For Immediate Release
December 16, 2013 (Winnipeg)—The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) picked up “Gold” for their significant accomplishment as a Commuter Friendly Workplace. Not only has IISD created an environment that assists and encourages employees to take transit, bike, walk, telework or carpool to work, their program has resulted in most IISD employees choosing to use greener commuting options.
Janice Gair, Vice-President, Human Resources and Corporate Services says, “IISD is excited to be honoured by Green Action Centre and be included alongside the great organizations that are past winners. We are extremely proud of the commitment of our employees, who deliver on our goals of sustainable commuting.”
This uniquely Manitoban award, presented annually by Green Action Centre, recognizes workplaces that support their employees to choose green commuting options year-round through a mix of policies, programs, infrastructure and benefits.
IISD has accomplished these great results by making it easy for employees to choose greener options. A discounted monthly bus pass (EcoPass) has translated into an 83% uptake by staff members – click here for more discounts. Secure bike parking along with showers, change rooms and lockers make it convenient for active commuters to feel comfortable taking their bikes, walking or running to work. Lunch-hour seminars on topics such as commuter cycling skills assist employees to get started. Meanwhile, an Emergency Ride Home program with taxi vouchers provides employees with peace of mind knowing they can get home quickly if needed. Flexibility is provided through opportunities to work a compressed week or telework from home.
“Workplaces need to be at the forefront supporting positive environmental choices. Staff members, myself included, benefit from the transit EcoPass program, secure bike storage and other flexible commuting options every day. IISD sets an example,” says Joel Trenaman, Director, Communications & Publishing for IISD.
Backing up this commitment, IISD tracks and reports on progress related to targets in their green commuting plan, and purchases carbon offsets when possible related to air travel for their international work.
Green Action Centre is a non-profit, community-based organization that promotes greener living through environmental education and encourages practical green solutions for households, workplaces, schools, and communities. The Centre co-ordinates the annual Commuter Challenge in Manitoba.
The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization with offices in Winnipeg, Ottawa, New York, Geneva and Beijing. IISD contributes to sustainable development by advancing policy recommendations on international trade and investment, economic policy, climate change and energy, and management of natural and social capital, as well as the enabling role of communication technologies in these areas. The Institute receives funding from numerous governments inside and outside Canada, United Nations agencies and the private sector.
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For more information, please contact:
Beth McKechnie | beth{at}greenactioncentre.ca | 204-925-3772
Workplace Commuter Options Program Coordinator, Green Action Centre
Joel Trenaman | jtrenaman{at}iisd.ca | 204-958-7731
Director, Communications & Publishing, IISD
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