SUNY Canton Implements 4-Day Academic Schedule
The State University of New York at Canton has switched to a 4-day academic schedule in an effort to cut operating costs and increase sustainability across campus. Portions of College’s workforce will also work on a four-day schedule, but buildings such as the library, fitness center, and admissions office will remain open on the fifth day.
U Denver Begins Green Vehicle Incentive Program
The University of Denver (CO) has begun a pilot program to designate 12 premium parking spots as parking for environmental friendly vehicles only. The new program aims to reward commuters who purchase environmentally friendly cars, serve as a reminder to those who are not driving fuel-efficient cars, and provide LEED certification points for the nearby residence hall.
Iowa State U Adds 4 Electric Vehicles to its Fleet
Iowa State University has purchased four new electric vehicles to add to its fleet. ISU purchased the 4 vehicles, which travel up to 50 miles on one charge, from 3 different manufacturers in order to test each one.
York Technical College Converts Kitchen Grease to Biodiesel
York Technical College (ON) has begun producing its own biodiesel fuel to be used in its maintenance and grounds-keeping equipment. The College uses a biodiesel processor to convert vegetable oil into biodiesel for off-road use. The project was made possible by a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s National Clean Diesel Campaign.
Stanford U Holds Bike Safety Contest
Stanford University (CA) has announced the 2008 Invention Challenge, which challenges students in teams of up to four to think of new ways to prevent or mitigate bicycle-related injury. The hope is that the competition will result in new products, methods, or solutions to existing safety problems on campus and elsewhere. Cash prizes of $1,000 to $5,000 will be awarded to the top ideas.
SUNY-ESF Launches Car Sharing Program
The State University of New York School of Environmental Science and Forestry has launched CuseCar, a not-for-profit community car sharing organization. CuseCar's mission is to provide a sustainable transportation program in Onondaga County that will reduce vehicle miles traveled, lower the carbon footprint, improve air quality, and assist in developing a new green energy fuel distribution system for the community. CuseCar is offered to drivers 18 and up and who are SUNY-ESF students, faculty, and staff. Those who are eligible for the program may participate by paying an annual membership fee of $100 and an hourly and mileage rate for usage. CuseCar’s fleet consists of alternatively fueled vehicles. As part of the program, CuseCar will have a designated parking space on the SUNY-ESF campus and convenient designated parking throughout the city of Syracuse and Onondaga County.
Virginia Commonwealth U Purchases 2 Electric Trucks
Virginia Commonwealth University has purchased two small electric trucks. Facilities Management uses the electric trucks for collecting trash and recycling and maintaining the grounds on both of VCU’s campuses.
WKU Extends Breaks to Reduce Energy, Signs Energy Contract
Western Kentucky University has added a week to its winter break and has cancelled classes for one week in July in an effort to reduce energy consumption costs and to offset the shortfall in the utility budget. The December and July breaks are expected to save the University $80,000 and $60,000 respectively. In addition, WKU has signed an Energy Savings Performance Contract with Johnson Controls.
Bucknell U Launches Bike Share Program
Bucknell University (PA) has launched Bison Bikes, a community-bike share program. The goal of the pilot program is to promote the use of bicycles as a safe, efficient, and environmentally sound campus transportation option. The program provides bikes to undergraduate students for a one-time non-refundable fee of $10 and attendance at a bicycle safety seminar. The student can then check out a bike for the remainder of the academic year. Bison Bikes has begun with a fleet of 30 bicycles.
Princeton U Announces New Transit System
Princeton University (NJ) has announced the TigerTransit system, a new addition to the campus's current shuttle system. The new system will have three major lines and a campus circulator. The three main lines will run between graduate housing and main campus, while the circulator will focus on transportation on main campus and along Nassau Street and Washington Road.
CU Boulder Receives Donation of 50 Bikes
The Adopt-A-Bike Program at the University of Colorado was granted 50 Schwinn cruiser bicycles, expanding its fleet to 150 available bikes. The bikes were originally ridden at the 2008 Democratic and Republican National Conventions.
U Minnesota Twin Cities' U-Pass Usage Increases by 40%
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities has announced that the number of times students used their U-Passes over the past year has increased by almost 40 percent. In the month of September alone, there were about 440,000 U-Pass rides taken, which amounts to an 80 percent increase from the number of rides taken last September. Additionally, the number of U Passes sold went up from 20,442 last fall semester to 21,572 this year.
