Driving towards a greener commute at Difarmed

Located in the suburbs of Barcelona, Difarmed boasts a strategic site with easy access to public transportation, including a train station and bus stop within minutes' walk. Analyzing employee mobility patterns reveals a strong inclination towards low-carbon options, though challenges such as infrequent train services and inadequate cycling infrastructure persist. In response, Difarmed has invested in electric vehicle infrastructure, established electric bike and scooter parking, and plans to promote carpooling initiatives. Through these efforts, Difarmed is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and fostering a culture of sustainable commuting among its workforce.

Context: An accessible site

Difarmed’s offices and production site are next to one another, in the suburbs of Barcelona, in a district called Sant Feliu de Llobregat. The two sites are accessible by public transportation with train and bus stops respectively, 10 minutes and 1 minute away by walking. As Sant Feliu de Llobregat is part of Barcelona, the same public transport pass can be used to travel from one place to the other, making it easy to come to and go to Barcelona. Lastly, Difarmed has parking spaces available for employees, whether it is for bicycles, scooters, motorbikes and cars.

Difarmed mobility analysis (2022-2023)

The majority of employees live in the area. On average, employees live 7.3 kilometers away from Difarmed, ranging between 0.2 km and 35 km. More than half of the employees live less than 5 kilometers away from the office. Low-carbon mobility is mainly used between 0 and 10 km and back from home, whereas the car and public transport are used for short distances as well as for longer commutes.

All commutes combined, most distances are done by walking, then by bus, by car without carpooling, by train, and then through car sharing. Electric scooters, bicycles and motorbikes are used for the minority of commutes. Compared to the 2022 mobility analysis, the use of cars seems to have largely decreased while walking and traveling by bus has increased. However, this may or may not be due to CSR actions.

In conclusion, the large majority of employees commute by walking, public transport or other low-carbon mobility transport modes. In addition, among people driving, 38% are car-pooling. Nevertheless, almost all drivers use either petrol or diesel cars, while hybrid and electric motors are not favored.

The majority of employees live nearby, allowing room for improvement regarding low-carbon mobilities. However, for employees leaving further away, other transportation incentives such as carpooling and public transport need to be considered. In the annual survey, 30% of employees mentioned that they would be interested in meeting other employees to start carpooling and 63% declared they would be prepared to use low-carbon means of transport (public transport, cycling, etc.) if Difarmed introduced an incentive policy.

Barriers to be considered when implementing low-carbon mobility incentives

In order to encourage low-carbon mobility at Difarmed, several challenges must be considered. One significant barrier arises from the lack of frequent train services, with trains running only every 30 minutes, and the lack of reliability of their timetable, which can disrupt employees' commuting schedules. While buses offer more precise timings compared to trains, their route may not allow as long commutes.

Additionally, the absence of bicycle lanes in certain areas, or inadequate communication about existing lanes, poses obstacles for cyclists. Seasonal weather variations exacerbate the issue, impacting all outdoor modes of transportation.

Furthermore, the absence of laws incentivizing low-carbon mobility beyond taxation, such as Barcelona Mobility taxes, presents a regulatory hurdle. Despite efforts to promote sustainable transportation, the convenience of car travel remains prevalent.

Lastly, recent restrictions on electric scooter usage on trains, metros, and buses add another layer of complexity to commuter options. Overcoming these barriers requires comprehensive planning, investment in infrastructure, and advocacy for sustainable mobility solutions.

Difarmed’s actions and objectives to reduce commuting’s carbon footprint

Difarmed is committed to increasing the share of employees who opt for public transportation and other low-carbon means of commute as part of its sustainability objectives. To achieve this goal, the company has implemented various initiatives.

Firstly, Difarmed invested in electric car chargers powered by its solar panels, encouraging employees to embrace electric vehicles as a green commuting option. Furthermore, the construction of an electric bicycle and scooter parking facility, operational since October 2023, promotes alternative modes of transportation. Additionally, the provision of showers and lockers facilitates active commuting methods such as cycling or walking.

Looking ahead, Difarmed plans to organize a car-pooling event, enabling employees to connect and establish car-pooling systems for shared commuting. Furthermore, the company aims to identify challenges and incentives that encourage employees to reduce their carbon footprint associated with commuting, fostering a culture of sustainable mobility within the organization. Through these proactive measures, Difarmed is demonstrating its commitment to environmental stewardship and promoting eco-friendly transportation choices among its workforce.

In conclusion, Difarmed SLU 's proactive measures to promote sustainable commuting underscore its commitment to environmental responsibility. By investing in infrastructure and promoting alternative transportation options, the company is driving towards a greener future for both its employees and the environment.

Sources:

Employee 2023 and 2024 annual CSR survey ( Entracte )