The choice is symbolic. Wooden trophies were awarded yesterday evening at the first Grands Prix de l'Ecomobilité, organised on the initiative of the SNCF. Fifty or so entries from companies and travel agencies specialising in business travel were studied by the six-strong jury, chaired by Alain Krakovitch, Director of TGV-Intercités. " These candidates are major players, highly committed and innovative ecomobility solutionsé" he stressed at the outset.
The awards ceremony gave Alain Krakovitch the opportunity to launch the idea of the " function train" He went on to express his offence at the fact that France still has some 2.8 million company cars. " My aim is to offer companies a rail solution and end-to-end packages combining several environmentally-friendly modes of transport. In particular, we need to work on the last few kilometres, which are the hardest to achieve." . And to hammer home the point about electric cars. " This is not a good enough excuse, as this type of vehicle still emits 20 % times more CO2 than a train journey. It's not the solution he says.
The rail company's marketing teams are being asked to work on the subject in partnership with several companies under SNCF contract. The aim is to in service by 2024. " The recently launched mobility credit scheme should enable us to reach companies with this future product.concluded Alain Krakovitch, who invited contracting companies and business agencies to attend the 2nd Ecomobility Awards in January 2023.
The 2022 winners of the Grands Prix de l'Ecomobilité
– Caisse des Dépôts was awarded the "Sustainable Mobility for Major Companies" prize. Since 2018, the public institution has been committed to an ecomobility approach, drawing up its annual carbon footprint, encouraging its employees to travel sustainably and avoid non-essential journeys...
– QEnergy won the same prize in the 'Pro & Premium Contracts' category. Specialising in sustainable energy for 20 years, CSR principles are obviously in the DNA of this company, which set up an ecomobility working group in 2011, published an internal white paper on the subject and organises an ecomobility week every year. In particular, QEnergy prefers to travel by train rather than by plane, encourages teleworking and flexible working hours (to avoid traffic jams, reduce fuel consumption, etc.), and decarbonises its car fleet by opting for electric vehicles, etc.
– Crédit Mutuel's Advice and Service Centre was awarded the "Evolution Grands Comptes" prize. The aim is to reduce the carbon emissions of the bank and its subsidiaries by 30% in 2023 compared with 2019. In particular, this involves reviewing the need to travel in order to give priority to videoconferencing or grouping meetings. A modal shift is also underway in favour of the train or electric cars for car hire. A special guide has been produced for all employees to help them adopt these new practices.
– The JC Decaux Groupwho was not present at the event, won the Evolution prize in the 'Pro and Premium Contracts' category.
– BCD Travel won the "Travel Agencies" prize. Through Advito, its consultancy subsidiary, the agency offers its corporate customers a four-step approach: travel better, favour eco-responsible suppliers and help to decarbonise. These travel solutions apply to air, rail, car hire and accommodation.
– Somfy Finally, it was awarded the "Initiative" prize, which recognises innovative projects, " many actions are similar" said Alain Krakovitch. Based in Savoie, the company, which specialises in home automation, has to adapt to its geographical location in the Arve Valley and the difficult weather conditions in winter, which make it harder to implement ecomobility solutions. Nevertheless, a global approach has been put in place and an ecomobility challenge is organised every year in fine weather. On this occasion, some employees have had the idea of coming to work in a canoe!
