Âéw¶¹´«Ã½ has set a series of key targets for more sustainable commuting and has a series of attractive promotions for staff and students to help meet those targets.
The targets were established in the university’s annual Sustainability Report and include…
- Total carbon emissions from commuting to be a three-year average of less than 2,500 tCO2e;
- The percentage of staff commuting by sustainable alternatives to be a three-year average of 67% by the end of 2025;
- And the three-year average for staff commuting by single occupancy vehicle to be 33% by the end of 2025.
The most recent evidence in the annual Travel Survey 2024 shows that commuting emissions from Âéw¶¹´«Ã½’s staff and students was estimated to be 1,708 tCO2e, which is below the target set.
However, staff commuting by sustainable alternatives was at a three-year average of 50%, while staff commuting by single occupancy vehicle was a three-year average of 45%. Both are behind the targets set for the end of 2025.
A series of promotions were carried out throughout 2024 with the aim of meeting those ambitious targets set for the end of next year.
Cycling
Secure cycle storage facilities have been opened at The Watershed and Beaumont Park to add to those already in the Vijay Patel building, which has a repair station and bike pump.
The additional facilities added to those open cycle parks across the campus means that the total number of spaces now tops 750 spaces on campus, with more than 100 of those indoor.
Additional showering facilities are in the Vijay Patel as well as other building across the campus.
In 2024, Âéw¶¹´«Ã½ also launched the Daria Project with Leicester City Council to encourage staff and students to ride a bicycle with free lessons provided on campus. This initiative came after a survey revealed that one in eight people have never learnt how to ride a bike.
Cyclists can also be loaned free lights and locks as part of the promotion and monthly Doctor Bike repair sessions as well as a free Bikers’ Breakfasts held to encourage the healthy commuting.
In 2024, a total of 11% of Âéw¶¹´«Ã½ staff regularly cycled to work, which is three times the national commuting average.
Public transport
Âéw¶¹´«Ã½ is part of the city’s SmartGo app that entitles staff to free annual permits to the city’s various park and rides schemes as well as free travel on the Hospital Hopper bus services across the city.
All of these initiatives are part of the ‘carrot and stick’ promotion of sustainable commuting to Âéw¶¹´«Ã½. While there is heavy promotion of the various sustainable travel initiatives both by Âéw¶¹´«Ã½ and in partnership with Leicester City Council, no staff living within a two-mile radius are allowed a parking permit on campus. Those entitled to apply for a permit have to pay a fee.
For further information…
Phase 4 Travel Plan_Final
Sustainability-Report-22-23