Analog Devices Inc is the first employer in Munster to secure gold cycle-friendly status in recognition of the organisation’s commitment to cycling initiatives and facilities for employees. In achieving its gold cycle-friendly status, Analog Devices (ADI) joins a community of European and Irish employers who are using cycling to improve staff well-being and contribute to national decarbonisation and green travel goals.
The cycle-friendly employer programme is an EU-wide initiative first launched in 2017 by the European Cyclists’ Federation and is part of Ireland’s National Sustainable Mobility Policy (Goal 5 of the Action Plan: to encourage people to choose sustainable transport over the private car).
Onsite cycling amenities
It is active in 14 EU member states and provides employers with an adaptable, actionable model for cycle-friendliness in the workplace. The certification process assesses onsite cycling amenities including showers and clothes drying, bike access and storage, and bike servicing facilities as well as cultural and wellbeing initiatives such as cycling weeks, on-boarding information, and community cycling events.
Shane Geary, vice president and general manager of manufacturing at ADI said: “Achieving this EU-wide accreditation is a reflection of our strategic commitment to using our technology, people, and voice to protect the planet, improve quality of lives and drive positive change for future generations. It also demonstrates our commitment to our employees’ wellbeing.
"We know there is a strong appetite to make greener choices that benefit the environment and, combined with the cost of living, the idea of exploring new ways to get to work are taking hold. As a keen cyclist, I’m also more than aware of the benefits of moving outdoors. We’re looking forward to seeing the demand for our bike sheds soar!”
ADI is also encouraging employers across the Raheen Business Park, Limerick to join the EU-wide community of Cycle-Friendly Employers and make Raheen Business Park the first cycle-friendly business park outside Dublin.
The company is openly sharing the tactics and interventions it has used to date and invited several employers in the park to join its Smarter Travel and Energy Reduction Street Event. In one year it has managed to increase its cycling population from 4% to 11%.
Educational campaigns
Vincent Hudner, facilities director at ADI said: “To encourage more people to cycle to work, we’ve taken a two-pronged approach of improving our onsite cycling amenities while also rolling out educational campaigns like our week-long cycling week.
"We’ve put in place an action plan to continuously improve the cycling experience and maintain the gold accreditation over the next three years and beyond. We look forward to working with our neighbours, sharing best practice and inspiring behavioural change as we progress towards a low-carbon future.”
Michael O’Boyle, CEO of Cycling Solutions Ireland, said: “We are delighted to award gold cycle-friendly employer certification to Analog Devices. The company is fully committed to driving the changes that must take place to create a healthier planet.
"Achieving gold CFE accreditation demonstrates this commitment comes from the ground up. We look forward to working closely with Analog Devices to bring the CFE programme into workplaces throughout the country.”
A further endorsement of ADI’s green credentials, the company has been recommended for certification to the Energy Management System Standard ISO 50001. This ISO standard has been designed for organisations committed to addressing their impact, conserving resources and improving the bottom line through efficient energy management.