Mobility and transport are significant sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Road transport, particularly cars and trucks, accounts for most of these emissions, but air and maritime transport also increase the share of transport emissions. Emissions are influenced by vehicle fuel efficiency, vehicle types, amount of traffic, as well as the distances that the goods and people are transported.
Our surroundings largely determine our mobility needs; densely built urban areas and well-functioning public transport reduce the need for car travel. Transitioning to electric vehicles and sustainable fuels can reduce direct emissions from transport. However, in addition to technical solutions, changes in human behavior are also needed. For example, favouring public transport and carpooling, cycling, and remote work are concrete ways to influence emissions from mobility and promote sustainable everyday life. Emissions from freight transport can be mitigated by developing logistics and favouring more environmentally friendly modes of transport.
Walking, cycling, or public transport are more sustainable
More sustainable mobility choices in everyday life are one of the ways to reduce one’s own greenhouse gas emissions. Our employees also consider making more sustainable mobility choices to be one of the easiest ways to reduce emissions: as many as 70 per cent of the respondents to the survey conducted among our employees were ready to commit to using public transport, walking or cycling.
Tips for sustainable mobility for everyone
We can all influence the emissions coming from mobility. Which of the following actions can you incorporate into your everyday life? Choose at least one and try it as soon as tomorrow!
- Walk or cycle to work when possible – especially for trips under 5 km. An electric bicycle can help increase the travel distance.
- Take advantage of public transport for your daily commute – bus, train, or other public transport helps reduce emissions and traffic.
- Combine modes of transport in a smart way – for example, bike + train or walking + bus can be an efficient and sustainable combination.
- Carpool with your colleagues – especially in areas where public transport is limited.
- Favor remote and hybrid work if possible – it reduces the need for commuting and emissions.
- Choose a low-emission vehicle if driving is necessary – an electric or hybrid car, ideally charged with renewable energy.
- Encourage a co-workers and influence workplace mobility practices – share ideas, give feedback, and suggest solutions that support environmentally friendly mobility.
Our employer supports sustainable mobility options: in Helsinki’s parishes and shared services, the employer supports the employees’ use of public transport financially through a commuter benefit and offers the opportunity to purchase a company bicycle (Read more).
Encouraging employees to choose sustainable mobility
Employees can be encouraged to choose sustainable mobility for example through the following ways:
- campaigns and communication on the benefits of sustainable mobility
- location and accessibility of workstations
- good bicycle parking and storage facilities
- changing rooms with showers and clothes drying facilities
- charging stations for electric bicycles for those cycling long distances
Favoring travel by land and remote work when work tasks allow
Remote work is one of the most concrete ways to reduce emissions from mobility. Remote work reduces emissions that would be caused by cars and public transport. The impact is particularly significant if you usually commute alone by car. Remote work can also reduce the energy consumption of buildings and, on the other hand, decrease the need for commuting. However, it is good to remember that in-person work has positive social impacts, and remote work can in some cases weaken the work culture and affect the well-being of employees.
Heidi Granström from Malmi will next tell us how transportation is related to the parish’s youth and camp work in many different ways. The duration of the video is 4:31 minutes.
Flying causes significant greenhouse gas emissions. Especially short flights are harmful to the climate in relative terms, as take-off and landing consume the most fuel. In this case, emissions per passenger-kilometre are high. We prioritize travel by land in all business travel, and environmental aspects have been considered in the travel guidelines updated in 2023.
Sometimes flying may be necessary, especially when remote participation or traveling by land is not possible and the nature of the event requires being there in person. In such cases, the necessity of flying is assessed individually. Each flight increases emissions, so both the number of participants on each trip and the necessity of their presence should be considered.
Involving visitors and service providers in the carbon neutrality work
The importance of sustainable mobility does not only apply to our employees – the mobility of parishioners and event visitors is also part of our sustainable operations. We can support their sustainable choices, for example, by ensuring that high-quality and easily accessible bicycle parking is available at our facilities. In addition, accessibility by public transport should be clearly communicated in event invitations and on websites. Actively communicating about sustainable modes of transport strengthens our sustainability communication while also encouraging others to make sustainable choices.
When making transport procurements or transport-related fuel purchases, include the carbon neutrality perspective in your procurement criteria. Emissions from transport can be reduced by requiring service providers to carry out transportation using, for example, renewable fuels or electric or gas-powered vehicles, either entirely or to a certain extent relative to the number of vehicles and shipments. Examples of criteria used in procurements can also be found in the Criteria Bank maintained by Motiva.
GOALS OF THE CARBON NEUTRALITY ROADMAP
- We carry out most of the trips between work and home and during the working day on foot, by bicycle, or by public transport.
- We prioritize traveling by land for all business trips.
- We implement employee benefits that support sustainable mobility and monitor their impact through an annual survey.
- We offer flexible remote work possibilities, allow working in the facilities of all parishes, and reduce unnecessary commuting.