News
Prompted by a commitment to care for creation, organizations in the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva, Switzerland have joined together to develop a “Sustainable Mobility Plan” that strives for a more environmentally friendly and sustainable solution for traffic mobility and commuting.
The leadership of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in consultation and partnership with the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) and ACT Alliance launches this plan for sustainable mobility, which includes a statement of responsibilities and values concerning the environment and promoting good health.
The plan also includes commitments by the WCC and sister organizations to improve conditions for employees who choose to commute to the Ecumenical Centre by bicycle or bus or on foot, as well as concrete steps aiming to align the organizational culture and staff behavior of those who work in or visit the Ecumenical Centre with the values that the WCC and other ecumenical organizations uphold in their work.
The WCC, LWF and ACT Alliance describe the plan as one that works “creatively with cantonal and communal authorities to improve the infrastructure and incentives for sustainable mobility in the Ecumenical Centre and the whole International Quarter of Geneva.”
A sample Mobility Guide brochure for staff and visitors is provided as an appendix to the plan, encouraging alternative means of transport, particularly cycling and bus, and covering commuting options for the Ecumenical Institute, Bossey. A commuting survey will be conducted this autumn, with the intention to assess the impact of the plan in a year’s time.
The plan also affirms the explicit consideration of sustainable mobility in the design and facilities planned for the new Green Village, which will feature several office buildings as well as a residential building and hotel, surrounded by gardens, walkways and bicycle paths.
Ecumenical Centre Mobility Guide
Winning project in architectural competition to develop WCC site in Geneva (WCC news release 22 October 2013)
