News Release
Winnipeg – June 25, 2012
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Assiniboine Credit Union Scores Gold in 2012 Commuter Friendly Workplace Awards
Assiniboine Credit Union (ACU) picked up “Gold” this week for their commitment to establish a Commuter Friendly Workplace. These uniquely Manitoba awards, presented by Green Action Centre, recognize workplaces that not only encourage their employees to choose green commuting options year-round, they also implement the policies, programs, infrastructure and benefits to allow staff to do so.
Assiniboine Credit Union has accomplished this by creating a corporate environment that actively supports its employees to carpool, take transit, walk or cycle to work. Tools range from providing employees the option of an EcoPass (discounted bus pass) and the choice of a compressed workweek to helping them find carpool partners and allowing flexible start/finish times to accommodate transit and carpooling schedules.
“We believe having programs and policies that encourage our employees to be active and green commuters is smart business,” explains Sharon McMahon, Vice-President of Human Resources at ACU. “I think it makes us a more attractive employer when our employees see us supporting these ideas.”
To back this up, ACU also tracks their progress through annual commuting surveys. Recent survey results demonstrate the success of these efforts. From 2010 to 2011, ACU achieved a 24% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions associated with employee commuting. Active and green options have become increasingly popular at ACU, as more employees realize the health, financial and environmental benefits of sharing a ride, taking the bus or biking to work. Inspiring stories, such as four employees who have become good friends through carpooling this past year, are shared through the company newsletter.
“I hope that other companies look at what we are doing and realize there are a number of ways they could be encouraging their employees to be green commuters too,” says Dennis Cunningham, Manager of Environmental Sustainability at ACU. “I’d like to see our success be duplicated all over Winnipeg.”
Green Action Centre is a non-profit, community-based organization that provides ongoing assistance to workplaces, schools and individuals to live greener and better. Green Action Centre coordinates the annual Commuter Challenge in Manitoba.
Find information on past winners and judging criteria here.
CONTACT:
Beth McKechnie / Jessie Klassen, Workplace Commuter Option Program Coordinators, Green Action Centre
Tel. (204) 925-3772
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