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By bike or public transport to work; now that is still a non-binding option. But that may change in 2025. The cabinet wants to oblige larger companies to allow their staff to travel in a more environmentally friendly way. This is apparent from a letter that State Secretary Vivianne Heijnen (Infrastructure and Water Management) sent to the House of Representatives on Tuesday. CO2 emissions reductionThese are employers with more than 100 employees. The goal: a significant reduction in CO2 emissions. For example, if the staff makes more use of electric transport or works from home more often, this will – according to the cabinet – save a megaton of CO2 in five years. According to the NOS, about 8,000 companies will fall under the scheme. If larger organizations are not obliged to allow employees to travel greener, there is a good chance that the climate goals will not be achieved, the cabinet fears. The scheme should ‘incentivize’ employers to make their contribution. Visit the wejustgotback.com website for more information. “Working from home, by public transport or by bike to work or with an electric car or electric scooter are options that employees and employers will hopefully think more about.” From 2023, employers are already obliged to report data of both the home-work and business traffic of employees to the government. However, if this shows that a company has already achieved sufficient CO2 reduction, it does not need to take any further action. Sustainable mobilityLegal specialist Jan Schreuders of the RMU trade association calls a sustainable mobility policy a good development. “The whole of society must contribute to this: the government, employers, employees and individuals.” Schreuders does have reservations about the arrangement. This will significantly increase the administrative workload. “A lot has to be measured and kept up to date, but how should this promote sustainable mobility? For example, if employees are required to travel by public transport or bicycle, this will lead to complex issues within the employment relationship. For many employees, these travel options are not an option.” Schreuders also wonders about the employee’s privacy. “In the near future, he or she will have to indicate exactly which route, which distance and with which means of transport he or she travels. The question is how privacy can be protected in a careful way.”
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Frequently asked questions
What companies will be affected by the new green travel rule in 2025?▼
Companies with more than 100 employees will be required to allow staff to travel in more environmentally friendly ways. According to the cabinet, approximately 8,000 companies will fall under this new scheme.
How much CO2 emissions could be reduced by encouraging green commuting?▼
The cabinet estimates that if employees use more electric transport or work from home more frequently, this could save a megaton of CO2 within five years. This significant reduction is key to achieving climate goals.
What are considered green travel options under this policy?▼
Green travel options include working from home, using public transport, cycling to work, driving electric cars, and using electric scooters. These alternatives aim to reduce carbon emissions from employee commuting.
Are companies already required to report employee travel data?▼
Yes, since 2023, employers must report data on both home-work and business travel to the government. If a company has already achieved sufficient CO2 reduction, no further action is required.
What concerns have been raised about this sustainable mobility policy?▼
Legal specialists worry about increased administrative workload, potential privacy issues with tracking employee routes, and practical difficulties for employees without viable green transport options in their areas.