The Context
	Threats
	Opportunites
	Who is doing what
	What we are doing

From the freight of goods, to the travel plans of your staff and customers, transport is one of the biggest challenges, and indeed opportunities, facing businesses committed to environmental sustainability.

The Context
Transportation in Scotland is one of the biggest contributors of carbon emissions with total emissions rising to 12.7 MtCO2e in 2006, 21.5% of Scottish emissions(1). A radical rethink of how we get to and from work, how we travel to meetings, if we travel to meetings and the mechanisms we use to move freight is needed if we are to achieve Scottish government emission reduction targets. The good news, is that tackling transport challenges, like many other areas of environmental sustainability, can have a very serious positive effect on your organisations bottom line.

Threats

We also need to adapt to the effects of climate change that are already happening around us.

Transport in all shapes and forms are threatened by the effects of climate change. Landslips and flooding obstruct roads and railway lines and coastal erosion could necessitate the relocation of coastal roads. Extreme weather can prevent ships and ferries from sailing, and can ground air services. Rising sea levels could reduce the usefulness of existing harbour infrastructure. And increased temperature fluctuations could damage road surfaces and distort railway tracks.

Opportunities

However, with the development of new and emerging technologies there are increasing alternatives to travel, from teleconferencing to car-sharing, choosing other ways to meet your travel needs can boost productivity, cut costs and help improve health and protect the environment. Other areas where your business could take action and make an impact include:

• Teleconferencing

• Electric,  Hybrid and more efficient vehicles

• Care-sharing, car clubs or the use of public transport

• Eco Driving Courses

• Green fleet reviews

• Bike to work schemes

• Behaviour change initiatives to encourage staff to change their commuting methods

For more information on transport initiatives visit Ways 2 Work and Choose Another Way.

Who is doing what:
For more information on transport initiatives visit www.energysavingtrust.org.uk

What we are doing:
At Mayday Scotland we seek to challenge our members, encouraging them to be more sustainable and supporting them on their journey. To join the Mayday Network and to take advantage of the many member benefits click here

To see what transport initiatives other Mayday Businesses have implemented click here. Or for a complete list of Mayday Case Studies click here

Click here to see the latest transport legislation. For a full list of environmental reports, publications and other resources to ensure your business is future proofed click here