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EDF Energy 2011

Organisational challenge/context

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.

Interventions

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. 

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.

Results/benefits

This approach has proven to be very successful; using the indicator of Single Occupancy Vehicles accessing site, from 83% in 2001 to just 38% in 2010. In this same period, business growth has resulted in intensive use of the site, from 550 staff in 2001 to 1,579 at present.
 


Steve Hayfield
Customer Services Director

"Receiving the Big Tick was fantastic but the work never stops. At EDF Energy we are constantly reassessing what we need to do to achieve our Sustainability Commitments.

What we have learnt and put into place in the South West is now rolling out to other sites around the country. Success comes down to having a clear vision from the top of the organisation, a clear strategy that supports sustainable travel solutions and the enthusiasm and commitment of people locally to make this work. There has to be long-term commitment and I believe – and the Big Tick reinforces my view – that we are getting this right but must continue to learn and respond to the company’s and our people’s needs as we keep improving our sustainable approach."

Company Description
EDF Energy is one of the UK’s largest energy companies and the largest producer of low-carbon electricity, producing around one-fifth of the nation's electricity from its nuclear, coal and gas power stations, as well as combined heat and power plants and wind farms. The company supplies gas and electricity to more than 5.5 million business and residential customers and is the biggest supplier of electricity by volume in the UK

Website
www.edfenergy.com