Author: NatasaB

Demystifying Non-Asset Mobility: An Untapped Solution for a Sustainable Future

Posted on by NatasaB

An Untapped Solution for a Sustainable Future

Demystifying Non-Asset Mobility

In an era of growing environmental consciousness, corporations and institutions increasingly embrace sustainable practices to minimise their impact on the planet. As a significant contributor to climate change, transportation emissions pose a pressing challenge that businesses must address. In recent years, non-asset mobility has emerged as a promising solution, leveraging technology to streamline sustainable travel options.

Non-asset mobility is the ability of people or goods to move around without owning the physical assets that enable their movement. This includes things like public transportation, ride-sharing services, and car-sharing programs.

The Urgency of Non-Asset Mobility

Several compelling factors drive the need for immediate action towards non-asset mobility:

  • The Escalating Climate Crisis: The planet faces a rapidly intensifying climate crisis, demanding urgent measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and mitigate the effects of climate change.
  • Stricter Environmental Regulations: Governments worldwide are implementing stricter environmental regulations, requiring corporations and institutions to reduce their carbon footprint.
  • Rising Employee Expectations: Employees are increasingly prioritising companies with a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
  • The changes in car ownership preferences: Millenials and Generation Z, as dominant generations of today’s workforce, are slowly shifting from car ownership to a car usership model. One factor is that millennials are more likely to live in urban areas, where they have access to public transportation and other alternative transportation options. Additionally, millennials are more environmentally conscious than previous generations and are more likely to choose to walk, bike, or take public transportation in order to reduce their carbon footprint. Gen Z has grown up with even more access to alternative transportation options than millennials. Additionally, Gen Z is more likely to be concerned about the cost of car ownership and is more likely to prioritise experiences over material possessions.
  • Advancements in Technology: Technology has played a pivotal role in enabling non-asset mobility providing innovative solutions for shared transportation and trip planning.

Why Embark on a Non-Asset Mobility Journey Now?

The time to embrace non-asset mobility is now. Delaying action will only exacerbate the climate crisis and hinder compliance with evolving environmental regulations. By setting off on a non-asset mobility journey now, organisations can reap several immediate and long-term benefits:

  • Reduced GHG Emissions: Non-asset mobility significantly lowers transportation-related emissions, contributing to corporate sustainability goals and compliance with environmental regulations.
  • Improved Air Quality: By minimising the number of vehicles on the road, non-asset mobility improves air quality, reducing respiratory illnesses and promoting overall health.
  • Traffic Congestion Mitigation: Shared transportation eases traffic congestion, saving time and improving overall commute efficiency.
  • Strengthened Company Reputation: A commitment to non-asset mobility demonstrates a company’s environmental responsibility, attracting eco-conscious consumers and investors.

The Role of Technology in Facilitating Non-Asset Mobility

Technology plays a crucial role in enabling non-asset mobility. Mobile apps provide a seamless platform for employees to access and utilise shared transportation options. These apps offer a plethora of features, including:

 

  • Real-time carpool matching: Employees can find and join carpools with colleagues based on their commuting routes and schedules.
  • Public transportation trip planning: Employees can plan their public transportation journeys, including real-time route information and fare details.
  • Walking and cycling navigation: Employees receive guidance on safe and efficient walking and cycling routes, including traffic and pedestrian infrastructure information.
  • Integration with ride-hailing and bike-sharing services: Employees can access and book rides or bikes through the app, streamlining their commute.

Non-Asset Mobility Beyond Commuting

The benefits of non-asset mobility extend beyond commuting, encompassing a wider range of corporate and institutional activities:

  • Business Travel: Companies can encourage employees to utilise shared transportation options for business travel, reducing their carbon footprint.
  • Event Logistics: Organisers can promote non-asset mobility options for event attendees, minimising the environmental impact of gatherings.
  • Supply Chain Optimization: Companies can incorporate non-asset mobility solutions into their supply chains, reducing logistics-related emissions.

Complying with European Sustainability Regulations

European countries are leading the way in implementing stringent sustainability regulations, mandating emission reductions and promoting eco-friendly practices. Non-asset mobility plays a vital role in enabling organisations to comply with these regulations:

  • The EU’s Fit for 55 Package: This comprehensive plan aims to reduce EU-wide emissions by 55% by 2030. Non-asset mobility is recognised as a key strategy for achieving these targets.
  • The UK’s Net Zero Strategy: The UK has committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Non-asset mobility is a key component of this strategy, particularly in urban areas.
  • Germany’s Climate Protection Act: Germany has set ambitious emission reduction targets, with non-asset mobility being a central element of its strategy.
 

