transportation
A gallon of gas used by a gas-powered vehicle adds approximately 19 pounds of carbon dioxide to the air. Campuses can help to reduce these emissions by switching to electric- or hybrid-powered vehicles and can encourage commuters to use bicycles, carpool, ride public transportation or explore ride-sharing options.
Idea starters
- Alternative fuel:
- Encourage campuses to purchase alternative-fuel vehicles (for example, biodiesel or ethanol) for shuttle buses, facilities vehicles and administrative fleets.
- Reduce:
- Reduce vehicles on campus by charging fees for parking, encouraging carpooling and providing more public transportation.
- Alternative transport:
- Start a bike-lending program, install more bike racks and create bike lanes on busy roads.
In practice
Twenty campuses on the East Coast participate in car-sharing programs. Students and faculty members pay a reduced membership fee in these programs and partner schools provide reserved parking spots, perform basic maintenance and clean the cars. Each car used takes seven to 10 cars off the road.
Resources
- Transportation and Sustainable Campus Communities
- http://www.islandpress.org/books/detail.html?SKU=1-55963-656-4
- Campus Ecology
- http://www.nwf.org/campusEcology/dspGreeningProjects.cfm?iid=10