How the BWC Designation Delivers ROI

Written by Amelie Chanda, Program Manager, pointA

When organizations think about return on investment, the default lens is often financial. The return on a sustainable commuting program and the BWC designation recognizes that work organizations do isn’t just about numbers, it’s about ensuring that support for employees, climate goals and corporate leadership are incorporated into all aspects including how employees get to/from work. Employee commuting can often feel like an afterthought for organizations but over 60% of Canadian professionals believe that commuting is the most important cost for employers to subsidize. 

What is the BWC Designation and Why It Matters 

The Best Workplaces for Commuters (BWC) designation is a North American wide standard that celebrates organizations that go above and beyond in supporting sustainable commuting options for their people.  

To qualify for the BWC designation, organizations must offer a meaningful package of commuting options such transit subsidies, cycling amenities, carpool programs, remote work flexibility, or trip planning support. Once designated, members join a growing network of employers who are committed to creating healthier, more sustainable ways for people to get to and from work.  

The Strategic Value of Investing in Sustainable Commuting 

When organizations invest in a sustainable commuting program, they are creating lasting value for their operations, culture, and bottom line: 

Economic Value: 

Sustainable commuting solutions can help organizations unlock real cost savings and operational efficiencies. For example: 

• Lower parking demand which reduces the need for costly parking infrastructure. 

• Transit subsidies or carpool programs can help organizations save as the cost is often less than parking allowances or cash incentives. 

• Employee retention and recruitment:, commuting program helps staff feel like their wellbeing is prioritized. 

• Hybrid and remote work policies, can reduce overhead and expand access to talent across geographies. 

Environmental Value: 

Transportation is one of the largest contributors to workplace-related emissions, particularly under Scope 3, Category 7 (employee commuting). Investing in sustainable commuting helps: 

• Reduce GHG emissions, helping organizations move toward their net-zero targets. 

• Track and report on climate action, a growing requirement for ESG frameworks and sustainability reporting. 

• Align with government or industry climate policies, preparing for future regulations and demonstrating proactive leadership. 

Social Value: Creating Inclusive, Healthier Communities 

The way people get to work or home affects more than just their schedules, it impacts stress levels, work-life balance and even access to opportunity. A strong commuting program supports: 

• Equity in access, especially for those who don’t drive or who face financial barriers to transportation. 

• Employee and tenant wellbeing, by offering safe, active, or low stress commuting options. 

• A culture of care, where organizations show they’re invested in the day-to-day experience of the people they serve. 

Joining the BWC program is more than earning a certificate. It’s about joining a community of leaders who are rethinking the role of commuting. Members gain access to practical tools, guidance from pointA, and shared learning experiences with other trailblazers across sectors. 

This collective knowledge strengthens internal capacity, builds momentum for change, and helps organizations embed sustainable practices into everyday operations. It’s an investment in your people and in the kind of culture that attracts them and keeps them.  

What Members Are Saying 

Across sectors, we’re seeing employers transform how they support their people, while advancing key sustainability and operational goals. 

At NYGH, limited parking in an expansion phase led them to rethink how they supported staff commutes. Through targeted programs like carpooling they saw an uptake on the Smart Commute Application.  

For the City of Toronto, becoming BWC-designated was a natural extension of their TransformTO net-zero strategy. 

“The City of Toronto is proud to be recognized as the first municipality and workplace in Canada to achieve the designation of Best Workplace for Commuters. Our support of sustainable commuting helps our employees experience a better, less stressful commute and supports our TransformTO Net Zero Strategy by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and congestion from a major source: transportation.” 

— Mayor Olivia Chow 

The recognition helped them build internal momentum and communicate their values internally to employees, talent, and community stakeholders.  

For some business parks such as Steeles Tech Campus, property managers have found that investing in sustainable mobility like secure bike parking or trip planning resources adds value for tenants. 

What these organizations have in common is a willingness to lead and a recognition that the journey toward healthier commuting creates a people-first future. 

Pathway to BWC 

The path to becoming a Best Workplace for Commuters isn’t something you have to navigate alone. As the exclusive Canadian partner for the BWC designation, pointA works side by side with organizations to bring their sustainable commuting goals to life. 

We help you identify existing strengths, close gaps, and build a program that’s practical, inclusive, and aligned with your organization’s values. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to enhance what’s already in place, we provide hands-on support from strategy and communications to validation and recognition. 

Investing in a sustainable commuting program might not always show an immediate financial return but the long-term value is undeniable. It touches employee wellbeing, attraction and retention of talent to your organization’s reputation in a rapidly changing world. 

The BWC designation is more than recognition. It’s a statement. That your organization is ready to lead, ready to learn, and ready to build a future where sustainable transportation is the norm not the exception. 

Ready to take the next step? Click here to book a call with our experts.