Emissions from transportation make up around 17% of all global greenhouse gas emissions, and commuting to work is a major contributor to this figure. While individual commutes may seem insignificant, when multiplied by the number of working days in a year and the number of commuters, the resulting carbon emissions are substantial.
Consider this example: If you travel 8km to work each weekday by an average car, that’s already 13.6 kilograms of CO2e emissions. Multiply that by the number of working weeks in the year, and you end up with 654 kgCO2e per year! Now, let’s say there are 100 other people at your company; now we’re looking at around 65 tonnes of CO2e emissions per year!
Fortunately, there are plenty of sustainable alternatives to the typical one-person-one-car commute, such as taking local buses or trains, walking or cycling, carpooling, using electric or hybrid vehicles, or telecommuting.
Taking the bus instead of driving can reduce your carbon emissions significantly, with the average bus trip emissions being around 43% lower than the average car journey.
Taking the train is an even better way to reduce your carbon footprint. Train travel produces almost 80% fewer carbon emissions compared to driving an average car.
Walking or cycling to work are the most sustainable commuting options, with zero carbon emissions. Not only are these options environmentally friendly, but they can also improve your health and well-being.
Carpooling involves sharing a car journey with one or more co-workers. This can significantly reduce the number of cars on the road and, therefore, reduce carbon emissions. Depending on the number of people you carpool with, you could be slashing your emissions by up to 80%!
If you must drive to work, consider using an electric or hybrid vehicle. Electric cars produce around 70% fewer emissions than an average car. Plus, with more and more charging stations being installed around the world, it's becoming easier to find a place to charge your electric vehicle.
Telecommuting involves working from home instead of going to the office. This is a great option for those who have jobs that can be done remotely. However, just because you’re saving on commuting emissions doesn’t mean you’re not making up for them by being at home.
It's important to acknowledge that not everyone has the luxury of choosing sustainable transportation options. For many people, factors such as location, income, and accessibility may limit their options for commuting to work. Some people may live in areas with limited access to public transportation, others may have jobs that require them to travel long distances or at odd hours, making carpooling or public transportation unfeasible. Additionally, the cost of sustainable transportation options, such as buying an electric car or even a bike, is prohibitive for some.
Understanding the barriers to sustainable transport is vital in order to create real change. Engaging with employers regarding these challenges can pave the way to policies and initiatives that facilitate safe, equitable, and sustainable transportation options. Here's how you can spark change in your workplace and beyond:
Speak to your employer about the importance of sustainable commuting and its benefits, such as reducing carbon emissions, fostering a healthier workforce, and improving employee satisfaction. Share your research and highlight the potential cost savings from reduced parking and fuel expenses.
Rally your co-workers around the idea of sustainable commuting. Encourage them to share their experiences, concerns, and suggestions. This will help build a strong case for change and show your employer that there is widespread interest in promoting sustainable commuting options.
Present tools like FutureTracker, which help companies to measure, manage, and reduce their carbon footprint. FutureTracker can help companies foster a culture of environmental responsibility by involving, educating, and empowering staff from all levels of the business, helping them to build a sustainable culture that lasts for years to come.
By taking these steps, you can play a pivotal role in promoting sustainable commuting within your workplace and community. The more people that adopt environmentally friendly transportation methods, the greater the collective impact we can have in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fostering a greener, healthier planet for future generations. So be the change you want to see and start your sustainable commuting journey today!
