Our National Specification Manager for the UK, Cliffe Tribe, exemplifies true commitment to sustainability by shifting from decades of road travel to a rail-based approach.
At Casambi, we’re proud to be at the forefront of innovative and sustainable lighting control solutions. But it’s not just our technology that’s eco-friendly—our team members are also making impactful changes in their daily routines to help protect the planet. Our National Specification Manager for the UK, Cliffe Tribe, has successfully transitioned from years of road travel to a more sustainable, rail-based approach to his work.
“In 1986, I joined The Wholesale Fittings plc as a Sales Representative and qualified for my first company car, a Vauxhall Astra. For the next 35 years, I was never without a company car, both diesel and petrol variants of course. Big BMWs were my car of choice”.
Over the decades since ’86, Cliffe reckons he has accrued over a million miles on UK roads, lugging cumbersome light fittings to clients and prospects. The worsening climate and deteriorating road conditions weighed heavily on his mind.
In 2020, Cliffe joined Casambi Technologies Oy, a move that significantly altered his travel habits:
“With Casambi, I no longer needed to carry luminaire samples to demonstrate to clients,” Cliffe explains. “All I needed was some micro-chips, a few small pieces of hardware, and a mobile phone.” The shift to a software-based solution totally eliminated the necessity for bulky hardware, allowing Cliffe to opt out of a company car altogether.
Instead, Cliffe embraced rail travel, finding it both practical and environmentally friendly. “Most of my client’s offices were now in town centres and not out-of-town industrial parks. Despite all the negativity surrounding our railways, most places I need to visit are well served by train.”
By carefully planning his journeys and booking early, Cliffe discovered the financial benefits of rail travel. “With clever planning and by booking early, I could acquire some very reasonably priced tickets. The rail card also helps with 33.3% discounts for off-peak travel.”
As of today, Cliffe has completed his 500th (!) rail journey for work since January 2021, covering 59,728 miles and saving 7.6 tonnes of CO2. To put that into perspective, this is equivalent to not using a washing machine for fifty years.
“Another great benefit to travelling by rail is the fact that one can work, think, and sleep on the train,” Cliffe notes. “Whilst solitary in a car, you can do little else but steer, change gear, and keep yourself alert and safe.”
Additionally, the shift to rail travel has had positive impacts on Cliffe’s health. “I regularly achieve 10,000 steps per day,” he says, thanks to the increased walking between stations and client offices.
Cliffe’s story, originally covered by RecoLight, is a powerful reminder of the personal and environmental benefits of choosing sustainable travel options. His decision to ‘let the train take the strain’, as he puts it, not only aligns with Casambi’s commitment to sustainability but also sets an inspiring example for others to follow. Bravo!
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