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Colorado, Wyoming companies recognized on EPA list of Best Workplaces for Commuters

Release Date: 10/19/2005
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Denver -- EPA's second annual list of Best Workplaces for Commuters from the FORTUNE 500 companies includes nine companies in Colorado and one in Wyoming. The companies are among nearly 90 on the list to be recognized for their role in offering excellent commuter benefits that reduce fuel consumption, vehicle emissions and traffic congestion across the country.

“During President Bush’s national call to conserve our country’s energy resources, small adjustments to our daily routine – like the way we get to and from work – can produce enormous combined benefits,” said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. “By providing their employees with sensible, innovative commuting benefits, these Best Workplaces for Commuters are joining the national march toward energy security and a cleaner environment.”

Best Workplaces for Commuters^SM is an innovative partnership that provides a way for employers to encourage energy conservation by offering commuter benefits, such as subsidized transit passes and vanpool vouchers, telework and rideshare programs, bike lockers, showers, and an emergency ride home. By qualifying, employers can improve their bottom line while bettering the quality of life for their commuting employees and the communities in which they live.

Employers large and small are making a difference with BWC. Participating employers in the BWC program offer commuter benefits to more than 2.8 million employees nationwide, including nearly 600,000 employees from Fortune 500 companies. Overall, the program conserves 146 million gallons of gasoline and prevents the release of 1.3 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, while saving commuters more than $400 million annually at current gas prices.

The Colorado and Wyoming companies on the list of Best Workplaces for Commuters from the Fortune 500 companies are:

Oracle USA, Inc., locations in Colorado Springs and Denver
Sun Microsystems, Broomfield
SAFECO, Golden
El Paso Corporation, Colorado Springs
IBM, Boulder
Peabody Energy Corporation, Campbell County, Wyo.
TIAA-CREF, Denver
GE Access, Inc., Boulder
Johns Manville, Denver
Wells Fargo Bank, locations in Broomfield, Denver and Aspen

"It's great to see so many companies in Region 8 on this list," said Robert E. Roberts, Regional Administrator for EPA's Region 8. "The employees of these companies are saving thousands of gallons of gasoline and thousands of dollars in fuel costs each year, while making a huge contribution to better air quality. EPA celebrates the innovations and achievements of progressive leaders who understand the benefits to their businesses and their regions when employees are offered and choose other options than driving to work alone."

All the companies being recognized today have met EPA's National Standard of Excellence. In addition, some Best Workplaces for Commuters from the Fortune 500 companies are receiving special recognition on the Top 20 list for offering outstanding commuter benefits to 58 percent of their combined total U.S. workforce -- more than 350,000 commuters in total, up from 200,000 last year. In Region 8 those companies are:

Oracle USA, Inc., locations in Colorado Springs and Denver (#2 on the Top 20 list)
Sun Microsystems, Broomfield (#4)
SAFECO, Golden (#10)
El Paso Corporation, Colorado Springs (#13)
IBM, Boulder (#17)

To meet the National Standard of Excellence for commuter benefits and qualify as one of the Best Workplaces for Commuters, employers must provide:

• At least one primary commuter benefit, such as monthly transit/vanpool pass subsidy or a significant telecommuting program;
• At least three supporting commuter benefits, such as carpool/vanpool incentives, lockers/showers for bikers or walkers, compressed/flexible work schedules or on-site daycare;
• A central point of contact, who actively informs employees of available commuter benefits, and;
• Access to an Emergency or Guaranteed Ride Home Program.

For additional information, visit http://www.bwc.gov/