Dutch Companies > 100 Employees: Brace yourselves for WPM/RWP Reporting

In a significant move towards environmental responsibility and sustainability, the Netherlands has introduced the Work-Related Mobility of Persons (WPM) mandate. This initiative, also known as "Rapportageverplichting werkgebonden personenmobiliteit" in Dutch, places a reporting obligation on roughly 8000 organizations with 100 or more employees to measure and disclose the CO2 emissions associated with their employees' work-related mobility. Here, we delve into the essential aspects of this mandate and explore how organizations can navigate the complexities of reporting to contribute to a more sustainable future.

The WPM Mandate: An ambitious Initiative

The WPM mandate, effective from January 1, 2024, is a progressive step towards fostering transparency and accountability in organizations regarding their environmental impact. By obliging companies to report work-related CO2 emissions, the Dutch government aims to encourage businesses to adopt sustainable practices and reduce their carbon footprint. This initiative aligns with global efforts to address climate change and promotes corporate responsibility in the face of environmental challenges.

The essential Q&A

• Who Needs to Report? The WPM mandate applies to organizations in the Netherlands with a workforce of 100 or more employees. These organizations are not only required to track and report their emissions accurately but are also encouraged to take proactive measures to reduce their overall carbon footprint, particularly in the realm of work-related mobility.
• Reporting Timeline: Organizations falling under the WPM mandate must have their data collection systems in place starting from January 1, 2024. The first reporting deadline is set for June 30, 2025, providing sufficient time for companies to prepare and align their reporting processes with the WPM requirements. This timeline emphasizes the importance of thorough and accurate reporting in the pursuit of sustainability.
• Business vs. Commuting Emissions: One of the central aspects of WPM reporting is the differentiation between business travel and commuting emissions. This critical distinction allows organizations to develop targeted strategies for emission reduction within their broader corporate sustainability efforts. Understanding the nuances of each category empowers companies to implement effective measures for mitigating their environmental impact.
• Comprehensive Data Segmentation: Navigating the intricacies of reporting work-related travel can be overwhelming. Organizations need to comprehend not only their reporting obligations but also the specific procedures for reporting different types of travel.

How to prepare for WPM reporting?

The process, as outlined in the flowchart, encompasses several crucial steps:

Assessing Reporting Obligations: The initial decision for any organization is to ascertain whether they are subject to mandatory reporting requirements. If not obligated, the organization still has the choice to voluntarily utilize an online platform for calculating and reporting emissions, demonstrating a commitment to transparency and sustainability.

• Company Vehicles Reporting: If the organization provides company vehicles (whether leased or owned) available for use, it must follow the 'business lease or own fleet' scheme. This involves documenting the mileage and emissions associated with these vehicles.
• Mobility Services Reporting: Organizations utilizing third-party mobility services for business travel must collect and report data according to the 'business travel via mobility services' scheme. This includes any outsourced transportation services contracted by the company.
• Expense Claims Reporting: When employees use private vehicles for business travel and receive cash allowances, the organization must report this information following the 'business travel expense claims' scheme. Accurate tracking of these expenses is crucial as they contribute to the overall travel emissions profile.
• Commuting Mileage Reporting: Determining the total commuting mileage is vital for organizations to grasp the full scope of their carbon footprint related to employee transport. The flowchart guides the entry of this data following the 'commuting travel' scheme, covering the mileage between employees' homes and the workplace.

The above flowchart serves as a  tool, breaking down the reporting process into manageable actions. It ensures organizations meet their obligations without overlooking any details. By adhering to this process, companies can guarantee a comprehensive understanding of their work-related travel emissions, facilitating the development of well-informed sustainability strategies.

A Closer Look at Transportation Type

The data required for WPM reporting encompasses a variety of transportation types and fuels. From conventional petrol and diesel vehicles to electric cars and e-bikes, each mode of transport comes with its method for measuring usage. This comprehensive approach ensures that organizations capture a complete picture of their work-related travel emissions, paving the way for informed and effective sustainability strategies.

• Petrol and Diesel Vehicles: Often the primary focus of emissions reporting, these traditional transport vehicles are carbon-intensive in nature.
• Plug-in Hybrids: Transitional technology that combines internal combustion engines with electric motors.
• Fully Electric Vehicles: Representing the pinnacle of zero-emissions travel, these vehicles are increasingly central to sustainability strategies.
• Other Fuels: Encompassing alternative fuel vehicles not widely categorized, such as LPG or natural gas vehicles.
• Two-Wheelers: Motorbikes and scooters, whether petrol or electric, play a significant role in urban transport scenarios.
• Speed Pedelecs and E-Bikes: This sector is growing due to its eco-friendly and health-positive attributes.
• Public Transport: While not directly reported by some organizations, the role of public transport in reducing personal vehicle usage is acknowledged.

Reporting Categories:

• Business Lease or Ownership of Fleet: Compilation of data pertaining to vehicles utilized by a company, indicating whether they are leased or owned for business operations.
• Business Travel Utilizing Mobility Services: Encompasses all business-related travel conducted through third-party mobility services.
• Documentation of Claims for Business Travel: Any expenses claimed for business purposes during travel must be adequately documented.
• Total Commuting Travel: The overall distance covered by employees traveling from their homes to the workplace.

Streamlining WPM Reporting and Strategy

To streamline WPM reporting and develop effective sustainability strategies, organizations must adopt a structured approach to data collection. Clarifying the data needed, understanding reporting categories, and categorizing different vehicle types and fuels are essential steps in this process. This precision goes beyond compliance; it integrates sustainability into the corporate ethos, aligning with global initiatives like the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals.

In conclusion, the WPM mandate in the Netherlands represents a significant leap towards a more sustainable future. Nonetheless, the reporting detail goes far beyond what companies have readily available, and it’s reasonable to expect that not all 8000 Dutch companies with more than 100 employees will be ready to start collecting data on January 1^st 2024.

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