To the office with no carbon footprint: how to promote the use of eco-friendly transportation among employees
Sustainability has become a decisive aspiration for countries, organizations, companies, and society in general, after many decades of indifference towards the planet's health. At this moment, with the data we have about the ongoing anthropogenic climate change, it is evident that human activity must always be carried out within an ecological framework and with concern for the environment, including the simple act of commuting from home to the office. After all, there are billions of workers worldwide, and the use of eco-friendly transportation can make a significant difference.
The role of building design
The conceptualization of office buildings plays a key role in promoting the use of eco-friendly transportation such as bicycles, electric vehicles, or public transport. Ultimately, the infrastructure available will either encourage or hinder this paradigm shift in work mobility. Bike parking, electric car charging points, or proximity to public buses and subways are just a few examples. Having changing rooms and showers also encourages employees to commute to the office on foot, by running, or using bicycles. Every detail matters.
The role of corporate policies
For a company to operate in an office building with infrastructure as mentioned above demonstrates a commitment to sustainable transportation. However, this commitment must go further and be materialized through internal policies that prioritize it. These policies may include financial support for the purchase of bicycles and electric vehicles, reimbursement programs that refund money to employees when they use public transportation, bike-sharing programs, collaboration with eco-friendly transportation companies to secure discounts for employees, or incentive programs such as days off or rewards for those who choose this type of mobility.
The role of governments
Goverments whether national, regional, or local, have an obligation to implement policy measures that reflect the social desires of the people. Currently, the desire for a sustainable lifestyle is one of the most significant. In this regard, some measures that could reduce or eliminate the carbon footprint of workers commuting to the office include tax incentives for the purchase of eco-friendly transportation, awareness campaigns, and financial investments in all types of public urban infrastructure that facilitate bicycle, scooter, or public transport usage.
The role of employees
Employees rely on architectural firms, private companies, and public authorities to opt for less polluting transportation models. However, the direct social influence is also important, i.e., the ability of each employee to become an advocate for these models. Especially for executives, whose leadership can be inspiring for the rest of the company's staff. Seeing a manager commuting to work by bicycle or using public bus services conveys values, especially to younger workers. They are the future. They are the ones who will take care of the world tomorrow.
Conclusion Moving away from commuting to the office in private cars, prioritizing other systems that are much less harmful to the planet, is an essential strategy due to the sheer number of workers. However, as we have seen, promoting these systems is not the responsibility of a single social agent but a complex matter that requires the participation of all sectors: public administration, private companies, urban planners, architects, and employees themselves. But it is worth it. We will enjoy cities that are less polluted, less congested, and safer. These are the cities of the future. Let's start building them today.
