The role of business in air quality

As an employer, there are three keys ways you can help to reduce local air pollution and save your business some money in the process.

Here are some actions you can take as an employer.

Travel planning

Provision of a package of measures that encourage employees to travel to work using sustainable transport options (ie, reducing single occupancy car use).

It doesn't mean stopping people using their cars, it means providing an alternative to travelling to work by car and/or encouraging more effective use of their vehicles.

Examples

  • provision of public transport information
  • provision of discounted public transport fares
  • access to car share schemes
  • provision of cycle facilities

Benefits

  • reduced contribution to local air pollution
  • improved environmental image of your company
  • financial savings through reduced car parking
  • increased productivity due to healthier and more motivated workforce

Vehicle fleets

Improving the efficiency of your vehicle fleet in terms of fuel use, mileage and use of vehicles.

Examples

  • recording and analysing business mileage and fuel consumption
  • ensuring vehicles are correctly maintained
  • promoting fuel efficient driving
  • providing alternatives to cars for business travel
  • investing in low-polluting vehicles

Benefits

  • reduced contribution to local air pollution
  • financial savings through reduced mileage and fuel costs
  • improved environmental image of your business

Energy efficiency

Efficient energy use can reduce one of the fundamental running costs of any business.

Examples

  • switching machines off after use
  • turning down the thermostat
  • turning off lights when not in the office

Benefits

  • reducing your energy bills by 20% could add the same amount of profit as a 5% increase in sales
  • reduced contribution to local air pollution
  • improved environmental image of your company