benefiting staff health and well-being (and therefore productivity!).
easy wins:
• Ensure secure cycling facilities are provided for staff cycling into work. Shower facilities will also enable staff to freshen up.
• Support home working. Enabling staff to work from home once a week can reduce their travel related carbon emissions by up to 20%!
• Re-assess your mileage rate! Mileage rates should be graded to reward those travelling in more fuel efficient cars.
• Encourage visitors to use public transport. Ensure directions to your site highlight lower carbon transport options including use of public transport.
• Make a corporate commitment to travel by public transport instead of using the car.
• Encourage staff to car share and make this as easy as possible – establish a bulletin board or ‘intra-net’ so staff can easily plan journeys together.
• Encourage staff to follow the Energy Saving Trust’s ‘Ten tips for safer, greener and stress free driving’. This includes avoiding sharp acceleration/breaking, checking tyre pressure and sticking to speed limits – driving at 85mph rather than 70 uses 25% more fuel!
further advice?
The VCA Car Fuel Database has further information about fuel economy, emissions and alterative fuels.
The Energy Saving Trust offers a free telephone consultancy service to any (public, private or voluntary sector) organisation running fleets of under 50 vehicles. For companies running over 50 vehicles a free one day site visit is available including guidance on Fuel economy, Driver education, Milage Reduction and Low carbon fuels. Call 0845 602 1425.
making a longer term commitment
• Invest in telephone/video conferencing facilities to save on travel time (and lost working hours) and increase your organisation’s efficiency.
• Commit to using lease cars that use lower carbon fuels. Electric cars and hybrids provide a lower carbon alternative.
• Offer staff interest-free loans for season tickets or other incentives to encourage use of public transport.
• Survey staff to access commuting patterns. This will help you to see where improvements can be made.
• Investigate the use of sustainably-sourced biofuels within existing vehicles. Contact the SW Biofuels Forum for information about potential opportunities if you are in the South West region.
• Planning for new premises or business relations? Maximise opportunities to support low carbon access eg opting for sites already well connected to a public transport infrastructure.
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