On 28 September 2021, the European Commission published new guidelines for the Energy Efficiency First (EE1st) principle, with favourable mentions towards cycling. The guidelines assert that modal shift and an obligation for bike parking and e-bike charging points in building codes are effective ways to reduce energy consumption in the European Union (EU).
Road transport, for example, is currently responsible for 72% of the transport sector’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Meanwhile, buildings are responsible for about 40% of the EU’s total energy consumption and for 36% of its GHG emissions. As stated by the Commission, “the reduction of energy consumption is directly linked to the climate neutrality objective.”
Automated energy distribution systems, among others, are one such way that an office building can manage their energy consumption. Another simpler method of reducing your organisation’s energy consumption is to travel to work by bike, be it fully pedal-powered or electric-powered. Glasgow City Council have recently introduced measures that will enable its citizens to dramatically reduce their energy consumption – the ambitious plans will add 270km of high-quality cycleways to the existing network and ensure that all schools are within 400m of main active travel routes, whilst no home will be further than 800m from a segregated cycle lane. Initiatives such as those seen in Glasgow directly address the issue of high scope 3 emissions.
A company’s greenhouse gas emissions are categorised into three “scopes”. Scope 1 are direct emissions from owned or controlled sources. Scope 2 are indirect emissions from the generation of purchased energy. Scope 3 are all indirect emissions that occur in the value chain. As such, emissions produced by a person’s commute to work are classified as Scope 3 emissions. Research shows that the cost of carbon (heavily influenced by using cars to commute) has gone from €4 a tonne in 2017 to €6 a tonne today. If not addressed, this will add substantially to the cost of doing business.
So while Irish infrastructural developments are not yet as advanced as our neighbours in Scotland, Cycling Solutions Ireland are on hand to help cut your organisation’s Scope 3 emissions – our sustainable transport mobility strategies are tailored to the every need of your organisation.
Contact us at [email protected] or [email protected], to begin your transformation today.