Sustainable Commutes to Work, We Love E-Biking!

Sustainable innovation is at the heart of Avalon, and our biggest climate impact comes from our business travel. Over the past year, we’ve introduced benefit bicycles at Avalon, and already 15% of our colleagues have signed up for a stylish, electric-powered bike! We are fully convinced that employer commitment is key to encouraging more bike commuting, and the interest in cycling to and from work at Avalon continues to grow.

We have also reviewed findings from the collaborative project “The Bike Shift,” where experts in behavioral change examined what hinders and motivates employees to bike to work. The final report suggested strategies to help more people choose an electric benefit bicycle, something we at Avalon Innovation can attest has greatly contributed to this crucial behavioral shift. Besides the benefit bikes, many regular, trusty bicycles make their way to and from work every day, heading to our clients and offices around Sweden.

Everyone has different possibilities to reduce their climate footprint, but there are plenty of solutions available. Here are a few examples we’d like to share:

• In recent years, we relocated 9 out of our 12 offices to locations close to train stations or subways. We’re proud to say that 100% of our offices are now within walking distance of a station.
• We always focus on finding consulting assignments near the office or easily accessible by public transportation.
• We carpool for internal strategy meetings and company events.
• We’ve launched a highly appreciated benefit bike program, and interest keeps growing.
• We hold themed months, like SPRING and FEELGOOD, focusing on movement together.
• We opt for digital client meetings when they work just as well.
• We discuss with our clients whether consultants can work from home two days a week to help reduce emissions.
• Two-thirds of our management team meetings are now conducted digitally instead of by flying (as members are based across Sweden).
• All company vehicles must be electric or hybrid.
• Since 2022, Avalon has participated in the Sustainable Business Travel 2.0 project, a collaboration with the Skåne County Administrative Board, Energy Agency South, Lund University, Lund Municipality, and Helsingborg City, from which we’ve received many valuable tips and conducted regular internal travel surveys.

Driving alone to work five days a week for a 30 km commute is equivalent to taking 11 round-trip flights between Malmö and Stockholm!

Set a Goal
Challenge yourself to use public transportation a few days a week or perhaps bike a certain number of kilometers. Decide when to start and how long you need to maintain your new routine to make it stick.
Set yourself up for success by starting at the right time, such as in spring when daylight is abundant.

Prepare for the Journey
Make sure your gloves are ready, your jacket can zip up to your neck on cold days, you’ve invested in quality rain gear, have a helmet, and, if applicable, have your bike battery charged the day before you begin cycling to work.

Combine Modes of Transportation When Needed
Sustainable commuting means traveling smart based on your situation. This could mean traveling fossil-free for all or just part of your commute.
You might bike to work and take public transportation home, splitting the ride over two days. There are many possibilities!