REPRESENTATIVES from organisations across the West of England attended the annual Travelwest Sustainable Travel Awards.

Several businesses based in South Gloucestershire were nominated for awards, with winners including Nvidia and Airbus, who were recognised for their initiatives to help employees develop alternative ways to travel to and from work rather than making solo car journeys.

Airbus were awarded the ‘employer of the year award’ following their impressive efforts to encourage cycling and active commuting to their Filton site.

The firm has recently self-funded a new facility for cyclists that provides 700 new undercover parking spaces for bikes adjacent to a cycle hub which provides 40 showers with drying, changing and storage facilities. This has led to a six per cent reduction in solo car trips to the site since 2013.

NVIDIA, based at Aztec West, was awarded the ‘best motivational campaign’ for their promotion of the Big Commuting Challenge 2014.

Katherine Passmore, of Sodexo, working for Atkins at Aztec West, won the award for ‘individual most committed to sustainable travel’.

She was described as a passionate, dedicated employee who regularly goes that extra mile to encourage her colleagues to travel more sustainably. Katherine works closely with North Bristol SusCom, who promote sustainable commuting, and in particular has been involved with the development and promotion of The Kings Ferry Business Shuttle.

South Gloucestershire Council’s Planning, Transport and Strategic Environment Committee chairman Councillor Brian Allinson was in attendance to present the awards and hand out Travel Plan Accreditations certificates.

He said: “It's great to see so many inspirational local organisations making sustainable travel a part of the way they do business and an honour to present awards to all of the worthy winners.

“These companies are leaders in promoting sustainable modes of travel, introducing innovations such as car sharing schemes and use of electric vehicles and improving their business environment to cater for those coming to work by bike, on foot or travelling by public transport.”

The West of England authorities are currently delivering a package of support for businesses to help more commuters choose sustainable travel options under the Local Sustainable Transport Fund.

For more information visit www.travelwest.info/gettowork.