UC Berkeley Launches Bike Share Program
Students at the University of California, Berkeley have instituted a bike-share program on campus. Green Bike Share, a student-run non-profit organization, seeks to increase environmental, social, and economic sustainability by renting out bicycles to the UC Berkeley and city community. Through the program, students are able to rent bikes for two days for $2 and for three days for $3 dollars. The program has been running on the internet since this summer, and introduced its fleet of 20 bikes to its new rental stand this month.
Saint Michael's College Launches Yellow Bike Program
Saint Michael's College (VT) has launched a Yellow Bike Program on campus. The program, which started with a fleet of 25 bikes, rents bicycles to students for a yearly fee of $10. $5 is used for bike maintenance, and the remaining $5 is returned to the program members at the year's end as long as the fleet remains in good condition. The program was started by three Saint Michael's seniors.
U Oregon Launches Bike Loan Program
The University of Oregon Outdoor Program has started a bike-loan program on campus. The initiative has started with a fleet of 30 bikes, which were originally abandoned on the UO campus. The program allows students to rent a bike for the semester or academic year for a $65 deposit. Students can get the deposit back as long as they return the bike undamaged. The program has been funded by an $18,000 grant from the Associated Students of the University of Oregon and a $5,000 grant from PowerBar.
U System of Georgia Challenges Institutions to Reduce Energy
The University System of Georgia has challenged its 35 institutions to take immediate measures to reduce utility consumption in an effort to reduce costs. As a result, East Georgia College has adopted a goal of reducing energy consumption by 6% during Fiscal Year 09 and of continuing to reduce water consumption in accordance with the Governor's Executive Order issued in October of 2007. To help meet this goal, East Georgia College has moved to a condensed work week. East Georgia College's new hours of operations are Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Fridays from 8 a.m. to 12 noon.
Syracuse U Launches Several Sustainable Commuting Initiatives
Syracuse University (NY) has launched a new "Flexible Work and Sustainability Initiative" to encourage the use of flexible work options that support the University's commitment to energy conservation and sustainability. SU has also launched the One-Seat Rides Program, the Central Fare Deal program/Guaranteed Ride Home Service, a carpool parking program, the SU Ride Share program, and a University-wide Zipcar option. In related news, SU has also launched its second annual Campus Commuter Challenge. As par
Utah State U Adds Hybrids to its Fleet
Utah State University has purchased eight new hybrid sedans for the University. Three of the new sedans will go into the central rental fleet and will be available for use by all campus departments. USU began incorporating hybrid vehicles into its fleet of nearly 700 in 2006.
Inside Higher Ed Publishes Article on Alternative Transportation
Inside Higher Ed has published an article on colleges' and universities' efforts to increase the use of alternative transportation options. The article reports that Augsburg College (MN) increased carpooling by moving the reserved carpooling parking spaces to the center of campus. Other campuses have created "carpool only" and "hybrid only" parking spaces. Not only do these initiatives encourage the use of greener transportation options, reports the article, they also cut down on the amount of sin
Purdue U to Launch Carpooling Website
Purdue University (IN) has announced plans to offer a new Web-based program to help employees and students carpool. The University has signed a contract with Ecology and Environmental Inc. for implementation of a carpool/rideshare application called GreenRide. The program is designed to help faculty, staff, and students find carpooling partners by searching for other Purdue employees and students who live close by or on the same commute route and who have similar work or class schedules. It is expected that the program will be available for use by the end of the fall semester.
St. Xavier U Begins Bike Share Program
St. Xavier University (IL) has begun a campus bike share program, the Green Bike Program. The new initiative, which offers 65 bicycles, allows faculty, staff, and students to rent bikes from computerized docking stations by using their campus IDs or gaining a code via text message. Through the program, renting a bike is free for the first 15 minutes and costs $.60 for every 15 minutes after.
Westminster College Offers Free Public Transit Pass
Westminster College (UT) has begun offering a free UTA Premium Transit Pass to all students, faculty, and staff who will commit to using alternative transportation at least four days per month. The pass works for both bus and TRAX train services.
Florida Gulf Coast U Launches Carpooling Website
Florida Gulf Coast University has launched a new carpooling website for students and staff to share rides. The goal of the website is to reduce traffic and pollution. The website allows participants to calculate their annual greenhouse gas emissions per pound.
U New Mexico Expands U-Pass to Include Faculty and Staff
The University of New Mexico Parking and Transportation Services has expanded the free local bus pass program to include UNM faculty and staff. The program was implemented after last year's pilot program that offered free bus passes to students was a success.
