The university has a Green Travel Plan covering all its campuses until 2027. This is intended to promote and increase green transport through various policy initiatives.
What qualifies as green travel?
Any form of transport other than driving a car alone or flying. The less carbon emitted the greener it is.
Why use green transport?
All transport other than walking and cycling emits carbon and other harmful pollutants. Aircraft and cars are the worst emitters. Emissions from public transport are shared amongst passengers producing much less damage per person. Similarly, car sharing reduces emissions per person in half, or more, depending on the number of passengers.
Why reduce our emissions?
University emissions from travelling on business, along with student and staff commuting, were estimated to equal around 7,538 tonnes in 2024/25. A significant contribution to the atmosphere and with a damaging effect to the climate. To solve this urgent problem the university has committed to reduce its emissions to net zero by 2033.
What is our plan?
Our Green Travel Plan aims to reduce travel related emissions 50% by 2027. The basis of the plan is to have policies and initiatives to promote growth of green travel. Some of these are listed below:
- Parking policy and charges
- Justification for air travel
- New app-based car share scheme
- Rewards for cycling and walking
- Better facilities for cyclists
- Improved staff Cycle to Work scheme
- Electric vehicle staff salary sacrifice scheme
- Electric vehicle charging bays on-campus
- Regular surveys to check progress - results of staff travel to work survey