The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has recognized Nike, Inc. as the 17th best workplace out of 133 Fortune 500 companies for commuters. The company was recognized for its innovative efforts to promote alternative ways for employees to get to work, from carpooling, buses and trains, to skateboarding, biking, walking and telecommuting. In addition, Nike was the top-ranked company in the apparel industry.
“Commuting can lead to stressed-out employees and a stressed environment,” said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. “Leading companies like Nike are relieving that commuter strain — improving the quality of life for their employees, and the quality of the environment for their communities.”
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Through an ongoing program called TRAC (Traveling Responsibly? Accept the Challenge.) Nike offers monthly prizes and incentives to employees at its World Headquarters and surrounding areas in the Portland, Ore. metropolitan area who can get to work by eliminating the use of a gasoline or diesel- powered vehicle.
“We recognize that employees at Nike have a variety of aspirations when they come to work each day. For many, through the TRAC program, they're able to integrate their values of sustainable communities and environmental preservation by getting to work in a way that's outside the norm of single-car commuting,” said Hannah Jones, Nike vice president of Corporate Responsibility. “Nike shares these values, and is proud to encourage and support our employees through this program.”
TRAC is staffed by a full-time employee transportation coordinator who manages information about the program on the company intranet. The TRAC website offers tips and resources on alternative commuting — everything from public transportation and biking routes, to how to set up a carpool complete with Nike employees or with others in the area. Employees register on the TRAC website each week for the number of alternative commutes they take the week prior. Prizes, which are done by monthly drawing, are given to an average of 40 employees. Other incentives include annual public transportation passes from TriMet for $20 and a shuttle system that allows employees to take public transportation and have a ride to campus and from off-site locations to campus.
Since the program began in 1992, it has reduced the company's average drive-alone rate from 98% to 84%. In fiscal year 2006 ended May 31, 2006, based on an average round trip of 17.8 miles, Nike employees saved approximately 719,343 vehicle miles traveled by using alternative commute modes. That's a saving of 35,967 gallons of gas. Nike also saved 40,413 vehicle trips in FY'05.
“Nike continues to be among the leaders in our community in actively promoting and participating in efforts to reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips in the region — they're truly enhancing our livability,” said Fred Hansen, TriMet General Manager. “Nike has embraced an active employee commute options program that features transit along with other transportation alternatives. We're proud to be their partner.”
