By Biba Hartigan

Mr and Ms Average spend 45 minutes travelling to work every day. All that time they are burning up fuel. Whether they're taking the train, car, bus or motorbike, going to work is costing the earth. Since 1991, there's been a gradual move away from public transport towards the car. Now there's an opportunity for businesses to benefit employees by encouraging staff to take a greener journey to work, while reinforcing corporate social responsibility.

Do staff really need to be in the office all of the time? Time spent working at home away from the distractions of telephone and office chatter can be really constructive. Working from home one day a week, a fortnight or even once a month saves 5% to 20% transport carbon emissions. Your business could benefit from improved productivity, while your staff gain the hours and money otherwise spent on their journey.

Flexitime arrangements are popular with employees and also benefit the environment. Travelling earlier or later enables staff to avoid rush hour, saving fuel, securing a seat on the bus or avoiding the worst of the fumes if they walk or cycle. Off peak public transport is often cheaper, making this a more attractive alternative to driving.

The average driver travels 19 miles to work per day. Promoting car or lift sharing amongst your staff helps them save transport costs and an average 650kg carbon per car per year. There's the added bonus of increased communication between staff members. Car sharing also relieves congestion and reduces pressure on staff car parking. Priority parking and lower car parking charges can be used to encourage car sharing. It may be helpful to team up with another employer in your area to increase the opportunities for car sharing. See www.liftshare.com and www.letsgotowork.org.uk for ideas.

Motorcycles and mopeds use less fuel than cars, create less traffic and parking congestion and can reduce travelling time in congested areas. Designated secure parking and lockers for equipment will encourage motorbike use. You might consider the provision of interest free loans for staff to purchase bikes or mopeds.