U Rochester Biodiesel Project Wins National Award
The University of Rochester (NY) has been awarded the "Excellence in Innovations for Sustainability Award" by the Association of College Unions International (ACUI). The national award recognized the University's UR Biodiesel program that converts old fryer oil from dining services into biodiesel. The program produces about 30 gallons of biodiesel a week and uses it in a number of campus vehicles, including a shuttle.
Central Florida U Debuts Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle
Central Florida University has partnered with Ford Motor Company and Progressive Energy to host the state's first Ford Escape plug-in hybrid electric vehicle on its campus. The University's Smart Solar Plug-in Research Facility includes parking spaces for four electric-powered vehicles where solar panels above the spaces can recharge vehicles. The vehicle can achieve up to 120 miles per gallon and will be tested in Florida.
Emory U Adopts Idling Reducing Policy
Emory University (GA) has partnered with the Clean Air Campaign to adopt its first Idling Reduction Policy. The policy will restrict idling in situations such as deliveries and will ensure that cars are turned off when parked. The University hopes the new initiative will help to reduce air pollution on campus and in the surrounding community.
SUNY Binghamton Brings Car-Share Program to Campus
State University of New York, Binghamton students, faculty, and staff now have two new cars available for use on campus through a new car-share program. The program, Connect by Hertz, allows members to use these vehicles for a predetermined fee. The University hopes the car-share program will help to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution.
Washington State U Students Make Biodiesel
Washington State University mechanical engineering students have formed the Biodiesel Club. The students involved have created a business that purchases used cooking oil from the University's dining services, converts it to biodiesel, and sells it to the school's motor pull to be used by the Facilities Management's front end loader. The same students also created Engineers for a Sustainable World, a student club that works to promote biodiesel.
North Carolina State U Starts Bike-Share Program
North Carolina State University has announced plans to begin a bike-share program on campus. The WolfWheels bike-share program, which will have a fleet of 20-25 bicycles, will allow students to rent a bike, helmet, and lock for the day or weekend for $2 to $3. Depending on the success of the program, NCSU may offer a semester-long rental option in the future. The program is expected to launch in late March.
U Alberta Starts Car-Share Program
The University of Alberta has begun a car-sharing program with Hertz. The "Connect with Hertz" program offers students, faculty, and staff an alternative to bringing their car to campus and will help reduce both traffic congestion and air pollution.
U Central Oklahoma Starts Car-Share Program
The University of Central Oklahoma has started a car-share program for students, faculty, and staff. The program aims to reduce campus traffic congestion, offer mobility to commuters, and reduce pollution. The program offers four 2010 vehicles: a Toyota Prius, Ford Escape, Mazda 3, and Toyota Camry. The program is in partnership with Hertz and is called "Connect by Hertz."
Agnes Scott College Prohibits Idling
Agnes Scott College (GA) has announced a new policy that prohibits trucks and service vehicles on campus to turn off their engines while making deliveries. “No Idle Zone” signs will be placed in the three areas where service and delivery vehicles frequently operate while on campus. The new policy excludes safety and emergency vehicles, electric vehicles, and trailer engines used solely to control freight temperatures. The “No Idle” policy was created to reduce wasted fuel; improve air quality on campus and in the region; and to protect campus workers, students, and visitors from potentially harmful emissions.
U Alaska Fairbanks Police ATVs Converted to Electric
At University of Alaska, Fairbanks, two ATVs used by campus police for patrolling have been converted from running on gasoline to electricity. A mechanical engineering class that teaches students how to convert cars to electric power carried out the project of transforming the two ATVs. While they may be slightly less powerful than the gasoline-powered ATVs, the new electric engine will provide campus police with what they need. They will be able to travel up to 30 miles at 20 mph.
