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Turning Off the Lights, Turning Up the Impact 03.21.2025 | Laura Levenson

Tomorrow, March 22, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m., the world will hit the switch for Earth Hour—a small act with a big message. It’s a reminder that we all have a role in protecting our planet. And this year, that message feels more urgent than ever. The UN’s World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reported that 2024 saw over 150 unprecedented climate disasters, making it the hottest year on record.
 

Earth Hour got me thinking about the power of small changes. Some cities have seen nearly a 15% drop in energy use during the Earth Hour event—not a long-term fix but a powerful example of what’s possible when we act together. Collectively, the mobility industry has a unique opportunity to drive real change, not just in how we operate but also in how we support the people and communities facing climate-related challenges.

Individually, each action might feel small. But imagine the impact of those little changes adding up over a year, five years, or even a decade. Here are the big and small actions that we can take as mobility professionals to make a tangible difference in the health of the planet and the future of those who share it.

  1. Sustainable Mobility Practices

With carbon emissions at the forefront of climate discussions, mobility professionals can take proactive steps to reduce the environmental impact of relocations:

  • Green transportation options: Encourage the use of electric or hybrid vehicles for corporate relocations.
  • Smart housing solutions: Prioritize energy-efficient housing for employees in relocation packages.
  • Sustainable supply chains: Partner with vendors committed to eco-friendly practices, from moving companies using biodiesel to hotels with carbon-neutral certifications.

2. Supporting Employees in Climate-Affected Regions

As natural disasters become more frequent, mobility professionals must be prepared to support employees relocating due to climate threats. This includes:

  • Disaster preparedness: Implementing protocols for emergency evacuations and temporary housing solutions.
  • Relocation assistance: Ensuring employees forced to move due to environmental factors have the necessary financial and logistical support.
  • Mental health resources: Recognizing the stress and emotional toll that climate displacement can have and providing access to support networks.

3. Embedding Climate Resilience in Mobility Policies

Forward-thinking mobility programs should integrate climate resilience into policy design. This means:

  • Examining climate risk assessments for key mobility locations.
  • Conducting a Sustainability Audit – which should include a thorough inventory of items to be moved, reused, or recycled. Repurpose usable items in the new office, donate to charity, and recycle e-waste responsibly.
  • Partnering with moving companies that use fuel-efficient vehicles, reusable packing materials, and have recycling programs for unwanted materials
  • Offering flexible work arrangements for employees in high-risk regions to reduce unnecessary relocations.
  • Collaborating with local governments and organizations to support community rebuilding efforts post-disaster.

4. Advocating for Corporate Sustainability

Mobility professionals are in a unique position to influence corporate sustainability initiatives. This includes:

  • Educating stakeholders on the benefits of sustainable mobility practices.
  • Encouraging corporate policies that align with global climate goals, such as net-zero targets.
  • Engaging employees in sustainability efforts, from organizing pre-move donation drives, conducting workshops on how to pack sustainably, and encouraging carpooling or public transport during the relocation process.
  • Digitizing essential files before the transfer instead of moving mountains of paper documents. Encourage employees to recycle paper-based materials responsibly.
  • Reducing waste during the move. Use reusable boxes and crates instead of cardboard. Wrap items in old newspapers, fabric, or biodegradable packing materials.
Beyond Earth Hour

Natural disasters are no longer isolated events, increasingly shaping where and how people live and work. This presents challenges and opportunities for mobility professionals, encouraging us to rethink how we support talent in a world where change is the only constant. Our programs must be resilient, adaptable, and built with employee well-being, safety, and sustainability at the core.

As we mark Earth Hour 2025, let’s embrace this moment to not just unplug for an hour but reignite our commitment to a more sustainable and responsible future. Whether it’s reducing our carbon footprint, supporting climate-affected employees, or advocating for greener policies, every action—big or small—will shape a brighter future.

There’s a Studio® for that!

Connect with Weichert’s Advisory Services Team to learn how our Environmental Impact Studio® can help you design green mobility practices that align with your company’s beliefs, reinforcing your company’s reputation as an Employer of Choice!

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Written by Laura Levenson

Weichert_Laura_Levenson

Laura Levenson is a Practice Leader in Weichert Workforce Mobility’s Advisory Services group. She has worked in management capacities for workforce mobility and Big Four firms, and is well-versed in bringing clarity to the most pressing global talent deployment challenges. She brings over 25 years of experience to her role and is a frequent speaker on the mobility conference circuit.

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