One of Hull’s most prominent businesses has received national certification for its workplace travel plan, which encourages and supports its workforce to walk, cycle and use public transport for their daily commute.
Siemens Gamesa, a global leader in wind energy that supports companies and countries worldwide in building resilient, affordable and sustainable energy systems that accelerate the energy transition, has received a Good Travel Plan award from Modeshift STARS.
Siemens Gamesa joined the Modeshift STARS programme in the city in 2023 and has shown commitment to supporting sustainable travel choices for its staff.
Working closely with Hull City Council, an annual travel survey took place at the company’s site earlier in the year, which highlighted a strong demand for improved cycling facilities. As a result, Siemens delivered a range of cycling initiatives over the summer, including a series of Dr Bike events, in partnership with local charity R-evolution.
The site has also appointed members of the organisation as ‘travel champions’, with plans to deliver further sustainable travel initiatives over the next 12 months.
Andy Sykes, plant director for Siemens Gamesa, said: “We’re incredibly proud to receive this national certification. It reflects not only our commitment as a company to building a more sustainable future, but also our dedication to supporting our staff and the local community. We look forward to building on this achievement and continuing to improve the options available to our employees.”
The national STARS accreditation scheme recognises workplaces that go above and beyond in developing, implementing and monitoring an effective travel plan to bring about a change in travel behaviour and reduce the number of single occupancy car journeys to, from and between their sites.
Sites are awarded Approved, Good, Very Good, Excellent and Outstanding accreditation.
Hull City Council offers businesses and organisations within the city the chance to join Modeshift STARS for free as part of its strategic objective of promoting active travel choices.
The benefits and advantages of a workplace travel plan, include:
- reductions of single occupancy car journeys, which helps alleviate pressure and congestion across site car parks
- identifying availability and accessibility of viable transport options, based on staff locations
- potential to improve and develop site connectivity links through sustainable and active travel
- improving staff wellbeing, with physical and mental health benefits.
Councillor Mark Ieronimo, cabinet portfolio holder for transport and infrastructure, said: “Siemens Gamesa is one of our city’s largest employers and an iconic brand when it comes to sustainability. It was a real pleasure to present them with their award and to see, first-hand, their efforts to support staff to make more sustainable and active travel choices and how this fits into the company’s wider ethos and mission.
“The Modeshift STARS programme continues to offer real benefits, both to people across Hull and for our local environment.
“It is brilliant to see so many businesses and organisations in the city taking advantage of the opportunity to participate in the programme and to work with the council to create a healthier and fairer Hull and more safe and welcoming neighbourhoods.”
If your business or organisation would like to take part in the Modeshift STARS programme, contact Caitlynne Adams, travel plan officer (business) at Hull City Council, at: caitlynne.adams@hullcc.gov.uk