In attempt to reduce the carbon emissions generated by business travel and staff commuting, the Council has implemented various initiatives for staff when conducting travel for Council needs or commuting. In addition to this, SBC ongoingly explores further potential initiatives or measures that could be taken to reduce emissions where possible.
The Council has a Workplace Travel Plan 2020-2025 aiming to reduce car use by encouraging staff and councillors to use alternative modes of transport. Currently, SBC has implemented the following schemes for business travel:
Assess the current scenario of SBC staff travel for business travel and commuting via a newly updated Staff Travel Survey. The survey results will demonstrate how often officers travel on for Council business, chosen modes of transportation for doing so, and the reasoning behind that choice of transportation. The survey will also allow us to assess business travel frequency and modes of transport. Altogether, the results will input analyses for updating SBC current incentives for sustainable travel.
Staff members can now enrol in the Electric Car Club run by Enterprise, and use these environmentally friendly vehicles for Council travel. The scheme means employees can conduct work related site visits or to go to meetings without needing to use a personal car.
This plan aims to reduce car use by encouraging staff and councillors to use alternative modes of transport. As a large employer in Stevenage, the Council is keen to minimise the negative impact that over-reliance on car travel by its officers and councillors can have on the environment. Through this plan, the Council aimed to demonstrate what benefits moving to alternative modes of transport can bring and take some simple actions to make these choices more attractive.
A mixture of regular (push) bicycles and electric bikes based at both Daneshill House and Cavendish Road Depot for staff members and Councillors to use when travelling between sites or around Stevenage. Bicycle parking is available at both sites and the bikes can be signed out by members of staff at the receptions.
Working in partnership with Beryl Bikes, SBC's staff can get around Stevenage in a sustainable way during work hours. The bikes can be used by SBC staff on Monday to Friday, between 9AM - 5PM, with individual journeys capped at 30 minutes, but as many journeys as possible per day. Further information about the scheme at: Beryl Bikes Stevenage.