Electric Bikes; Helping Your Business Meet Its 10:10 Targets
In the wake of the 2009 climate change conference in Copenhagen, the British Government has launched a new commitment to lowering carbon emissions. The 10:10 campaign encourages individuals and organisations to make a personal commitment to lowering their individual carbon emissions by 10% by the end of 2010, and offers a range of advice as to how to achieve this. However, businesses thinking of making the 10:10 pledge may wonder whether the decision has wider benefits beyond helping to combat climate change. Reducing energy consumption saves costs on fuel bills, but what other positive impacts can it have, and how can the necessary reductions be achieved without impacting on the day to day running of the business?
A simple method for lowering emissions for both employers and their staff is to address the daily commute. Transportation by car or by plane accounts for a little over 12% of the total green house emissions produced each year; with much of this travel being work related, a simple switch to more sustainable modes of transport, such as using an electric bicycle, is a simple way to lower your carbon footprint, as well as gain wider reaching benefits for both employer and staff.
Employers committed to the 10:10 campaign will find their transport emissions greatly reduced if they can encourage some of their staff to commute to work using another form of transport instead of their car. Government cycling schemes actively encourage employers to promote sustainable commuting, by offering financial benefits to staff who choose to hop on their bike, rather than drive to work. Members of Bristol