Washington U in St. Louis Announces Carpool Incentive Program
Employees on the Danforth, North, and West Washington in St. Louis (MO) campuses now have access to a carpool incentive program. Through the "Bearly Drivers" program, full-time employees can save money, get access to priority parking, and win prizes. Carpool participants will receive two free daily yellow parking permits each month via campus mail to use when their schedules might make carpooling difficult. In addition, all carpoolers will be automatically enrolled in the Guaranteed Ride Home Program, a service that reimburses members the price of a taxi home in case of an emergency or for unscheduled overtime.
Georgia Institute of Technology Buses Use Biodiesel
Georgia Institute of Technology has signed a 10-year contract with a transportation provider that will bring new buses and trolleys to campus. The new vehicles will be using a B20 mixture of biodiesel fuel, which will be made out of cooking oil from the school's dining services.
5 Campuses Announce New Ride-Sharing Programs
The University of California, Irvine; University of California, Berkeley; University of San Francisco (CA); University of Maryland; and George Mason University (VA) have launched an integrated car and ride sharing application on their campuses. The integrated Zipcar-Zimride application allows members to share a ride by posting the date, time, and destination of the trip to the Zimride campus community. Once posted, Zimride's route algorithm finds and notifies users looking for a ride to the same or nearby destination. Zimride members also may find and share a local Zipcar if a posted ride is not available or does not exist. The campuses hope to reduce congestion, parking demand, and CO2 emissions while at the same time providing a cost-saving and convenient alternative to car ownership for faculty, staff, and students.
California Polytechnic State U Recognized for Commuting
The California Polytechnic State University has been awarded a gold medal for Best Workplace for Commuters. Amenities such as 11 vans for van pooling, showers for bike commuters, and car-share programs like Zipcar were all part of the University winning the award. The University of Southern Florida’s National Center for Transit Research awarded 27 companies, institutions, and individuals around the country for their commuting efforts. Also recognized was Stanford University (CA) and Virginia Tech.
Georgetown U Fuels Fleet with Biodiesel
Georgetown University (DC) has begun to use blended biodiesel in its fleet of GU Transportation Shuttle buses and other staff vehicles in an effort to reduce its carbon foot print 50 percent by 2020. The University currently uses a B20 blend.
Santa Clara U Brings Car-Sharing to Campus
Santa Clara University (CA) students, faculty, and staff will now be able to choose from two communal cars provided by Zipcar on campus. The vehicles are available to those in need of transportation 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Gas, insurance, 180 free miles, reserved parking spots at SCU, and roadside assistance are included in the rates.
Agnes Scott College Prohibits Idling
Agnes Scott College (GA) has announced a new policy that prohibits trucks and service vehicles on campus to turn off their engines while making deliveries. “No Idle Zone” signs will be placed in the three areas where service and delivery vehicles frequently operate while on campus. The new policy excludes safety and emergency vehicles, electric vehicles, and trailer engines used solely to control freight temperatures. The “No Idle” policy was created to reduce wasted fuel; improve air quality on campus and in the region; and to protect campus workers, students, and visitors from potentially harmful emissions.
U Alaska Fairbanks Police ATVs Converted to Electric
At University of Alaska, Fairbanks, two ATVs used by campus police for patrolling have been converted from running on gasoline to electricity. A mechanical engineering class that teaches students how to convert cars to electric power carried out the project of transforming the two ATVs. While they may be slightly less powerful than the gasoline-powered ATVs, the new electric engine will provide campus police with what they need. They will be able to travel up to 30 miles at 20 mph.
Washington U in St. Louis Announces Carpool Incentive Program
Employees on the Danforth, North, and West Washington in St. Louis (MO) campuses now have access to a carpool incentive program. Through the "Bearly Drivers" program, full-time employees can save money, get access to priority parking, and win prizes. Carpool participants will receive two free daily yellow parking permits each month via campus mail to use when their schedules might make carpooling difficult. In addition, all carpoolers will be automatically enrolled in the Guaranteed Ride Home Program, a service that reimburses members the price of a taxi home in case of an emergency or for unscheduled overtime.
