GHG emissions category

Scope 3, Category 7: Employee commuting

Introduction

This guide explains how to lower greenhouse gas emissions from commuting—the transportation of employees between their homes and workplaces.

Emissions from commuting vary in significance for different organisations, depending on location and transport options. Key actions to reduce these emissions include promoting sustainable transport, introducing flexible working, motivating employees to choose sustainable transport, and engaging with employees commuting. During the COVID pandemic, commuting emissions dropped by 40%, showing that substantial reductions are possible.

Measure and Understand

To tackle commuting emissions, you first need to understand current commuting habits and patterns among your staff. Conduct a survey that also includes questions about employees’ feelings toward their commute. Use the results from this survey to figure out the most effective actions to address your commuting emissions.

Resources

• How to calculate commuting emissions
• Survey template
• Emissions factors for travel

Engage with Employees

Employee engagement is crucial for reducing commuting emissions. Even with new transportation options, emissions won’t fall unless employee behaviour changes. Begin by informing employees that you’ll measure commuting emissions and ask for suggestions on how to reduce them.

Cost Implications

Resources will be required for the initial data collection and analysis (up-front cost) and for following-up on progress. External resources may be required. Investments will probably be required, in incentives for low-carbon commuting. There may also be savings in disincentivizing high-carbon options (e.g. savings from offering fewer car-parking spaces).