Life U Begins Transformation to a 'Walking Campus'
Life University (GA) has broken ground on a 600-deck parking garage on the campus perimeter in order to create a "walking campus" for all faculty, staff, and students. The University plans to replace the former parking lots with green-space. Additionally, the University has installed 16 bike racks outside the administration building and classrooms and plans to give each new student a bicycle to lessen the amount of gas emissions produced by automobiles on campus. Life is also work with the local Commuter
McLennan CC Launches Bike Rental Program
McLennan Community College (TX) has launched the Purple Bike Program, a new program that rents bicycles to students and faculty for $10 for the entire semester. The purpose of the initiative is to encourage students and faculty to commute to class on a bicycle rather than driving a car. The school has a fleet of 20 bicycles to rent.
U Buffalo Participates in Ride-Share Program
The University at Buffalo (NY) Parking and Transportation Services has begun participating in the Good Going WNY ridesharing program, created by the Greater Buffalo-Niagara Regional Transportation Council. All UB faculty, staff and students, and UB affiliates can sign up for a ride-share through the Good Going website which also features information on carpooling, taking the bus/rail, and bicycling. The website also offers a tool that enables users to input their commuted mileage and keep a running tally of money saved, emissions reduced and calories burned.
U New England Launches Alternative Transportation Program
The University of New England (ME) has launched a new program that offers free bicycles or free Zipcar usage to incoming freshmen who opt to leave their cars at home. The program also provides expanded free downtown shuttle service and discounted taxi or limo service on the Biddeford campus, and free taxi vouchers to students at the Portland campus. UNE’s alternative transportation program was developed by the UNE Office of Student Affairs and Office of Safety and Security.
Goucher College Launches Community Bicycle Program
Goucher College (MD) has launched a community bicycle program to make it easier for the campus community to use alternative transportation. Each of the 10 cruiser-style bikes is unisex and clearly labeled as being part of Goucher’s community bicycle fleet, which will be maintained by the college. There is no fee for using the bikes, and they can be picked up and left anywhere on campus, as long as they remain on well-traveled paths. Helmets, helmet bags, and combination locks will also be available for riders.
Pomona College Launches Folding Bike-Sharing Program
Pomona College (CA) has unveiled a new bike-sharing program that allows students to borrow folding bicycles. The bikes fold in half in a matter of seconds and, while folded, weigh less than 25 pounds and measure in at just over two-feet-by-two-feet, making them perfect for commutes on busy city buses and Metrolink trains. Program organizers hope the bikes will help broaden transportation options for students participating in the Pomona College Internship Program, which places students in offices across Southern California.
Rice, Worcester Polytechnic, Goucher Sign Agreement with Zipcar
Rice University (TX) has entered into an agreement with Zipcar, a car-sharing company that places vehicles on campus for students to reserve at their convenience. Rice students can purchase a $35 yearlong membership that allows them to reserve a car for $7 per hour or $60 per day. Insurance and gas are then paid for by Zipcar. Worcester Polytechnic Institute (MA) has also announced a partnership with Zipcar. Zipcar services will be available to all WPI faculty, staff, and students 18 years of age and older. WPI hopes that the new agreement will encourage students to leave their vehicles at home. Goucher College (MA) has also launched a partnership with Zipcar. Two hybrid vehicles will be made available to all Goucher students, faculty, and staff over the age of 18 with a valid driver's license.
U Southern Miss to Create Bike-Share Program
The University of Southern Mississippi has announced plans to create a campus bike-share program. The President’s Office, together with the Student Government Association, is heading up the initiative that is tentatively named Eagle Bikes. The aim of the effort is to provide bicycles for faculty, staff, and students to use, then leave them behind for the next rider. The bicycles will be painted the same, bright color for easy identification.
Vanderbilt U Expands U-Pass Program
Vanderbilt University (TN) has expanded its Free Ride program to include graduate and professional school students, allowing them to commute to and from campus for free using the local bus system. The program has been offered to Vanderbilt employees since July 2004.
Bowdoin College to Ban Cars for First-Year Students
Bowdoin College (ME) has announced plans to ban cars for first-year students starting in the fall of 2008. The move is part of the College's ongoing efforts to promote sustainability and environmental responsibility. It is also intended to foster an even greater sense of community and involvement by first-year students during first year of college.
J. Sargeant Reynolds CC Pilots 1-Day School Week
J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College (VA) has launched "Smart Fridays," a pilot class schedule that allows students to drive to campus only one day a week and still earn a full load of credits for the semester. The College has calculated that a student could potentially save over $1,080 dollars per semester in vehicle operating costs by participating in the new program.
