The solutions to complex problems are often quite simple. By working together as a team internally - Travel Services, Procurement, CSR, Facilities, and Finance, we were able to measure our travel impact, and work together to find viable solutions. By engaging our people and suppliers we are making these solutions a reality.
Gemma KingKPMG UK Travel Manager
KPMG's philosophy on travel is to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary, and instead, use technology. They have invested heavily in technology, and offer video, virtual and voice conferencing.
KPMG is also working with their suppliers, and prior to awarding a relevant contract, they ask suppliers to define the measures they will take to minimise traffic impacts.
KPMG has initiated a holistic, proactive strategic approach to measuring, managing and reporting on business travel, recognising the clear business and cost benefits.
The Initiatives
Commuting is an important issue to KPMG, and the company provides incentives and guidance to their staff on London travel. Incentives include: season ticket loans, free Oyster Cards and the bike to work scheme. Guidance includes: travel journey planners providing public transport, cycle and walking routes to their offices and the 'Saving for Good' campaign - including a focus on Travel Avoidance. In 2010, KPMG will be implementing their London Travel Plan and consolidating their 5 London locations to 2 locations.
Overall, this series of programmes has had the following impacts in the last twelve months:
Avoided 5,400 tonnes of carbon
Avoided £7.6 million in costs
Avoided 430 hours of 'travel time'
The ambition
Globally, KPMG International has an ambition to reduce its carbon footprint by 25% by 2010 against a 2007 baseline. This is translated into a European and UK context. Globally, London is the biggest influencer of performance for KPMG, representing 4% of all employees worldwide.
KPMG London ambition is absolute reduction and their current work on sustainable travel in London aims to:
encourage an approach to travel that is 'only when absolutely necessary', backed by policy, and supported by leadership
deliver best customer service, and value for the clients, and respond to the client requests for carbon disclosure and measurement
reduce the need for business travel, by investing in technology
provide all of the staff with the incentives and guidance they need to make the correct travel decision, both for commuting and business travel
work with the suppliers to reduce the transport impact from deliveries and servicing of KPMG buildings
