We recently joined the Common Good Economy movement (econgood.org) by becoming a member of the Common Good Economy Bavaria e.V. (bayern.econgood.org)! From now on, we will, among other things, promote the regional visibility of this growing international movement, which, based on the question “How do we want to live?”, proclaims a development-oriented, ethical economic model: 

An economic model that makes successful relationships with people and nature the primary goal of business and encourages companies of all legal forms and sizes to regularly compile and publish a so-called Common Good Balance Sheet. This balance sheet makes it clear for the first time to what extent companies live democratic values (such as human dignity, solidarity and justice, ecological sustainability, transparency, and co-decision-making) within their own companies and in their business relationships, thus ultimately fulfilling Article 151 (1) of the Bavarian Constitution: “All economic activity serves the common good.”

Assuming that all companies were to prepare a common good balance sheet every year in addition to their financial balance sheet, the results of which (a score of -3600 to 1000 points) would be linked to incentives such as tax rebates for particularly ethical companies – how would this impact product/service quality, the affordability of ethical products and services, nature, and our collective coexistence?

We expect a very positive impact, which is why we want to join the ranks of Bavarian companies that already prepare common good balance sheets this year. Even without legal relief, companies with common good balance sheets experience positive effects, whether in the form of improved collaboration with suppliers, manufacturers, and financiers or increased customer and employee satisfaction.

 
Sustainability is not just a buzzword for us. It is a core value that guides our actions and decisions as a company. We believe that being sustainable means being responsible for the impact that we have on the environment, society, and ourselves. That is why we have started a project that encourages our colleagues to use bikes as a transport source.

Bikes are one of the most sustainable modes of transportation available. They have many benefits, such as:

• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution,
• Improving health and well-being. Cycling can lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes, and mental stress. It can also boost mood, energy, and productivity,
• Saving money and time. Cycling is cheaper than driving or taking public transport, especially when considering the costs of fuel, parking, maintenance, and fares. It can also be faster than other modes of transport in congested urban areas.

To promote biking among our colleagues, we have bought e-bikes (3 regular ones + 1 cargo bike) that our colleagues can use for free for business and private mobility. We have also created a bike team that organizes bike events and activities:

Bike Checks

At the beginning of the cycling season we organize a safety check – not just for DAVID staff, but offered to everyone in the building. A specialized company for bike maintenance then comes on site. The costs are covered by DAVID.

An area with safety and maintenance items is set up in the office. These include in addition to bicycle helmets, appropriate clothing such as gloves, jackets, pants, bike airbags and accessories, such as air pumps.

A repair corner with a stand, tools and air pumps has been set up in the bicycle cellar and is available to everyone working in the building.

 

Bike challenges

The team plans to participate in cycling-related events at the state or local level. For example, the number of participants in “Stadtradeln” in 2023 doubled compared to the previous year.

Bike tours

The team often plans and organizes bicycle tours on weekends and for the whole family. There were many trips to Lake Starnberg and Landshut. Inner-city district tours, for example through Nymphenburg, are being planned.

The team also supports other company initiatives through bicycle transportation. For example, “Picnic and Game” events take place several times a year near the company (Westpark or Hirschgarten), to which many company employees travel by bicycle. The necessary equipment such as grills, food and drinks are also delivered by cargo bike. The company bicycles are also available for customer visits in the Munich area.

In addition to leisure activities and the daily commute, DAVID actively promotes the use of bicycles, for example to travel to events or trade fairs. In many cases, necessary accessories for longer trips were purchased, accommodation costs were reimbursed and the transport costs for the return journey by train with bicycle were covered.

Job Rad

Conclusion of contract with the company JobRad for tax-subsidized bicycle leasing is an offer for all employees. Leasing a bicycle or e-bike through the employer is in most cases cheaper than buying it directly. Accessories such as locks or lighting can be included in the leasing contract and are therefore also tax-advantaged. DAVID also provides special services such as insurance against accidents or theft. Another plus point is the largely free choice of price, brand and vendor so that the bike can be tailored to individual needs. According to statistics, employees who regularly cycle to work are on average two fewer days sick per year. Besides, the parking space will also be further reduced.

We are proud of our bike project and the positive impact that it has on our company and the environment. We hope that by sharing our experience, we can inspire other companies and individuals to adopt biking as a sustainable transport option. If you are interested in joining our bike team or learning more about our project, please contact us at [email protected]. We would love to hear from you.

Thank you for reading and happy biking!