Sustainable Travel Allowance Policy

The Sustainable Travel Allowance Policy is designed to promote and incentivise sustainable modes of transportation for work-related travel. The policy applies to all employees who require travel for work.

As a School, we want to encourage, support and recognise our team members who ‘go the extra mile’ to contribute to minimising our environmental footprint and improving our planets’ chance of survival. They can truly act as role models within the School (both to children, families and other team members).

We also see this as a point of difference in working for our School. We genuinely value this approach to life and wish to reward it, not just with words or actions, but also with financial reward. 

We want to become an ‘employer of choice’ to Early Childhood Professionals who are passionate about the environment and sustainability practices.

We also acknowledge that there can sometimes be other reasons why team members cannot actively participate as much as they would like to. This may be due to a team
member’s health condition or family or community commitments outside of work – the intent of this program is not to discriminate in any way against ANY team member nor diminish their genuine commitment to the environment and sustainability practices - but to recognise those who can, and do, choose to make a ‘sacrifice’ to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability practices.

As a management group, we will develop an “Environmental and Sustainability Strategy” for the service, which may highlight further opportunities to offer incentives and/or rewards for staff who participate in identified strategies or programs.

The following modes of transportation are eligible for the sustainable travel allowance:

• Public transportation
• Biking
• Walking
• Carpooling
• Electric cars

The sustainable travel allowance will be calculated based on the distance traveled and the mode of transportation used. The following rates will apply:

Mode of Transportation	Rate per Day
Public transportation	$5.50
Biking	$4.00
Walking	$4.00

All employees must record their sustainable travel allowance claim within 60 days of the end of the travel period. The claim must include:

• Date of travel
• Starting and ending locations
• Mode of transportation used

All sustainable travel allowance claims will be reviewed by the CFO for approval. Once approved, the claim will be processed for payment in the pay cycle for the quarter end ie. April, July, Oct, Jan.

Any fraudulent claims or misuse of the sustainable travel allowance policy will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

This allowance will be revised annually in consultation with management. Any changes in legislation, regulations, Quality Assurance and other standards will be considered in the review process. Any changes in policies or procedures will be communicated to those impacted both verbally and in writing.