A Pivotal Play

CoStar Group Recognized for Encouraging a Greener Commute through Employee Incentive Program

Why is this a Pivotal Play?
CoStar Group is dedicated to improving the lives of its employees while reducing its carbon footprint in the Metropolitan Washington, D.C. area. The company implemented an Employee Transportation Incentive Program which provides incentives to employees who volunteer to partake in alternate transportation, such as carpooling, bicycling, or taking the metro. This program encourages employees to become part of the effort to reduce traffic and congestion in the District area.

Commuter Connections, a program within The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, awarded CoStar Group, commercial real estate's leading information provider, the 2012 Commuter Connections Employer Recognition Award. CoStar marketed alternative modes of transportation for their employee's work commute and successfully developed a program in which the incentives behind a greener commute outweigh those of driving. Receiving this award means CoStar has seen impressive results: computable employee benefits, with less money spent on fuel and less dependence on driving, as well a decrease in fuel emissions, which signifies a reduction in air pollution.

The benefits speak for themselves: those who participate in this program not only receive a subsidy to cover the cost of the public transportation they use to commute to and from work, but depending on their mode of transportation, are also eligible to receive a free parking pass, free shuttle to and from Metro Center, or even a free loaner bicycle. CoStar has close to 700 employees in the D.C. area; roughly 80% have chosen to take advantage of the commuting incentives provided by the company. According to Commuter Connections, CoStar's employees "save 242,000 gallons of gasoline per year and drive 4.8 million fewer vehicle miles by taking advantage of Costar's public transportation incentives."

CoStar Group was honored on June 26, 2012 at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

Source: nasdaq.com