Mandatory CO2 registration for employee travel: The new challenge for employers

Why this measure?

The requirement is set to actively involve large employers in reducing CO2 emissions. With a view to achieving climate goals, it is essential that the business community also takes responsibility. State Secretary Heijnen (Infrastructure and Water Management) presented the regulations as a crucial step towards more sustainable mobility.

What does this mean for employers?

From 2024, employers must report the CO₂ emissions of their personnel. This includes both commuting and all other business travel. a distinction must be made between different modes of transport and types of fuel, providing detailed insight into the contribution of mobility to an organization's total CO2 emissions.

Challenges and opportunities of CO2 registration

Although the scheme may be experienced as an administrative burden for some companies, it also offers opportunities. By gaining insight into the CO2 emissions from mobility, organizations can take targeted actions to reduce them. Think of encouraging the use of public transport, cycling, or the use of electric vehicles.

How to register the CO2 emissions of your employees?

To prepare your company for the new CO2 registration rules, there are four essential steps: conducting a baseline measurement, promoting sustainable travel, using technology for data collection, and actively involving your employees. These steps will help you effectively register and reduce the CO₂ emissions of your employees, in line with future regulations.

Start with a baseline measurement

Before you can make any changes, you need to know where you stand. You do this by conducting a baseline measurement, or 'zero measurement'. Look at how your employees currently commute to work. How many drive to work? Who uses public transport or cycles? And what is the distance they travel? By collecting this information, you will get a clear picture of the starting point. This will help you later see the progress you have made.

Encourage the use of alternative modes of transport

Once you know how your employees travel, you can look at how to help them make more sustainable choices. Perhaps you can provide a subsidy to people who use public transport. Or maybe you can offer better facilities for cyclists, such as a secure bike storage or changing rooms. The idea is to make it more attractive not to take the car, thereby reducing your company's CO2 emissions.

Implement technology

Technology can greatly help you track and analyze your employees' travel data. There are various software packages available that can simplify this process. These tools can help you see which modes of transport are most used and how you can further improve your employees' travel behavior. Using this technology also makes it easier to prepare the necessary reports.

Involve your employees

Change starts with awareness. Talk to your employees about the importance of sustainability and how they play a role in achieving the company's goals in this area. Listen to their ideas and concerns. They may have suggestions that you hadn't considered. By actively involving employees, you not only create support for the new measures, but also promote a culture in which everyone contributes to a more sustainable future.

Ready to get started?

By following these steps, you will not only prepare your company for the new CO2 registration requirements, but also contribute to a more sustainable world. It is an opportunity to show that your company is taking responsibility and proactively contributing to reducing environmental impact.

Ready to start? Greenreporting offers tools specifically designed for SMBs to easily collect and report their sustainability data. Start today!