HR may be tempted to invest in a fleet of electric vehicles (EVs) to help achieve net zero. It’s understandable given how much of the recent conversation around climate change has focused on EVs.
But EVs aren’t the solution we’ve been led to believe; they still generate toxic emissions and will not ease congested roads. The entire manufacturing and distribution process of EVs, and their batteries, is energy-intensive and generates greenhouse gases. There is also the impact of ownership and regular battery charging. Driving overall must be reduced to hit climate targets.
So where should HR refocus its efforts?
A step-change in the way people consider their transport options is necessary. We should question if we need a car weighing 1.5 tonnes to shop and run errands. Active travel should automatically become first choice. And this is where HR can get involved to change the car-dependent mindset and get employees thinking about sustainable transport choices.
Analyse how employees are commuting to and from work. HR can help reduce reliance on private car use and encourage a positive change to commuting habits by giving access to active travel options through the Cycle to Work scheme.
This well-established scheme is a self-funding, sustainable employee benefit which gives access to significant savings of at least 33.25 per cent on any type of cycle. Green Commute Initiative (GCI) has made accessing the scheme easy and hassle-free. GCI does not charge a fee to access the Cycle to Work scheme and gives access to its portal and salary sacrifice agreements free of charge. Employers also making savings on the scheme through reduced NICs.
When more people cycle, everyone wins, including the environment. Green Commute Initiative is a not-for-profit social enterprise with a vision for a cleaner and healthier future for everyone. Arrive at net zero quicker with GCI.