A new survey by Mobilityways, a zero-carbon commuting organisation, has found that 10 billion kilos of CO2 emissions can be saved if commuters switch to sustainable options.
The study recommended that one in four commuters could walk or cycle to work and 92% could car share with a colleague to reduce commuting emissions that are currently equal to four months of London’s carbon emissions.
The survey of 285,000 people across 200 UK employers found that commuting accounts for 25% of total transport emissions, with only 15% of employees walking or cycling, 18% using public transport and 10% car sharing.
Ali Clabburn, CEO of Mobilityways, said: “Zero carbon pledges cannot be met without reducing emissions from transport, which means decarbonising the daily commute is critical. Our commuting habits have barely changed in 30 years, we know that there is vast latent potential for people to travel more sustainably when they need to get to their workplace.”
As travel patterns change following the coronavirus pandemic, Mobilityways believes there is an opportunity in working from home. The survey found that the average commuter emission level (ACEL) fell by 20% at the peak of lockdown.
Clabburn continued: “Employers play an essential role in decarbonising the commute. Covid-19 is forcing businesses to re-examine their entire ways of working. As organisations overhaul their operations to manage social distancing and the health of their workforce, it’s vital that commuting is considered as part of this mix.”
The organisation, which aims to help businesses achieve zero-carbon commuting, has launched an ACEL online calculator to assist employers with devising a data-driven mobility policy.
