The Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) has introduced a Sustainable Travel Leave policy to encourage staff to choose lower-carbon alternatives to flying.
Employees can claim up to two additional days of paid travel time each year when they travel by train, coach or ferry rather than by air. The policy recognises that greener journeys often take longer and means staff do not have to use annual leave to cover the extra time.
Developed with environmental charity Possible, it could apply to journeys such as taking a ferry and onward train to Great Britain or mainland Europe, which may involve several connections.
NILGA President Alderman Hazel Legge said the organisation wants to ‘lead by example’ on tackling the climate challenge. She hoped other employers would consider how small workplace changes can support sustainability.