San Diego State U Launches Car-Sharing Program
San Diego State University (CA) has partnered with Zipcar to offer a new car-share program on campus. Students 18 years and older can reserve a car online for $8 per hour, and can choose from three hybrid Honda Insights and two Honda Civics.
North Idaho College Starts Program to Support Biking
North Idaho College’s Natural Resource Conservation and Management class has launched the WeCycle program to promote bicycling on and off campus. The new program is recruiting campus art and welding classes to create bike racks from recycled materials to be placed around town and campus. The class hopes that the 15 new racks will bring awareness to the importance of biking.
Rice U Increases Shuttle-Riding and Car-sharing
Rice University (TX) has announced that ridership on its campus shuttle service has increased by 30 percent since last year. The University believes that the availability of a car-sharing program on campus has helped increase the number of shuttle riders because it has decreased the need to have a car on campus. The institution has also seen an increase in the number of hours its shared cars are in use.
Slippery Rock U Buses Upgraded for More Convenience
Slippery Rock University (PA) students, faculty, and staff can now use their cell phones to track campus and off-campus buses. The Student Government Association hopes the project will make riding buses more convenient and boost ridership. The new computers installed on the buses were partially paid for with a grant from the student green fund.
Alamo Colleges Purchase Electric Scooters for Campus Security
Alamo Colleges (TX) has purchased 10 electric scooters for its 5 campuses. The scooters, made by T3 Motion, are three wheeled and allow campus police to get around quickly and efficiently. The addition of the scooters, which will only cost 10 cents a day to operate, has allowed the College to get rid of four police vehicles.
Michigan Technological U Transitions Fleet to Hybrids
Michigan Technological University’s Fleet Services has begun to transition its fleet to hybrid vehicles. So far, MTU has replaced four SUVs with hybrid Ford Escapes—which are 50 percent more efficient than their previous vehicles—and has purchased one hybrid Ford Fusion. The current fleet consists of 70 vehicles and consumes 5,000 gallons of gasoline a year. The University plans to switch all 32 of its SUVs and sedans to hybrids within 5 years.
Emory U Receives Funding to Promote Walking
Emory University’s (GA) Office of Sustainability Initiatives has received $18,000 from the Urban Land Institute to promote walking. The new project “Walk n’ Roll” encourages people to walk more by using technologies such as podcasts, videos, and online resources to show the benefits. Maps have been created to highlight walking paths that take people past LEED certified buildings and community gardens.
U Arizona Starts Bike Share Program
University of Arizona Parking and Transportation Services has started the Cat Wheels Bike Share Program, offering students an alternative form of transportation. The program currently has 10 bikes and two different check-out locations. Students are able to borrow bikes free of charge for up to 24 hours before they have to be returned or checked out again.
U Maine Brings Back Bike-Share Program
The University of Maine has re-launched its campus bike-share program after making some changes to how the program is run. In previous years, the bikes were available on an honors system basis and were left unlocked. The bikes were abandoned throughout campus, leaving them vulnerable to damage that would make them unsafe to use. Students checking out Blue Bikes under the new program must sign a contract that requires that each borrower lock the bicycle to a rack to prevent theft and, after a month, return it to the GCI offices. Borrowers can renew the contract each month. By signing the contract, borrowers agree to be held responsible for any serious damages. Bikes not returned or severely damaged cost borrowers $100. There are currently 15 bikes for use and a waiting list of 50 students.
U New Mexico Opens Alternative Transportation Information Ctr
The University of New Mexico has opened the Transportation Information Center. The center will act as a location for students to come and learn about the alternative transportation options on campus and in the surrounding area. The University hopes it will make alternative transportation options more accessible and visible to students.
San Francisco State U Opens Campus Bike Path
San Francisco State University (CA) has opened a new bike path on campus that provides cyclists and pedestrians with a direct, off-road route between the campus and a local shopping center. The University created the path to encourage bicycle and pedestrian commuting and to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with commuting to campus by car.
