OREANDA-NEWS. SSE Airtricity, Ireland’s largest green energy generator, was named Walking Workplace of the Year at this year’s Smarter Travel Awards. 

The Smarter Travel Awards recognise efforts made by workplaces and campuses across the country to promote walking, cycling, public transport and car sharing. There were awards presented in 14 categories relating to different sustainable modes of transport. The ceremony is organised by Smarter Travel Workplaces, a public awareness programme working with large employers to implement voluntary workplace travel plans.

Paul Schwartzman, who accepted the award on the company’s behalf, commented: “It’s a fantastic achievement for the company and the staff, who have put in so much effort. At SSE Airtricity, we aim to promote sustainability across all areas of our business, so taking part in Smarter Travel initiatives fits in with our wider ethos. It’s important that our values are demonstrated through actions and this award shows that we’re on the right track.”

At the ceremony, Anne Graham, Chief Executive Officer of the National Transport Authority, said: “A growing number of Irish organisations are engaging in Smarter Travel, working with their staff to facilitate travel choice in favour of more sustainable transport, resulting in reduced costs, enhanced employee wellbeing, better access and more effective parking management. The Awards are well placed to act as inspiration and leadership as we recognise organisations that are paving the way for more sustainable travel options.”

This is the second award SSE Airtricity has walked to in the last six months. In November, the company fought off competition from more than 50 other firms to pick up the Best Large Workplace Award in the Workplace Pedometer Challenge. Over 150 members of staff took place in the month-long challenge, racking up an impressive 2,583,702 steps.