| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Principle 5 | Sustainable Transportation - Integrating sustainable best practice for the use and maintenance of campus fleets, student/employee commuters, and public transportation options. |
| Goal 5.1 | Reduce vehicle fuel consumption of the University vehicle fleet through promoting the use of public transportation, reducing the number of single occupancy vehicles, and increasing the use of other alternative fuel transportation for faculty, staff, and students. |
| Metric | Annually report on the vehicle fleet composition and growing commuting options for faculty, staff, and students |
Define the goal issue and provide background info to understand the goal in lay terms.
Transportation is a topic which impacts every individual at the University and there are various opportunities to be more environmentally friendly. This goal recognizes the move towards purchasing and utilizing fuel efficient vehicles and alternative fuel vehicles will assist in the need to reduce overall vehicle fuel consumption. It also encourages the implementation of strategies to encourage and assist students and staff to easily utilize alternative modes of transportation to commute to campus, and encourage the use and accessibility of alternative modes of transportation to the broader community in addition to campus stakeholders.
Why is this goal important to highlight?
This goal is crucial due to the fact that everyone has transportation needs on a college campus and the strategies used to get people to where they need to go should be considering the environmental impacts. Adjusting transit habits within the campus community can have significant environmental impacts as well as addressing other regional transportation priorities.
Where do the University/campuses currently stand in meeting this goal?
The campuses are undertaking projects that align to the outlined goal. Many of the initiatives are highlighted in the annual Sustainability Report. For example, Lowell has instituted a “Park Once Policy”, a carpool program, bike share program, and offers Zipcars. The campus has drawn attention to local public transit options and organized educational campaigns on transit issues. The highlighted programs are also found at the other UMass campuses.
Are there other groups/departments who will be critical in meeting this goal?
The campuses will have to continue to engage their campus communities in this process. The involvement of regional transit authorities and local government could provide an arena to align goals with regional planning efforts around transportation.
What has been done in the past to advance towards this goal?
The University has demonstrated a commitment to providing alternative methods of transportation, such as shuttle services, to students, faculty, and staff at each campus.
What does the University/campus need to do in order to reach this goal?
Each of the campuses will have to evaluate what programs and initiatives are on-going that seek to move forward in this goal area and develop plans for the areas where programs do not exist. The planning process should include transportation alternatives as a priority and consider guidance from complete streets, climate resilience strategies, clean fuels, EV charging stations, and green parking garages. It is also important to note that each campus has its own set of circumstances related to their geographic location and demographic make-up and that these considerations must be taken into account.