Integral Consulting’s Portland, Oregon office has been recognized by Zipcar’s first annual Portland “Wheels of Change” award for the firm’s dedication to improving the sustainability of their business practices and reducing its carbon footprint. Key to winning this award was the variety of incentives offered by Integral to employees, aimed at reducing the number of single passenger car commuters. As part of the award, Integral Consulting received $1,000 in Zipcar driving credit. Kelley Martin, of Integral’s Portland, Oregon office, was directly involved in achieving this award, with the entire staff supporting these efforts throughout the year.
“Integral Consulting has shown that by using a mix of alternative transportation options, they can not only conduct business efficiently, but cut costs and reduce their environmental impact,” said Bill Scott, General Manager of Zipcar Portland. “We are really excited to see the scope and efforts being made by Zipcar’s business clients. We believe this is just the beginning of what organizations can do to promote sustainability and environmental transformation.”
To improve the sustainability of its employee transportation policy, Integral staff first completed a company-wide survey in order to better establish a baseline of employee commuting habits and analyze their commuting and business travel footprints. Utilizing data from the survey, the company implemented several key sustainability strategies, including: investing in telecommuting software for all employees; promoting alternative commute options such as biking; fully subsidizing public transport passes; removing single vehicle parking incentives; and providing a Zipcar for Business program so employees are able to use alternate commute methods and still have a vehicle available to attend meetings and appointments.
“It’s great to be recognized for our sustainability efforts,” said Lucinda Jacobs, President of Integral Consulting. “We’d like to thank Zipcar for offering this award and for its positive presence in the Portland business community.”
Efforts found across all entrants in the Wheels of Change competition included:
• Transit passes and car sharing, fully or partially subsidized
• Cycling-friendly amenities such as employee locker rooms and bike racks
• Incentive programs for biking or walking
• New “green” company policies to encourage alternative transportation.
Zipcar is the world’s leading car-sharing service with approximately 350,000 members and 6,000 vehicles in urban areas and college campuses throughout 28 North American states and provinces as well as in London, England. More information is available at www.zipcar.com.
For more information on Integral’s award, contact Kelley Martin at kmartin@integral-corp.com.