Despite the drizzling rain, more than 50 participants showed up for the E.ON Breakfast in front of the BakerStreet office complex in Budapest as part of “Bike to Work” Day. Meanwhile, photos and reports kept coming in from several company locations of the group, where the 13 May cycling initiative got many people moving in other parts of the city, too, as evidenced by social media posts.
E.ON’s commitment to cycling goes beyond one day of the year: as one of the lowest carbon footprint- and least infrastructure-intensive modes of transport, bike-riding is better for the environment and does not contribute to climate change. Cyclists maintain their health and improve their stamina, while pushing their own physical limits in the outdoors. Cycling fits in perfectly with E.ON’s philosophy “it’s on us”, to have a clean environment as well as physical and mental well-being.
In E.ON’s corporate culture, cycling is not only a tool to embrace a sustainable future, but is also valued for its community-building component: those who ride bikes share a common interest. “Bike to Work” Day on 13 May exemplified that impact, with the organisers welcoming bike riders with refreshments, a festive atmosphere and small gifts.
Throughout the year, E.ON works hard to promote cycling as a sensible, convenient option for commuting to work. That’s why this year, passes for e-bike rental and Budapest’s “Bubi” city bikes are available to colleagues as a benefit. Meanwhile, Bubi has installed an E.ON-branded city bike station in front of the headquarters of the energy company, which has pledged financial support to make that happen. At E.ON’s larger facilities, bicycle storage and changing rooms have been made available, which helps to ensure a comfortable working environment for cyclists and safe storage of their bikes.
It all adds up to a clear goal: to encourage as many employees as possible to adopt a physically-active lifestyle and show that urban cycling is both a responsible choice and a source of everyday enjoyment.
“As a responsible company, it is our duty to minimize our environmental impact. This is why we are proud of the Green Plant Label program at our Budapest Continental factory, which plays a strategically significant role in our operations. We use only green energy, recycle 98% of the waste we generate, and have reduced our energy and water consumption. Our restaurant is paperless, and we only use recycled paper in our offices. We optimize our business travel and have installed green bicycle and car charging stations. In the future, we plan to install heat pumps and solar panels, and we will place greater emphasis on further raising awareness among our employees.”
