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Sustainability

‘Spotlight on’ months allow the University to raise awareness of sustainability issues over an entire month and our recent Spotlight on Sustainable Food month was a great success and has led to change in many parts of the University. Next month we hope to replicate this success, this time in the area of travel.

Travel is something we all do; the average University staff commute is 35 minutes each way totalling over six hours each week spent by many of us on our bikes, in our cars and on other modes of transport. Our commute can have an impact on everything from our finances to our free time but it also has an environmental impact. To reduce congestion and the environmental impact of University commutes, the University has a target of at least 75% of staff travelling to work by sustainable modes travel. Sustainable modes include walking, cycling, travelling by bus, car sharing and in 2015/16 we achieved this target.

Figure 1: A comparison of University staff journeys with the Cambridgeshire average. 75.05% of University staff commutes were made by sustainable modes.

To assist staff to travel sustainably the University supports a number of initiatives such as CycleschemeLiftshare, the subsidised Universal bus service, and during April the Environment and Energy section will hold a number of roadshows to let staff and students know what help is available to them. Have a look below at what events are taking place near you, and don't forget we'll also be running a workplace travel challenge from 24-29 April - make sure you get your workplace involved! 

Cambridge Biomedical Campus – University Hospital Concourse 5 April, 11am-2pm

This roadshow is being held in conjunction with the NHS and other site partners. Staff will be able to meet with travel experts such as Cyclescheme, Whippet and CYCLE.LAND.

There will be a chance to win prizes by signing up to Liftshare, teams can register for the Workplace Travel Challenge by emailing travel@admin.cam.ac.uk and there will be bike security marking and security advice provided by the Security Office.

Sidgwick – Raised Faculty Building 19 April, 11am-2pm

Attendees at this event will meet travel providers and can have their bike assessed and repaired by Dr Bike. Staff who lack confidence on two wheels can take advantage of cycle training. Training will be held in small groups and we hope that the session will give the participants the skills they need to take to the road and enjoy the freedom of cycling.

West Cambridge – Hauser Forum 21 April, 11am-2pm

Staff from across West Cambridge will have an opportunity to build their cycle skills, repair their bike and learn about the various travel options available to them.

Further dates for travel events will be announced during the month for the departments of Engineering and Architecture.

If you cannot attend one of these events please be aware that there is a wealth of travel information available on our website and we would love to hear from departments who are keen to host a travel event. The Workplace Travel Challenge will run between the 24 and 29 April and we will also run a prize draw for new and existing members of the University’s Liftshare scheme.

We have a busy month ahead and we hope you will join us in our efforts to make commuting as sustainable as possible