In the face of an escalating climate crisis and stricter environmental regulations, non-asset mobility emerges as an indispensable solution for corporations and institutions seeking to reduce their GHG emissions and promote sustainable practices. By embracing non-asset mobility now, organisations can reap immediate and long-term benefits, from improved air quality and reduced traffic. 

 

To see how much non-asset mobility can contribute to your company’s emission targets, visit KINTO Join’s commuting calculator. Based on your employees’ chosen commuting method, it will generate a report on how much carbon emissions you can save if you implement sustainable means of transportation to work. Besides the numbers, you will also find out how to implement a successful corporate commuting strategy and what other benefits come from being environmentally aware, in the fullest sense.

 

Carpooling, Walking, and Cycling: The Low-Hanging Fruit of Green Commutes

Posted on by NatasaB

The Low-Hanging Fruit of Green Commutes

Carpooling, Walking
and Cycling

In the race towards a sustainable future, transportation emissions stand as a significant hurdle. As individuals and organisations seek to reduce their carbon footprint, the focus often shifts towards electric vehicles (EVs) as a seemingly straightforward solution. However, while EVs undoubtedly play a crucial role in decarbonising transportation, there exists a trove of untapped potential in simpler, more accessible alternatives – carpooling, walking, and cycling.

These modes of commuting, often referred to as “active transportation” or “sustainable mobility,” offer many benefits that extend far beyond reduced emissions. Carpooling, for instance, not only cuts fuel consumption and associated emissions but also alleviates traffic congestion, improves air quality, and fosters a sense of community among colleagues. Also, compared to public transport, you must admit that the convenience is much greater. Walking and cycling, on the other hand, promote physical activity, enhancing both individual and public health while reducing the need for expensive gym memberships or healthcare costs.

happy people carpooling

Addressing the Challenges of Green Mobility

Despite these clear advantages, carpooling, walking, and cycling often remain underutilised. The reasons are multifaceted, ranging from infrastructural shortcomings to a lack of awareness and cultural acceptance. However, these challenges can be addressed with a combination of strategic planning, targeted incentives, and a concerted effort to shift mindsets.

For carpooling, companies can implement carpool matching programs, provide designated parking spaces, and offer incentives such as gas reimbursement or priority parking. For walking and cycling, investments in safe and well-maintained infrastructure, including bike lanes and pedestrian walkways, are essential. Additionally, companies can encourage active commuting by providing showers and changing facilities, offering discounts on bikes and cycling gear, and organising group cycling or walking events.

In contrast, the transition to EVs, while promising, faces significant challenges. The upfront cost of EVs remains high, limiting their accessibility. Furthermore, developing a robust charging infrastructure is still in its early stages, raising concerns about range anxiety and hindering widespread adoption.

Moreover, the manufacturing of EVs is not without its environmental impact. The extraction and processing of raw materials for batteries pose environmental concerns, and the disposal of spent batteries raises sustainability issues. While advancements in battery technology are expected to mitigate these concerns, they remain a factor to consider.

Commuting Emissions Are a Big Part of Scope 3 Emissions

Commuting emissions are a significant contributor to an organisation’s carbon footprint. These emissions arise from employee travel to and from work, regardless of the mode of transportation used. Traditionally, organisations have focused on reducing direct emissions (Scope 1) and indirect emissions from purchased electricity (Scope 2). However, there is a growing recognition of the importance of addressing indirect emissions from other sources, including commuting (Scope 3).

Starting in 2025, the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol), the international standard for corporate greenhouse gas accounting, will require companies to report their Scope 3 emissions. This means that organisations will need to measure and track their commuting emissions and develop strategies to reduce them.

By promoting carpooling, walking, and cycling, organisations can significantly reduce their commuting emissions and comply with the upcoming Scope 3 reporting requirements. Additionally, these measures can lead to other benefits, such as improved employee health, reduced traffic congestion, and better air quality.

To understand how much emissions your company can save by implementing green commuting options, you can use KINTO Join’s corporate commute calculator. Along with a personalised report on your CO2 savings, you will also get a set of useful suggestions to get you started on your green path.

Remember, while EVs hold promise for the future of transportation, their widespread adoption faces challenges that necessitate a focus on readily available and accessible alternatives. As organisations prepare to report their Scope 3 emissions, promoting carpooling, walking, and cycling can be a powerful step towards a more sustainable future.
By investing in infrastructure, providing incentives, and fostering a culture of active transportation, companies can play a pivotal role in unlocking the potential of these sustainable commuting options.