Everything you need to know
Is your organisation based in the Netherlands, and does it employ a hundred or more employees? If so, from 1 January 2024 onwards, it will be mandatory for you to monitor and report on your people’s business travel and commuting. This is dictated by the reporting obligation for work-related personal mobility (WPM), which stems from the Dutch Climate Agreement.
According to most estimates, business travel and commuting combined account for
more than half of all kilometres driven and almost half of all emissions generated by personal mobility. By introducing the reporting obligation, the Dutch government aims to gain insight into
these carbon emissions as the basis for reducing emissions from work-related personal mobility by 1.6 megatons by 2030.
So what does the reporting obligation mean for you as an employer? Which preparations do you need to make, and what help is available in terms of data collection and other support? Read on to find out!
To whom does the reporting obligation apply?
The reporting obligation for work-related personal mobility (WPM) applies to all organisations based in the Netherlands with one hundred or more employees. If you have less than one hundred employees, the reporting obligation does not apply. However, you may decide to submit your data voluntarily, so that you can keep track of your organisation’s work-related personal mobility emissions for your own purposes.
Which data should be recorded?
The Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management has developed a guide outlining which data is required for the WPM and containing tips for how to collect it. Note, that this guide is in Dutch only.
In a nutshell, the most essential details to monitor and record are:
- The total number of kilometres travelled by your employees during commuting and business trips, per year.
- A breakdown of the various means of transport used for the annual total.
- A breakdown of the different fuel types for each means of transport.
How must the data be submitted?
The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) has built a digital platform to register all the annual data. The required information must be submitted to the platform using a special digital form (in Dutch only). Provided that you are well prepared (e.g. you have gathered all the relevant data, in line with the requirements), it should take limited time to complete the submission process.
When does the data have to be submitted?
The data for the year 2024 must be submitted by 30 June 2025 at the latest. Needless to say, you may submit your data earlier if you prefer. In the case of voluntary submissions, the digital form is already available. This means you can submit your data whenever you wish to gain insight into the carbon emissions generated by your organisation’s work-related personal mobility.
Is the reporting obligation likely to change?
In 2026, the Dutch Ministry will evaluate the carbon reductions achieved in 2024 and 2025. If employers are on track to reach the goal, the reporting obligation will remain unchanged. However, if analysis shows that the carbon reduction target is unlikely to be achieved, from 2027 onwards, the government may set a legal standard to enforce smarter and more economical travel among employees in support of the climate goals.
What help is available?
More information about the WPM can be found on the English-language website of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). Or contact us for advice and support in getting started. At Mobility Switch, we are ready to help you with your WPM reporting obligation.
Images: Shutterstock, Maud van Mulekom