Hatch Wins Award for Sustainable Transportation Initiatives

October 5, 2018

Hatch has received a Leader in Sustainable Transport Award, which recognizes organizations that stand out for their initiatives in promoting sustainable transportation. The award was presented by Voyagez Futé and MOBA, transportation management centers that service Greater Montreal, along with the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal.

To reduce traffic congestion in Greater Montreal, the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal, in cooperation with Voyagez Futé, launched a pilot project called “Employers take action for sustainable mobility.” In October 2017, Hatch signed on to participate in the project, which aims to reduce the number of solo trips by car into downtown Montreal by implementing a sustainable mobility plan that includes concrete measures to facilitate sustainable mobility for home to-work and business travel.

A survey of Hatch employees at the beginning of the pilot project showed that the company already had a strong delegation of employees using public transit: 75% of employees in the winter months and 62% in the summer months. This was likely due to Hatch’s Montreal office being conveniently located in the Place Ville Marie complex, which is directly linked to train stations, downtown bus terminal, subway stations and underground pedestrian network—factors which weighed heavily into the Hatch’s decision to maintain their office there. It’s also within 200 metres from cycle paths, and bike- and auto-sharing stations.

Hatch examined their survey results and developed a program of initiatives to encourage more employees to consider public transit, biking, or walking to work. One of the initiatives was offering safety cycling class to employees who want to give priority to cycling for home to-work and business travel. Employees were also encouraged to cycle to work by being reimbursed for subscription fees for Place Ville Marie’s secure bike parking. Realizing that even small changes can make an impact, the pilot project team ensured that umbrellas were available for loan at reception to encourage employees to walk to business meetings in case of rain instead of taking a taxi. A focused and extensive communications plan was implemented to communicate to staff topics related to sustainable transportation and to encourage participation.

From September 17-23, Hatch staff located in our Quebec offices also participated in Défi sans auto solo, a friendly contest put on by Voyagez Futé, as a way to encourage staff to avoid taking single-occupancy vehicles to work. Approximately 100 staff members logged their travel for the week and the impact was more than 2,100 kilograms of CO2 and 1,280 litres of gas saved, and 44,000 calories burned.

For more information www.hatch.com

*Photo Caption: Sylvain Laporte, Hatch’s Rail & Transit Systems lead, receives the 2018 Leader in Sustainable Transport Award from Voyagez Futé and MOBA, a transportation management center for Greater Montreal, along with the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal.”