The Department for Transport (DfT) is claiming success after hundreds of companies are now using its National Business Travel Network initiative to help them reduce car use by their employees.

The business-to-business network allows companies to share best practice and promote the idea of workplace travel plans.

In Nottingham, E.ON has implemented an extensive green travel scheme, focussing on initiatives like car sharing and low-carbon company cars.

The company is now expanding its travel scheme across all its sites.

Chris Woodhall, E.ON's UK travel plan co-ordinator, said: "So far, travel planning has saved us over three million miles and 755 tonnes of CO2.

"A big part of what we do is using our expertise and finding innovative ways to continually work to reduce our impact on the environment."

Government policy is to encourage sustainable travel and reduce car. It says that 37% of car miles driven are for commuting and business travel purposes.

“With 85% of these miles being driven alone - with no passengers being carried - businesses have an important role to play in supporting the sustainability agenda,” said the DfT.

“Whilst there are undoubted environmental and social benefits to be gained from reducing car use, businesses also stand to gain from business efficiency benefits and reduced costs.”

 

Current initiatives at E.ON's Sherwood Business Park include:

  • Car sharing scheme across the UK with a recent increase in car sharing bays from 48 to 131
  • Car share promotion focusing on the cost by using petrol forecourt style displays
  • Car share and cycle week
  • Promotion of low CO2 company car options
  • Eco driving courses
  • Green travel incentive scheme