It may not be a hot topic for discussion around the water-cooler, but the question of how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through more sustainable transportation strategies is indeed finding its way into the workplace.

More and more Canadians are looking for alternative ways to commute to and from work -- actions that could go a long way to meeting our Kyoto Protocol commitments. But the effort doesn't end once they get to work. Increasingly, employers are offering their staff 'greener' transportation options on the job.

At the Yukon Government's Fleet Services branch, Ray Pilloud shares a number of ways that YTG is actively involved in making their large pool of vehicles more sustainable.

When you run the territory's largest fleet of vehicles, maintenance becomes a significant factor. Pilloud says that YTG's mandatory preventative maintenance program is perhaps their most effective tool to keep the fleet 'green'.

"Staff have to turn in monthly log sheets for their vehicles, and we're in the process of automating the system so it's even more effective," says Pilloud. "Regular maintenance makes the vehicles run smoothly, keeps them in better condition longer, and helps reduce fuel consumption."

By changing the kinds of vehicles they purchase, YTG is also able to offer better options to employees who sign out fleet cars.

"Not long ago we purchased our second hybrid car. The first one is now assigned to the Airports office in Haines Junction, and the new four-door hybrid is a pool car."

Pilloud says some YTG staff specifically ask for the hybrid when booking their vehicle. "Perhaps it's still a novelty, but it's also cheaper and quieter to operate than other pool cars."

The Energy Solutions Centre is another Yukon employer that recently purchased a hybrid car for staff use.

Over at the City of Whitehorse, all employees are now being offered a brand new incentive to use the transit system.

"Just this year we've included in our employee agreements that we will offer staff a 50 per cent reduction in the cost of a bus pass," says City Manager Bill Newell. He says that the union and the City are both just beginning to promote the deal, and he is optimistic that many employees will take advantage of the offer.

"And though we haven't promoted it, the City is very supportive of staff walking to meetings," he adds. "Many staff already choose to walk, and we appreciate it when they do."

Newell frequently covers the distance between City Hall and the Municipal Services Building on foot. For the City as an employer, Newell says the benefits are clear.

"We have a wellness committee, and supporting this kind of thing is certainly of interest to them."

"But we also strive to be environmentally friendly, and these approaches fall in line with our corporate values. Council has passed a motion committing the City to reducing greenhouse gas emissions."

Greening the fleet can also result in some healthier, cheaper solutions. After all, who says the fleet has to be motorized?

"We have two bikes here for staff to use, though the truth is that half of them ride their own bikes to work already," says Yukon Conservation Society office manager Lisa Taylor.

"We have the bus schedule posted, and employees are given the time to walk, ride or take transit to meetings."

Taylor points out that the Society is already quite centrally located, so staff usually don't have far to go. Location is another decision made by employers that can have a major impact on staff's transportation choices.

The Canadian Wildlife Service also opted for non-motorized additions to their fleet, by recently purchasing two bicycles for staff to use on the job.

"We developed a climate change action plan for our office," says Joan Eamer. "In looking at our operations, staff thought maybe we could reduce the amount of driving around town."

Many of Environment Canada's vehicles are trucks acquired for fieldwork, and Eamer points out that they're overkill for driving to a meeting a short distance away. Now staff can sign out one of the bikes, which comes with a helmet and panniers.

"The only problem we ran into was that our office has short people and tall people," she adds. "So we got two different sized bikes!"

Key to the success of initiatives like these appears to be an employer's acknowledgement that staff may need a little more time to walk or cycle to a meeting. Eamer regularly walks to meetings, and says that time isn't an issue.

"In reality it doesn't take that much longer," she says of the traveling time on foot or bike. "And I find that it's valuable thinking time."

Offering greener transportation for employees can reduce costs and boost workplace health, but it can also be good for business. Chris Sorg of Mac's Fireweed says that Main Street businesses are interested in a more bike and people-friendly downtown for several reasons, including the fact that fewer workers behind the wheel means more downtown parking spots for tourists and consumers.