Driving Change
The Healthy Colorado Initiative is a joint effort by the Colorado Forum and The Nature Conservancy to engage business leaders and the state in making Colorado an exemplar in sustainability and emissions reductions. The initiative has a multi-pronged approach, with emphasis on buildings, electrification and the grid, transportation, the outdoor industry, natural resources, and advocacy. Driving Change is the Healthy Colorado Initiative’s first guidebook to profile lessons that Colorado businesses can pass along to other businesses in the area of green mobility. We will soon introduce Building Change to offer ideas and resources for reducing the carbon impact of residential, commercial and industrial buildings.
Lowering greenhouse gas emissions is the most urgent challenge in addressing climate change.
Efforts are underway to make buildings more efficient, improve the efficiency of vehicles on the road, and electrify the energy grid. But many of these strategies will take years to show significant improvement.
Green mobility provides one of the best opportunities for businesses to significantly lower their carbon emissions in the near term through telework and the use of public transportation, carpooling, cycling, walking, and driving hybrid or electric vehicles. Green commuting will also improve air quality and public health and reduce traffic commute time and stress. Studies show that flexible commuting options help employers attract and retain the best talent.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the main greenhouse gas emitted from transportation vehicles, such as cars, buses, and airplanes. By 2021, the transportation sector is projected to account for approximately 33% of carbon dioxide emissions in Colorado. The majority of U.S. commuters still drive to work alone in single occupancy vehicles.
The goal of this guidebook is to offer ideas and inspiration to businesses by showcasing what has worked in Colorado. We hope to encourage businesses to reduce their carbon footprint and enhance job satisfaction through creative commuting options.