West Virginia U Opens Transportation Hub
West Virginia University has opened Mountaineer Station, a new 7,000-square-foot transportation hub. The $16 million facility, which features facilities for bike storage, bus routes, and walkways, offers commuters a multi-modal way of getting to and around campus.
U Arizona Offers New Perks to Employee Bike Commuters
University of Arizona has announced the Employee Bike Program, a new initiative that provides free locker rooms, showers, and bicycle storage to employees who ride to work. The facilities already are free to all students who take at least four credit hours in a semester.
U California Davis Launches Alternative Transportation Program
The University of California, Davis Transportation and Parking Services has launched the "goClub" (with "go" standing for Green Opportunities). The new alternative transportation program, which is an expansion and renovation of the University's TAPS' alternative transportation program, offers rewards to faculty, staff, and students who walk and bike. Rewards for green commuting include complimentary parking permits, discounted bus and train passes, discounts on bicycle storage lockers, shower and locker facilities for walkers and bicyclists, and options to get you home in an emergency. In addition, goClub members are eligible for prize drawings every other month. A sampling of the prizes includes bus and train passes, bicycles and assorted bicycle gear, a train-and-bus trip for two to Yosemite, a one-month membership to the Activities and Recreation Center, two tickets to an athletic event of the winner's choice, lunch coupons, and UC Davis apparel. The program also includes partnerships with Zipcar, a car sharing service, and Zimride, an online service that connects people for ride sharing.
California State U San Marcos Starts Bike Registration Program
In an effort to determine the number of students, faculty, and staff that bike to and around campus at California State University, San Marcos, the institution has launched a new bike registration program. The voluntary program is free and provides sling bags and other incentives to encourage people to register. The new initiative also will place a tag on each bike to help with identification if they are stolen or lost.
Parking Demand at U North Carolina Greensboro Declines
The University of North Carolina, Greensboro has seen a three percent decrease in demand for parking passes this year, mostly due to a new approach by business operations at the University. Instead of building more parking structures, the University has opted to create a more pedestrian friendly campus and increase the availability of alternative transportation options. The University has also created a policy to tell students that it is in their interest not to buy passes and to embrace other ways of commuting to school.
Portland State U Offers New Light-Rail Service
Portland’s light-rail has opened a new route to go through Portland State University’s (OR) campus. The Green Line was brought to campus when the University invested $7 million in hopes that more campus members would use the alternative transportation option instead of their cars. The investment is part of a campus transportation plan that features bike lanes, buses, and another light-rail line. Currently, 39 percent of the 27,000 students at PSU use public transportation.
U New Hampshire, Caltech Offer Car-Share Programs
The University of New Hampshire and the California Institute of Technology have begun offering a car-share program to students, faculty, and staff. Zipcar will offer both hybrid and other fuel efficient vehicles to each institution for use on campus 24 hours a day and seven days a week. The schools are using Zipcar as a way to reduce traffic congestion, reduce their carbon footprint, and offer mobility to those who do not have a vehicle.
Georgia State U Launches Bicycling Campaign
Georgia State University has begun a new project called GSU Bikes to encourage bike use, alleviate congestion, and reduce air pollution. The program will survey bicyclists to determine patterns of use and where more bike racks should be placed. The program was launched with a contest to design a secure and aesthetically pleasing bike rack. The program is funded by an EPA grant.
Murray State U Releases Racer Bike Share
Murray State University (KY) has started Racer Bike Share. The program has put 10 bikes in special racks around campus to be used by anyone to travel to another building. Users are then asked to leave the bike at that building for another user. This trade-off system is design to promote sustainability and help with campus transportation.
Winona State U Opens Bike Station
Winona State University (MN) has opened a new bike station on campus supported by the WSU Environmental Sustainability Committee, the Environmental Club, the WSU Foundation, Parking Services, and Student Life and Development. The bicycle station provides a place for students to come and perform maintenance on their bikes and offers a home for Purple Bikes, a program that lets students borrow free bicycles for a day.
