IOM promotes greener travel to staff to reduce our carbon footprint

At IOM we are continually looking at ways to reduce our environmental impact. Every two months we recalculate our carbon footprint and the latest calculation shows we have reduced our impact by a further 7% over the last 12 months.

Our carbon footprint results from our use of energy (38%), travel at work (38%) and commuting (24%). We also measure and monitor our use of paper, which we have reduced by 27% over the last 12 months.

Our Environment Sub Committee was set up over a year ago to improve our focus on green matters. The Sub Committee, which reports into our H,S & E Committee, set targets for the year and implemented an action plan for each of these targets.

One of the initiatives established this year was to promote greener travel to staff to try to tackle the 24% of our footprint that results from commuting. The IOM registered with 'A better way to work', who offer employers based in Edinburgh help and support in encouraging more walking, cycling, bus use and smarter driving amongst their staff.

A lunch time event was held in June and following its success, a further event is being held in September to provide staff with green travel advice, free travel maps and pedometers, and the opportunity to get their bike serviced for free.

Later in the year we plan to survey our staff again to see if the support we have given has helped to reduce our carbon footprint further.