The enforcement of stay-at-home orders around Australia and the world has forced behavioural changes and a rethink of how we work and live. Remote working, reduced vehicle use and near empty public transport are just some examples of a living experiment which will change the sustainable mobility narrative.
Data is already showing improved air quality resulting from a reduction in commuting and that remote work can be extremely productive for those working in certain sectors and roles.
"With millions of workers now working from home this is exactly the right time for business to discuss sustainable mobility and to identify opportunities for business-wide change, such as flexible and remote work, lowering emission fleets and freight, as well as considering how customers and visitors access their sites," says Professor John Nelson, Chair of Public Transport at the Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies, The University of Sydney Business School.
"Through this survey we will better understand how business and communities are currently responding and also rethinking their approach to mobility management throughout their organisations and supply chains in a post-pandemic world," added Professor Nelson.
These insights will be invaluable for formulating responses that can support business and workers, help to stimulate financial markets while also supporting pathways to a decarbonised economy.
"We are witnessing global and systemic impacts to mobility and how we work," said Sarah Forde, Director of the Business Council of Sustainable Development (BCSD) Australia's Mobility and Cities program.
"Our members are keen to understand the impacts of this current test-case and reflect on their readiness to what they are now facing. Business wide examination will allow better design of sustainable measures to ensure long-term preparedness."
The survey takes 10-15 minutes and covers flexible work, staff and customer journeys, how suppliers and products move through the value chain, and the impacts on building and parking facilities, fleets, electric vehicles, logistics, infrastructure and technology.
The Mobility Pulse Survey is open to companies of any size and sector. Responses are confidential and will be used to gather trends, highlight gaps and opportunities. Individual company results will not be identified publicly. The outcomes will contribute to an 'After the Pandemic Mobility Roadmap' supporting business and community action towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals 3 – Good health and well-being, 11 – Sustainable cities and communities, 13 – Climate action.
The Mobility Pulse Survey is available on the BCSD Australia's website until Friday 1 May.