Dalhousie U Launches Bike Center
Dalhousie University (NS) has celebrated the grand opening of its new Campus Bike Center. The Center will offer drop-in bike sessions and classes in bicycle repair/maintenance and cycling safety education for the Dalhousie community.
U California, Irvine Launches Automated Bike-Share Program
The University of California, Irvine has launched ZotWheels, a new bike-sharing system that enables faculty, staff, and students to borrow a bicycle by swiping a membership card. Membership can be purchased for $40 per year, and the first 250 subscribers will receive a helmet, safety light, lock, and water bottle. Ports to accommodate 40 bikes are located across campus. The University expects ZotWheels to save between 20 and 40 metric tons of CO2 per year, depending on the program participation.
U Richmond Launches Bike-Share
The University of Richmond (VA) has launched a bike-share program that will provide 35 bikes around campus for students to use. The program was implemented by a small group of students and will be maintained by volunteers.
California State U, Long Beach Launches Zipcar Program
California State University, Long Beach has launched a new car-sharing program in an effort to address its problem of having 40,000 students and only 13,000 parking spots on campus. Zipcar will provide five cars on campus that are available to students, faculty, and staff to use for a small fee. The car share program is part of many efforts by CSU, Long Beach to reduce campus congestion.
U Colorado Launches Rideshare Program
The University of Colorado has partnered with Zimride to foster a new rideshare community. The Zimride platform aims to connect CU Boulder community members looking to share their ride through a private network that aims to reduce campus traffic and parking difficulties. Through the program’s web-based interface, faculty, staff, and students will be able to find others with similar daily commuting patterns or one-time rides needs. Zimride’s system integrates with Facebook to help develop trust and feedback among users.
SUNY Geneseo Launches Car-Share Program
The State University of New York at Geneseo has launched a new car-share program on campus. Students are now able to rent Zipcars for approximately $10 per hour or $70 per day. Gas and insurance are included.
U Albany Announces 2 Transportation Initiatives
University at Albany has announced an initiative to research minimizing harmful automobile emissions and several new alternative transportation options. School of Business Associate Professor Sanjay Goel has been awarded the $25,000 AT&T Industrial Ecology Faculty Fellowship for research into the coordination and optimization of traffic signals as a means to minimize wait-times at intersections, thereby reducing automobile engine idling time and greenhouse gas emissions. The new alternative transportation options include hybrid buses, Global Electric Motorcars (GEM), public bus systems, and bike and ride sharing programs. The new 30-36-seat passenger hybrid buses will be integrated into the University’s mass transit fleet and used for student, faculty, and staff transportation between the University’s various campuses. The University’s GEMs — which now total 13 – are two and four-passenger, low-speed vehicles used for facilities services and repairs, athletics events and services, parking lot management, and transportation of campus mail and small equipment.
Campuses Add, Expand Car-Share Programs
Carleton College (MN); Winona State University (MN); California State University, Chico; and Vermont Law School have established new car-share programs on their campuses. The institutions implemented the new programs to help reduce parking congestion and to offer alternative transportation to students, faculty, and staff. The University of Florida has expanded its current car-share program to include students and staff and has increased its car-sharing fleet to include 3 new vehicles.
Elon U Establishes Ride-Share Prgm for Faculty, Staff, & Students
Elon University (NC) has established a new ride-share program to encourage faculty, staff, and students to car-pool. The program allows those interested in car-pooling to register through an online database. The database consists of two sections – one for normal commuting and one for special destinations.
Dickinson College Offers Car-Share Program
Dickinson College (PA) has partnered with Zipcar to make cars available to students and employees ages 18 and older. Two hybrids will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Gas, insurance, 180 free miles daily, and reserved parking will be included in the hourly and daily rates. Faculty, staff, and students can join Zipcar for $35 and can drive for as little as $8 an hour or $66 a day on weekdays and $9 an hour or $72 a day on weekends. Students also get $35 in free driving credit, valid for up to 30 days after joining, as part of a launch promotion.
