What is a Smart Commute?
A Smart Commute reduces the number of trips that a person makes to work by themselves in a vehicle through the use of transit, bicycles, walking and carpooling. This saves the commuters’ money and reduces the smog pollutants created through the burning of gasoline.
How do we use it?
Earth Rangers Centre staff have access to the Smart Commute Carpool Zone, a website which lets them connect with other building occupants who share their commuting route and schedule. Shared rides result in fewer cars in our parking lot and less commuting cost for our staff and tenants. Electric vehicle charging and preferred parking are available to those who carpool or drive hybrid vehicles. This program resulted in attainment of seven of the fifteen available points for our LEED Platinum certification.
How does it make us more sustainable?
Transportation infrastructure is aging and stressed to capacity in North America, particularly in the Greater Toronto Area. The transportation sector accounted for 25% of total greenhouse gas emissions in Canada in 2010, totaling 166 megatonnes. Reducing our impact and emissions shows others how we can prevent climate change, while at the same time saving money on the energy, cost and infrastructure required for personal mobility.
