Stantec’s Cool Commuters…

Submitted by Wendy Firlotte, Sustainability Engagement Coordinator (Annapolis, MD)

Wendy, and her bike

Do you have that nagging inner voice reminding you of things like you should really start exercising more, learn to play that instrument, or actually make the effort to figure out a more environmentally friendly way to get to work? Stantec’s month-long Cool Commute Challenge provides our employees with motivation to experiment with different modes of commuting, whether by bike, transit, foot, carpool, or some other creative, but safe, mode of transport. With both seasoned veterans and newly converted commuters, our employees are working towards reducing their personal carbon footprints, finding new ways to incorporate regular exercise into their busy daily routines, and save some money in the process.

Brian Moeller (Hamilton, ON) is a veteran commuter. Brian has biked 25 km (15.5 miles) from his home to work for 10 years. After commuting for 17 years to Toronto by car, Brian feels his bike commute is great way to improve his health and relieve stress. One of his favorite routes to work takes him through the Niagara Escarpment, a beautiful protected natural area through the City of Hamilton. 

Our Edmonton office hosted a mini-bike race as a fun way
to raise awareness about the challenge

Sandy Shaposky (Washington, DC) usually drives her car for the 35 mile (56.3 km) commute; with gas and parking the cost is about $22–26 per day. The Cool Commute Challenge motivated Sandy to take a local commuter bus, at $10 roundtrip, which adds up to significant cost savings. Sandy says she loves not having to be at the wheel when heading into the office and enjoys being able to get some work done or to relax.



David Nardone (Boston, MA) occasionally teleworks and otherwise takes the subway to work most days. About half of his office takes transit and use a car share service (Zip Car) to get around for client meetings and site visits.

Wilbur Horton (Northampton, MA) carpools 125 miles (201 km) roundtrip every day. He says it saves his carpooling trio significant costs associated with gas, parking, and vehicle wear and tear.

Jim Cleveland (San Francisco, CA) takes a commuter train and transit bus about 50 miles (80.5 km) from his home every day. Taking the train not only saves Jim $500–600 per month, it also provides him time to get some extra work done or to just relax with a little down time.


The Sacramento office has formed a group to
walk to lunch versus driving


Ann Tolman (Rocklin, CA) was motivated by the Cool Commute Challenge to start using the bike she bought last year and infuse more physical activity in her life after recently having her second child. She feels it’s a great way to fit exercise into her already busy schedule.

Mason Mattos (Sacramento, CA) travels 17 miles (27.4 km) by commuter bus every day, saving him about $300 per month. When Mason needs to get to appointments in the city, he brings his bike aboard the commuter bus and combines bike and light rail to get around.

Not only are our offices logging saved travel miles, many are having a lot of fun by hosting Cool Commute Challenge events such as “walk to lunch” office events and mini-bike races. Great job to all of our participating offices! We are pleased to have another successful challenge this year!