Portland State U President Promotes Alternative Transportation
Newly hired Portland State University (OR) President Wim Wiewel rode his bike to report for his first day of work in an effort to promote sustainable modes of transportation. The new PSU President rode with the school Provost, a City Commissioner, and Major-elect of Portland. A small reception awaited him and his colleagues following the morning ride. The University, this fall, plans to expand its bike co-op, install 125 new bike racks, and build an indoor bike parking garage that will provide storage for a total of 100 bicycles.
U Florida Challenges Community to Use Green Transportation
The University of Florida is challenging students, faculty, and staff to give up their cars and use alternative transportation on October 17, 2008 and as often as possible, with the hope that it becomes a habit. In meeting the challenge, campus members will pledge to commute by an alternative to single-occupancy vehicle travel on One Less Car Day and as often as possible throughout the fall semester. In addition to individual commitments, each department or organization on campus can sign up to pledge as a team.
U Miami Sign Agreement with Zipcar, Bans Freshman Cars
The University of Miami (FL) has announced an agreement with Zipcar, a car-sharing program that allows members to reserve cars online or via phone or mobile device for an hourly rate. The new program was launched in conjunction with the University's recent ban on freshman cars.
Boise State Named Best Workplace for Commuters
Boise State University (ID) has been named the "Best Workplace for Commuters" by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Transportation. The program recognizes institutions that value and support efforts to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality and provide environmentally friendly commuting options to its employees and students. Notable programs that assisted in Boise State earning this recognition were the free bus and shuttle programs for students, faculty and staff;
Michigan Tech Launches Ride Share Program
Michigan Technological University has launched an Online Rideboard. The new electronic ride-share program allows students, faculty, and staff to access an interactive map and find a ride or rider leaving Michigan Tech.
Syracuse U Develops Carpooling Incentives
Syracuse University (NY) Parking and Transit Services has developed a new carpool program that provides parking for two or more University employees who commute to work together. To participate in the plan, all members of a carpool register their vehicles under one multi-vehicle permit, which will provide campus parking for one vehicle; the hanging permit is then transferred between the carpooling vehicles.
Florida State U Expands UPASS to Include Employees
Florida State University has partnered with its local city bus company to expand its UPASS initiative to include all FSU employees. Employees have been able to ride StarMetro buses for free in the past, but had to surrender their FSU parking passes to do it. Now, employees can keep their parking passes and ride StarMetro for free as well.
Fresno Pacific U Implements 4-day Work Week
Fresno Pacific University (CA) has implemented a compressed work week for the summer. The new schedule, which consists of four 10-hour days, was introduced as an initiative to help reduce the amount of money employees spend on gas each week. Approximately 200 of FPU's employees are taking advantage of the new schedule, which will last until early August when the University returns to the normal work schedule.
Oakland U Offers 4-day Work Week
Oakland University (MI) has begun offering a four-day work week to its full-time employees. The optional program, which aims to help university employees save money on gas, is only offered in departments where the alternative week is feasible and does not hinder the University's overall goal of quality student services.
Adelphi U Receives Commuter Excellence Award
Adelphi University (NY) has received the 2008 Regional Commuter Choice Outstanding Achievement Award from the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council and Long Island Transportation Management. The award recognizes organizations who demonstrate a strong commitment to economic and environmental issues through a commuter benefits program. To be eligible for the Regional Commuter Choice Award, an organization must provide quality service and elicit high participation for their program through a marketing campaign that encourages the use of buses, carpools, bicycling, and/or walking as alternatives to driving.
Long Island U Purchases Electric Vehicle
The Long Island University (NY) Facilities Services department at the C.W. Post Campus added an electric vehicle to its fleet. The electric powered vehicle can travel an average of 50 miles on an estimated $2 worth of electricity, saving money and reducing emissions.
Illinois State U Launches Bike Share Program
Illinois State University will launch a free bike loaner program called Reggie Ride for students, faculty, and staff this fall. The program will reserve white bikes for faculty and staff and will loan red bikes to students for up to 48 hours. The goals of the program are to cut traffic congestion and cramped parking on campus, reduce fuel costs for ISU vehicles, and promote fitness and an appreciation for the outdoors.
U New Mexico Implements 4-day Summer Work Week
The University of New Mexico has begun offering staff members the option of working a compressed workweek to decrease commuting costs and gasoline-use during the traditionally slower summer session. The program, available June 16 through August 15, 2008, will provide most full-time employees on main campus the opportunity to work a four-day workweek by extending their workday to 10-hour days.
