Discover how Cyclescheme can help your business meet ESG goals. Support green initiatives in the workplace with a cost-neutral cycle to work benefit.
How Cyclescheme can support your ESG strategy
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) has become a board-level priority for businesses of every size. From micro-enterprises to multinationals, organisations across the UK are under increasing pressure to show they are making responsible, sustainable choices, and generally doing their bit in the fight against climate change.
An effective ESG strategy is no longer a ‘nice to have’. It’s a core part of how employers are judged by stakeholders, staff, investors and customers alike. But putting ESG into practice can feel overwhelming, especially for smaller teams or companies with limited internal resource.
The good news? Supporting ESG doesn’t always require sweeping policy change or complex restructuring. Practical, low-cost initiatives like introducing a cycle to work scheme can make a measurable difference by reducing carbon emissions, improving employee wellbeing, and demonstrating transparent governance in one simple step.
In this article, we’ll explore how partnering with Cyclescheme gives your organisation a clear, practical way to align with ESG priorities, making it a smart, sustainable choice for forward-thinking employers.
Environmental – Reduce your workplace carbon footprint
Supporting the environment is one of the clearest ways to put your ESG strategy into action by reducing your transport-related emissions. Commuting accounts for a significant share of a business’s scope 3 emissions, which include indirect greenhouse gas emissions within the company’s value chain. For office-based organisations, daily travel by car is often a major contributor.
By offering a Cycle to Work scheme through Cyclescheme, you’re actively encouraging your people to switch to low-carbon commuting. Every bike on the road is one fewer car journey that reduces congestion, fuel consumption and pollution.
Social – Support employee wellbeing and inclusivity
The social part of an ESG strategy is all about how your organisation supports people both inside and outside the business. That includes promoting employee wellbeing, offering inclusive benefits, and creating a workplace culture that values fairness and accessibility.
Cycling has loads of benefits for physical and mental health. Employees who cycle to work often have lower stress levels, improved fitness, and better focus throughout the day. As a result, businesses see fewer sick days, higher morale and stronger team performance.
Importantly, Cyclescheme is an inclusive benefit. It’s available to employees across all pay grades and works well for full-time, part-time and hybrid workers alike. The flexible salary sacrifice model allows staff to access a bike and accessories in a tax-efficient way, making it more affordable and accessible for everyone.
Employee inclusion also means catering to different cycling needs and abilities. Whether someone is commuting five miles or 15, there's a bike to suit them. This round-up of top commuting bikes is a great place to start when helping your team choose the right option.
Governance – Demonstrating responsible business practices
Good corporate governance is the foundation of any strong ESG strategy. It reflects how well your business is run, covering areas like transparency, compliance, stakeholder engagement, and ethical decision-making.
Cyclescheme is a fully compliant, HMRC-approved benefit. It’s simple to administer, cost-neutral for your business, and offers clear, auditable records of employee uptake. That means it’s easy to demonstrate good governance practices, whether you're reporting to a board of directors, investors or regulatory bodies.
The scheme also supports alignment with standards such as ISO 26000 (guidance on social responsibility) and broader CSR (corporate social responsibility) goals. By offering equitable, sustainable benefits like Cyclescheme, you’re embedding ethical values into the everyday running of your business.
Sign your business up to Cyclescheme today >
Low-effort, high-impact ESG action
One of the challenges businesses face with ESG frameworks is the perception that meaningful change requires major investment or complex infrastructure. In reality, some of the most impactful ESG initiatives can be the simplest to implement. Cyclescheme is a great example of this.
As an employer, signing up to Cyclescheme is quick and easy. There are no setup fees, and the ongoing admin is minimal. Once registered, you can start offering the scheme to employees immediately via an easy-to-use online platform.
It’s also cost-neutral for employers because employees make repayments via salary sacrifice. This makes it a financially sustainable way to support green initiatives in the workplace, even if budgets are tight.
From a strategic planning perspective, this is the definition of low-effort, high-impact. You’re reducing commuting emissions, supporting employee wellbeing, and embedding ethical governance without adding to your workload or overheads.
Sign your business up to Cyclescheme today >
Enhance your employer brand and attract talent
In today’s competitive job market, your company’s values matter just as much as your vacancies. Jobseekers increasingly want to work for businesses that take sustainability and social responsibility seriously. For smaller businesses, it’s a smart way to stand out against larger competitors. For bigger organisations, it strengthens your employer brand and supports your diversity and inclusion agenda.
What’s more, employee benefits like Cyclescheme contribute to stronger retention. Staff are more likely to stay with a company that supports their lifestyle and aligns with their personal values.
Data, reporting, and compliance made simple
As ESG reporting becomes more mainstream, businesses need clear measurable ways to track their progress and communicate sustainability disclosures. Investors, stakeholders, and regulators are asking for evidence, and Cyclescheme will help you to meet these demands with minimal fuss.
Using Cyclescheme’s benefits calculator, you can access data that supports your environmental and social impact reporting. As you track uptake of the scheme, you can estimate the carbon savings generated through active travel and measure an approximate physical health uplift as employees commute. This tool is particularly useful for businesses working towards or reporting on scope 3 or net zero GHG emissions.
From a governance standpoint, proving that your green initiatives in the workplace are fully compliant and well-managed is easy with Cyclescheme. The scheme is HMRC-approved, operates on a secure digital platform, and includes clear documentation for internal or external audits.
Cyclescheme gives you tangible, accessible metrics to support your narrative, whether you’re submitting ESG reports, applying for accreditations, or communicating your values to clients and partners,
Sign your business up to Cyclescheme today >
Ready to take the next step?
Building a meaningful ESG strategy doesn’t always require big investments or sweeping policy changes. Sometimes, the most effective solutions are also the most practical. Cyclescheme gives your business a simple, cost-neutral way to support sustainability, employee wellbeing, and ethical governance.
Register your business today and make Cyclescheme part of your ESG journey >
Frequently asked questions about Cyclescheme
What is ESG and why does it matter to businesses?
ESG stands for environmental, social & governance. These three pillars help measure how responsibly a business operates. A strong ESG strategy can attract talent, improve reputation, and support funding or partnership opportunities. It’s about showing that you care about more than just profit and taking practical steps to support people and the planet.
How does Cyclescheme support environmental goals?
Is Cyclescheme easy to set up and manage?
Yes. Cyclescheme is designed to be hassle-free and cost-neutral for employers. There are no setup fees, minimal admin, and everything is managed through a secure online platform. You can register your business in minutes, and employees can start applying straight away.
Sign your business up to Cyclescheme today >
Can employees on all salaries join the scheme?
Most employees can take part, including full-time, part-time and hybrid workers. The scheme is subject to national minimum wage rules, but Cyclescheme provides guidance to help employers assess eligibility. It’s an inclusive benefit that supports staff at all levels, helping you promote fairness and wellbeing.
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