UHN was awarded as the "Employer of the Year" in the Toronto- Central Smart Commute region, thanks to environmentally conscious staff.
Smart Commute, a joint venture between Metrolinx and area municipalities, presented the award to UHN for our proactive approach in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and providing healthy transportation choices to staff. These include programs in place to help employees carpool, take transit, cycle and flexible work arrangements.
We were also credited with having the highest percentage of staff (in companies with 500-plus employees) who cycle (6.1 percent) and walk (12.9 percent) to work in all Smart Commute regions throughout the GTA. UHN was selected by an independent panel of community members from various sectors across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. Nominations were evaluated on the employer's commitment to the program, leadership in their communities, innovation and results.
At UHN's recent Wellness Fair, the Energy and Environment department showcased UHN's sustainable transportation initiatives at each of the three hospital sites. This past summer, UHN's annual Clean Air Commute event for staff saw around 650 staff participate. UHN is in the feasibility stage of expanding the current shuttle service to pick up staff from GO/Union station, with the goal to encourage long distance single occupant vehicle drivers to take transit. Plans are also in place to allocate preferred parking spots to carpoolers. These programs, once fully implemented, will help staff save money and also reduce smog and climate change pollutants going into the atmosphere.
UHN's Carpool Zone, an online ride-matching service exclusively developed for UHN staff, was officially launched at the Wellness Fair. The UHN Carpool Zone can be accessed by visiting the Energy & Environment department's Intranet page at: http://intranet.uhn.ca/departments/ enviro/carpool/index.asp (Staff login only). Registration is free and will be open for the next few weeks. Registrants will be entered to win two iPod shuffles.
