The Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) has introduced a Sustainable Travel Leave policy to help employees choose greener ways to travel.
Under the policy, staff can access up to two additional days of paid travel time each year when travelling by train, coach or ferry instead of flying. The allowance recognises that lower-carbon journeys can take longer and helps staff make sustainable choices without using extra annual leave for that travel time. By allowing more time for the journey itself, the policy makes alternatives to flying a more practical option for employees.
Developed with support from environmental charity Possible, the policy addresses a practical barrier to sustainable travel, the extra time needed to reach a destination without flying.
For NILGA employees, this could mean travelling by ferry and taking an onward train to Great Britain or mainland Europe rather than flying. Such journeys may involve connections between different modes of transport, making additional travel time particularly useful when considering a lower-carbon route.
Alderman Hazel Legge, President of NILGA, said:
“Local government has an important role to play in responding to the climate challenge, and NILGA wants to lead by example through practical action. This policy helps NILGA employees make greener travel choices by recognising that a lower-carbon journey can take more time.
“By supporting that choice, we are putting sustainability into practice within our own organisation. We hope this encourages other employers to consider how small changes to workplace policies can support a more sustainable future for everyone.”
Across the UK, Sustainable Travel Leave has already been adopted by over 200 employers, including banks, law firms, charities, public sector organisations and Members of Parliament.
Employers interested in introducing Sustainable