| Where: | Mode of Transport: | Type of Intervention: |
| Etobicoke North American Headquarters | Public Transit, Cycling, EV Charging, E-Scooter, E-Bike | Commuter Education, Subsidy Program, Cycling Awareness, Public Transit Awareness, EV Charging Infrastructure |
Background
Lush Cosmetics, a global fresh handmade cosmetics brand known for its ethical sourcing and environmental sustainability, extends its eco-conscious values to its everyday workplace operations. As a Smart Commute worksite operating across four locations in Etobicoke, Ontario, Lush is committed to helping its workforce commute sustainably through a mix of employer-funded benefits and Smart Commute programming.
The Opportunity
To encourage employees to choose active and sustainable travel modes, Lush developed a suite of internal perks, including a 50% PRESTO card reimbursement for transit riders, a secure outdoor bike parking container, and outdoor e-bike charging stations.
To build on these internal investments, Lush partnered with pointA to deliver dedicated program administration, digital commuting tools, and hands-on experiences to:
- Provide a centralized platform for staff to connect, explore route options, and log trips.
- Offer employees a safety net when leaving their personal vehicles at home.
- Keep employee bicycles safe, functional, and road-ready for daily commutes.
- Engage staff across both Etobicoke facilities through workplace campaigns and incentives.
How pointA Helped
pointA partnered with Lush Cosmetics to connect employees with digital commuting tools, administer core Smart Commute programs, and deliver full-service on-site events across Etobicoke sites:
- Custom Workplace Network on the Smart Commute App:
Lush employees gain access to the Smart Commute app and a private, company-specific Lush network. The app empowers employees to:
- Find carpool partners and commute buddies for transit or cycling within their workplace community.
- Explore personalized sustainable commuting routes and travel options tailored to their shifts.
- Participate in annual region-wide Smart Commute campaigns to log trips and win prizes.
- Administering Emergency Ride Home (ERH):
pointA administers the Emergency Ride Home program for Lush employees. This service offers commuters peace of mind by guaranteeing a reimbursed taxi or ride-hail home in the event of an emergency, personal illness, or unexpected late shift—removing a major psychological barrier to transit, carpooling, and active travel.
- Delivering On-Site Free Bike Tune-Up Events:
New as of this year, pointA organized and administered annual complimentary bike tune-up events at two Etobicoke locations. Professional bike mechanics from the Learning Enrichment Foundation were brought on-site to provide safety inspections, brake and gear adjustments, and detailed repairs, ensuring cycling equipment remained safe and reliable while celebrating active transportation at work.
Results
By pairing Lush’s internal subsidies and infrastructure with pointA’s program administration, custom app network, and on-site events, Lush has strengthened its green commuting culture across both Etobicoke locations.
- 28 Bicycles and e-bikes inspected and serviced during the on-site tune-up events.
- 100+ employees received cycling gear and resources such as bikes, bells, seat covers and maps.
- 800 Employees covered and supported by the Emergency Ride Home program.
- 41% Overall employee participation in sustainable commuting modes.
- Enhanced Employee Experience: The combination of app-based ride matching, on-site bike mechanics and guaranteed emergency rides provided the practical support needed for employees to feel confident leaving their cars at home.
“Partnering with pointA to provide our team with the Smart Commute app, hands-on bike tune-ups, and Emergency Ride Home coverage complements our internal transit subsidies perfectly. It gives our staff the community support and resources they need to commute sustainably.”
Craig Stephens, Energy Management & Sustainability Specialist at LUSH