Travel website earns Silver Smarter Travel Mark recognition
The Smarter Travel Mark, a government-endorsed initiative, is a program designed to honour organizations that actively promote sustainable and active travel practices. Coordinated by the NTA, this nationwide program aims to reduce single-person car usage and encourage greener commuting habits [1][2].
Benefits of the Smarter Travel Mark Certification
Organizations that achieve the Smarter Travel Mark certification can expect a range of benefits. Recognition of leadership in sustainable travel and innovation is part of the Government’s Pathfinder Programme [1]. By reducing carbon emissions from commuting and business travel, organizations can also contribute to a greener environment [1].
Lower demand for staff car parking is another advantage, as it improves site accessibility for employees, visitors, and suppliers [1]. Additionally, participation in schemes like Cycle to Work and TaxSaver may lead to reduced employer PRSI contributions [1].
The Smarter Travel Mark also supports improvements in employee and visitor well-being by fostering healthier travel habits [1][2]. Participation in campaigns such as Marchathon (a walking challenge), Walktober (a walking promotion), and Ready-Set-Cycle (a cycling encouragement) further encourages long-term behavior change [1].
Requirements for Certification
To achieve the Smarter Travel Mark certification, organizations must develop and implement a comprehensive sustainable travel plan addressing the specific needs of their workplace or institution [1]. Conducting staff and student travel surveys to gather data on commuting patterns forms a basis for targeted action plans [1].
Organizations must also demonstrate active promotion and facilitation of active and sustainable travel options based on survey results [1]. Engaging with behaviour change campaigns and initiatives to support long-term modal shift away from single-occupancy car use is also essential [1].
Finally, organizations must monitor progress and demonstrate measurable outcomes related to travel behaviour change and environmental impact [1][2].
The Smarter Travel Mark certification is voluntary, designed to highlight organizations committed to sustainable mobility, offering them a structured framework and public recognition for their efforts [1][2]. By systematically encouraging and supporting active and sustainable travel, organizations can enjoy environmental, operational, financial, and health benefits.
A business that earns the Smarter Travel Mark certification could strive for sustainable living by implementing a sustainable-living policy that encompasses not just travel practices, but also extends to their lifestyle, such as promoting home-and-garden practices with energy-efficient appliances and sustainable materials [1].
In their pursuit of sustainable business practices, organizations achieving the Smarter Travel Mark certification can instill a culture of sustainable-living within their workforce, encouraging employees to adopt sustainable lifestyles beyond just commuting, contributing to a broader greener environment [1].
