Mobility is a key aspect of any sustainability strategy. Daily commutes to work, in particular, are a significant factor. According to the Federal Statistical Office, working people in Germany travel an average of 17.2 km a day, taking just under 30 minutes to do so. A quarter of them even spend around an hour travelling. The private car remains the most commonly used mode of transport. Around 70 per cent regularly drive their own car to work, according to a recent study by the Federal Association for Corporate Mobility (BBM). At the same time, many people would like to see better and more sustainable mobility options. However, according to the BBM, there is still a lack of infrastructure and sufficient alternatives for private and public mobility.
Regional infrastructure
Improved mobility across the region
Low-emission business travel
Many savings banks are therefore in the process of converting their company fleets to electric vehicles. One example is Savings Bank Leipzig, whose large catchment area encompasses both urban and rural areas. It provides staff with two electric vehicles for business journeys, supplied by the local car-sharing provider teilAuto. The Leipzig-based company sources its electricity from renewable energy sources. “This enables us to gradually reduce our emissions,” says Sebastian Rast, the savings bank’s sustainability manager.
Electric vans for community groups
Savings Bank Westholstein is taking things a step further. For one year, it is offering local authorities in the two districts within its business area the free use of one eight-seater electric minibus each. In this case, the scheme is not aimed at staff, but at local clubs and organisations. The aim is to give them the opportunity to participate in electric mobility. The first two local authorities where the scheme was offered were Meldorf in Dithmarschen and Kellinghusen in Steinburg. In this joint project, the local authorities each cover the charging costs at the parking space and coordinate the loans. According to the Savings Bank, the response in both places was extremely positive. An expansion is planned.
Electric buses for public transport
With the help of their network partners, however, Savings Banks are also providing important impetus through larger projects, for example when it comes to high-performance, energy-efficient public transport: in Lübeck, with the help of Deutsche Leasing and Savings Bank zu Lübeck, a bespoke financing concept was developed to enable Stadtwerke Lübeck Mobil (SLM) to convert its vehicle fleet to electric buses. The five-year project involves a total investment of 66 million euros. The task is complex, as it involves not only the purchase of the buses themselves, but also the development of the associated charging infrastructure and technical facilities. For investments on this scale, local authorities need reliable partners to enable them to set the course towards a low-emission future for transport.
Whether it’s public transport, business travel or support for club trips – the Savings Banks and their partners are helping, through a variety of approaches, to drive forward the transformation of mobility and tailor it to people’s everyday needs.