Sites’ shuttle buses go green to tackle emissions

An employee-led initiative to switch from diesel to electric shuttle buses at sites in China is already helping us reduce GHG emissions and improving awareness of environmental protection, especially in terms of haze and atmospheric particulate matter.

Until recently, these buses have run on diesel fuel. Now, a new initiative from a Green Team – local teams of employees that volunteer to engage in sustainability projects – to replace them with electric vehicles is helping Givaudan reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 128 tonnes a year.

Of the total fleet of 27 shuttle buses over the five sites, 22 have already been exchanged. The Chinese government is supporting the initiative by subsidising vehicles and the rest are scheduled for replacement.

“Electric vehicle transportation is becoming a reality and China is leading this revolution. We are proud that Givaudan China is contributing to improving air quality in Shanghai.”

Georges, Company Manager of Givaudan China

 
The swap is helping to mitigate the effects of rapid economic development on the environment and also improving awareness of environmental protection, especially in terms of haze and atmospheric particulate matter. Many people had never used such a bus and so Givaudan arranged trial runs, speaking afterwards with employee representatives to collect the comments and concerns of the passengers.

After a few modifications, including finding a way to do away with ‘new bus smell’, employees have been very supportive of the changes. They particularly appreciate the lack of diesel smell and loud noise, advantages that come on top of the contributions to protecting the environment.

“As citizens, we want to make our environment better and better, and this was just common sense. It is good for the air, it is good for the environment, and we all support this project.”

Ellaine, Procurement Manager

  

“This is a great example of achieving two seemingly opposing objectives of saving the environment and saving costs.”

Ali, Regional Chief Financial Officer, North Asia