For many institutions, transportation can really impact their campus carbon footprint. Colleges and universities are seeking creative solutions to reduce emissions, both with their fleet of vehicles and with students, staff and faculty. Does your campus offer better parking options if you carpool? Do you get a free bus/ subway pass to use while you are a student? Are freshman unable to bring cars to campus their first year?
Student Actions- what can you do to improve transportation?
Commit to using alternative transportation (bike, bus, skateboard, walk and carpool)
Start or participate in a campus bike organization.
Conduct a campus-wide transportation survey to determine areas for improvement
Improving campus transportation options is a fun way to engage your fellow students on one of the biggest environmental challenges of our time; how we can decrease the amount of cars on the road and lower our carbon footprint. Work with your sustainability or transportation office to determine what is already happening on campus and what can be improved.
Interested in pursuing a transportation career? Check out the transportation careers outlook in the EcoLeaders Career Center to learn more about careers in the field, hear from professionals, and map out your career plan.
Resources
- Case Study: Appalachian State University implemented an alternative transportation system to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create a healthier environment
- Case Study: University of Illinois, Chicago conducted a commuter survey to analyze community transportation trends and areas for improvement
- Case Study: DeisBikes, Brandeis University bicycle sharing program
- Case Study: Colgate University's Green Bikes is a bike rental program managed by Theta Chi fraternity and the Sustainability Office
- Case Study: DukeEngage collaborates with the Duke Carbon Offsets Initiative and Sustainable Duke to offer the students and staff the opportunity to go “carbon neutral” with their travel
- NWF Resource: Generation E: Students Leading for a Sustainable, Clean Energy Future (Transportation - pg. 45-48)
Years of Living Dangerously
www.ClimateClassroom.org
Wildlife Crossing