Green commuting

From P2RxWiki

This article is a working document. We welcome your contributions. Please create an account and Log in to edit or add information.

For help with editing, consult the User's Guide for information on using the wiki software.

Please visit our P2Rx Discussion Forum and provide us feedback about the P2Rx Wiki as well as view discussions about recent topics on Pollution Prevention.

Green commuting refers to alternative ways for employees to commute to the workplace in order to reduce the individual carbon footprint and improve employer's environmental position by promoting sustainable travel options.

Principles and Standards

Green commuting emphasizes transportation options that reduce fossil fuel consumption and carbon emissions for each person-mile traveled. Examples of travel options often suggested include public transportation, carpooling, bicycling, walking, busing, and driving hybrid or electric vehicles. Companies that develop commuter benefit programs which promote green commuting save money and enhance their corporate environmental responsibility.

The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) have collaborated to create an initiative that promotes green commuting programs for employers. The initiative is administered by the Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) and utilizes the Best Workplaces for Commuters (BWC) program in order to recognize companies for outstanding commuter benefits.

EPA’s National Standard of Excellence is a common benchmark used by the BWC in order to evaluate commuter benefit programs. Commuter benefit programs must meet five criteria in order to meet the National Standard of Excellence.

Provide one primary commuter benefit such as a tax-free vanpool benefit or transit pass that offers a minimum subsidy of $30 per month for not using company parking, a parking cash-out option to give up a free parking space, or establishing a telecommuting program that reduces commuting by at least 6%.

Provide three supporting commuter benefits including incentives for carpooling, flexible work schedules, shuttle services, bicycle lockers or on-site amenities such as cafeterias, showers and dry cleaning facilities.

Institute a “Guaranteed Ride Home” program that is available to employees for emergencies.

Employ a benefits coordinator who staff can reach in regards to utilizing commuter services.

Meet a performance standard within 18 months that requires a minimum of 14% of employees not driving alone to work.

The BWC releases an annual list of the top 20 best workplaces for commuters from the Fortune 500 companies and provides a complete list of all companies that meet the EPA’s National Standard of Excellence on their website.

Environmental Impact

Decrease Greenhouse Gas Emissions

According to the 2000 US Census, 78% of all automobile trips nationwide are drive-alone and the US Department of Energy (DOE) has determined that gasoline consumption in vehicles are responsible for 20% of US greenhouse gas emissions. By implementing green commuter benefit programs, businesses can help to substantially decrease greenhouse gas emissions contributing to global warming.

Reduce Consumption of Crude Oil

Cars and Light Trucks are responsible for 42.5% of total US consumption of crude oil or 8.5 million barrels per day. The national household transportation survey states that commuting represented 27% of total vehicle miles traveled in 2001. Thus, green commuter benefit programs can also substantially decrease the use of crude oil and conserve our natural resources.

Best Practices

Work-Site Location

Providing job sites that are near high quality transit services are ideal because they allow the best opportunity for employees to use public transit systems already in place. However, high quality transit services are very limited in modern urban communities and are often not an available option for commuter benefits.

Alternative Work Schedules

Creating alternative schedules such as flextimes, compressed work weeks, and staggered work hours all create more flexibility for employees in order to reduce the amount of times employees are required to travel to work and alleviate traffic congestion in peak commuting hours.

Teleworking

Developing innovative business solutions that allow employees to work outside traditional work environments by using telecommunication devices such as webinars, teleconferences, video conferences, etc. that significantly reduce the need for work-related travel.

Commuting Incentive Programs

Implementing incentive programs for employers to bike, walk, carpool or transit to work by creating parking cash-out benefits or monetary compensation for those not using company parking spaces. Building commuter facilities such as bicycle storage areas with lockers, showers and other amenities is another option to support alternative forms of commuting. The IRS also provides tax-free benefits for employees who utilize commuter benefits such as vanpooling, bicycling facilities and transit passes.

Shuttle Services

Providing shuttle services from transit stations and nearby restaurant locations give employees the option of using employer provided or public transit shuttles to travel to and from work or for lunchtime breaks.

Emergency Ride Home

Offering an emergency ride home service for non-drive alone commuters in case of unforsceen circumstances.