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14 February 2024

Creating sustainable commutes: A guide for universities and colleges

woman and man smiling for a photo on a bike at a college and university

By Dr Ian Murdey, Project Manager at GO Travel Solutions.

In the pursuit of achieving Net Zero and reducing Scope 3 emissions, as well as ensuring equitable access to all, universities and colleges play a leading role in adopting sustainable practices. One crucial aspect to address is commuting, where the choices of students, staff, and other visitors can significantly impact the environment. This article serves as a guide for educational institutions, offering insights and strategies to promote more sustainable transportation options.

  1. Understanding the impact:

Before implementing changes it's essential to understand the environmental impact of how we commute, appreciate the positive and negative effects of each transport method, and emphasise the need for a shift towards healthier alternatives.

A great place to begin is by crafting a Workplace Travel Plan; you can explore my top five tips for creating one here.

  1. Promoting active commuting:

Encourage active travel by creating walking, wheeling, and cycling-friendly sites. Consider implementing bike-sharing programs and providing secure bike storage facilities and ensuring that pavements and other pedestrian areas are suitable for all users including those with reduced mobility. Highlight the health benefits of active commuting, contributing to the overall well-being of the college or university community.

  1. Enhancing public transport accessibility:

Work closely with local public transport providers to ensure that the site is accessible for all users. Establish bus stops that are convenient and appropriate for everyone. Promote the use of public transport as a cost-effective and eco-friendly commuting option enhanced where possible with discounted student and staff passes.

  1. Sustainable travel incentive schemes:

Introduce a sustainable travel incentive scheme to motivate students and staff towards healthier choices. One example is SmartGO (www.smartgo.co.uk), the workplace travel package. This scheme offers a range of discounts on various sustainable transport options, including cycling, bus, rail, and car hire.

By partnering with SmartGO, universities and colleges can extend these benefits to their communities, encouraging a collective commitment to sustainable commuting.

  1. Embracing carsharing:

Facilitate carsharing programs to reduce the number of single-occupancy vehicles on site. Develop a user-friendly platform for students and staff to connect and share rides or join a pre-existing platform; provide priority carshare parking spaces and/or cheaper parking permits for vehicles with 2+ people in them.

Emphasise the social aspect of sharing a lift as well as the financial and environmental savings.

  1. Education and awareness campaigns:

Launch campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable commuting. Organise workshops, seminars, and events to educate users on the environmental impact of transportation choices and include information in staff and student inductions. Showcase success stories and positive outcomes from adopting eco-friendly commuting practices.

Creating sustainable commutes requires a multifaceted approach, involving infrastructure improvements, incentive schemes, and a collective commitment to change. By implementing these strategies and incorporating initiatives like SmartGO, universities and colleges can reduce some of the pressures and stresses associated with car parking and lead the way towards a greener and more sustainable future.

Our collective effort can make a significant impact on the environment as we enjoy the benefits of healthier and more cost-effective commuting options.

Need travel planning assistance? Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to schedule a complimentary 45-minute support call.