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EDF Energy: Energetic Travel

Background

EDF Energy take travel planning to a truly personal level with travel options and benefits which support staff needs, delivers business productivity and efficiently manages site resources. The programmes are well managed, well delivered and very successful, clearly firmly established in the culture of the business.

Process

EDF Energy’s Exeter business operates from two conjoined facilities, Osprey House and Gadeon House at an out of town business park adjacent to the M5. The company takes an active approach to managing travel demand, providing staff with benefits and support to travel sustainably. EDF initially started looking at travel in 2001, but the real step-change occurred in 2003/4 with the development and implementation of a travel plan to satisfy a planning condition associated with the new building, Gadeon House.

Since that time EDF have evolved its approach to manage user demand, enabling travel by a wider range of options and ensuring that staff are present and available to service the customers.

The management tools incorporate the travel plan, parking management strategy and complementary business policies, including a “Work Life Solutions” policy. The travel plan and parking management strategy combine to provide a conducive environment for staff to travel sustainably. The travel plan provides a targeted tool to deliver benefits and incentives for walking, cycling, car sharing and public transport. It also addresses reducing the need to travel for business through web conferencing, tele and video conferencing, promoting public transport and car sharing. The “Work Life Solutions” policy delivers flexible working initiatives for all staff, including negotiable daily hours, part-time working, compressed weeks and remote working. In 2011, EDF have set up a SMS system, informing employees of travel and safety. 66% of staff have registered.

EDF's dedicated Travel Team provide all staff with a tailored travel package, reflecting their options and needs; the business further supports this through the ability to refine an individual’s working arrangements to support a sustainable commute.

EDF are also working with their wider stakeholders through a partnership with Exeter City Council and by organising travel forums and consultations with other businesses.

Results/benefits

• Single Occupancy Vehicles reduced from 83% in 2001 to just 37% in 2011
• Decreased use of SOV has resulted in CO2savings per year of 421,264kg in 2011 and a further 394,469 kg in 2012
• Efficient use of parking has enabled business growth from 550 staff in 2001 to 1,613 at present
• Current employee retention level at site is 9,21% compared to 10% last year
• In 2011, EDF Energy met their commitment to reduce carbon emissions per FTE from transport by 20%
• A 2011 survey shows that 10,6% of Exeter employees now walk or cycle to work

EDF Energy is part of EDF Group, one of Europe’s largest energy producers. In the UK it supplies gas and electricity to over 5 million customers from its coal and gas power stations, combined heat and power plants, and wind farms.

Download the Case Study as PDF: EDF Energy 2012