In early 2026, rising petrol prices became a real source of stress for many of our people. As a multidisciplinary engineering, project management and environmental consultancy, much of our team drives to offices and project sites every day, and fuel is a weekly cost that is hard to avoid.
We recognised this as more than a budgeting issue. Financial pressure affects sleep, concentration and overall wellbeing, and infrastructure work, with its mix of long desk-based hours and time behind the wheel, often leaves little room for regular physical activity. We wanted to respond quickly and practically, while the pressure was real.
What we did
We launched FSC Green Commute, offering 20 permanent employees a $500 reimbursement towards a bike, e-bike or e-scooter.
The process was kept simple. Staff registered with our accounts team, purchased from a reputable retailer, submitted their receipt and were reimbursed. Marketplace purchases were excluded and a trusted retailer was recommended, so that everyone ended up with safe, reliable equipment.
We also acknowledged that for many people a car trip to work is unavoidable. Every ride counts, whether it is a commute, a school run, a trip to the shops or a weekend ride, so no one was excluded because of where they live or the sites they work on.
The response
All 20 places were claimed within two weeks, representing a $10,000 investment in staff wellbeing and around 22 per cent of our workforce. Eight participants now ride to work, site or the train station at least one day a week, replacing car trips with active travel.
The initiative quickly became a shared conversation across the business, with staff posting their new bikes, research and photos on our internal channels, including an entry in our staff photo competition.
Why it matters
FSC’s Green Commute Initiative shows that meaningful wellbeing support does not require a large budget or a dedicated program. The program tackled financial stress, mental health and physical activity in one simple, low-cost initiative. It also brings our internal culture into line with the sustainability outcomes we help our clients deliver.
