Kerstin Hanson
Business Innovation Manager
Volvo Group
Gothenburg, Sweden
Kerstin Hanson, 43, developed a "CO2 pedometer" application for cell phones, which measures commuters' carbon emissions. Inspired by the data, Hanson's test group altered its behavior and reduced its carbon footprint by 30%.
"The main reason people drive to work alone is because that's what they usually do. We want to promote efficient transport solutions, and sometimes public transportation is the right option, which helps free up the roads for drivers.
With the pedometers, we wanted people to make a conscious choice by visualizing the consequences of their driving habits. People suddenly start to think, Maybe I don't need to take the car today. In business, what gets measured gets done, and it's the same for individuals. People feel a sense of accomplishment in reducing their CO2 emissions and even compete with colleagues to see who can reduce the most. It lets us use the carrot instead of the whip to help people change their behavior."
Email
Digg
StumbleUpon
Facebook
Buzz Up!
LinkedIn
Recent Comments | 3 Total
August 17, 2009 at 5:30pm by Magnus Holmqvist
Great to find out, knowing that Volvo has always been committed to environmental care it is nice to find innovative yet simple ways for progress. Next step www.commutegreener.com
August 17, 2009 at 5:31pm by Magnus Holmqvist
Great to find out, knowing that Volvo has always been committed to environmental care it is nice to find innovative yet simple ways for progress. Next step www.commutegreener.com
November 25, 2009 at 10:00am by corimic corimic
The simplest pedometers only count your steps and display steps and/or distance. This is all you need to track to keep yourself motivated. Set a goal of distance or steps for each day.Wholesale Pedometers