October 4, 2021

Employers all over San Diego County are embracing methods to reduce traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions. The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) celebrated their hard work with a virtual event on September 21. One hundred forty-four employers countywide were recognized with Diamond Awards for their outstanding efforts to encourage employees to use environmentally sustainable transportation choices.

The Diamond Awards are administered by the SANDAG iCommute program, which provides a variety of services to commuters and employers to help reduce traffic congestion, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and improve mobility.

Diamond Award recipients promote alternatives to driving alone, including carpool, vanpool, bike, walk, transit, telework, and compressed workweek schedules. Some organizations also provide incentives, subsidies, or pre-tax deductions to support their employees’ participation in eligible programs.

This year, many local employers turned to iCommute for complimentary assistance with implementing and formalizing their telework programs. iCommute’s Telework Assistance Program is complimentary for employers, and resources for teleworkers are also available at iCommuteSD.com.

A record-breaking twenty-seven local companies were presented with a plaque for a Platinum Diamond Award, the highest award level. A full recording of the event is available on the SANDAG YouTube channel. A full list of Diamond Awards recipients is posted on the iCommute website.

Employers throughout San Diego County are invited to take advantage of complimentary iCommute employer services to be eligible for Diamond Awards. To learn more about the program, visit iCommuteSD.com/Employers.

Next month, many of these employers will encourage their employees to pledge to clean the air and leave their car at home in celebration of California Clean Air Day on Wednesday, October 6. Employers who take the pledge for Clean Air Day will receive a toolkit of promotional materials from iCommute and earn a Diamond Awards point. More information about Clean Air Day can be found at iCommuteSD.com/CleanAirDay.

Employers can alternately earn a Diamond Awards point by participating in Rideshare Week, October 4-8. Employers are encouraged to promote alternative commute methods like carpooling, vanpooling and taking transit. Registered employers will receive a toolkit of promotional materials from iCommute. More information about Rideshare Week can be found at iCommuteSD.com/Rideshare.