University of Glasgow Strategic Travel Plan

Transcription

1 University of Glasgow Strategic Travel Plan Jess Bailey Travel Plan Specialist Viola Retzlaff University of Glasgow

2 Document Control Date Reviewed: March 2010 Version Number: 1 Author/Revised by: Jess Bailey / Viola Retzlaff Approved by: Estates Committee, September 2010 Next Review date: 2015

3 Contents 1. Introduction 1 2. Context Introduction The University Regional Transport Policy and the University University Strategic Plan Universities and Colleges Climate Commitment for Scotland Carbon Management Plan The University s Travel Policy Travel Planning to date 6 3. Existing travel patterns Commuting to the University Staff and students views on travel by sustainable modes Business and operational travel 9 4. Strategic aims, objectives and targets Introduction Strategic aim Strategic objectives Targets Implementation Areas to be addressed Implementation elements Action Plan Monitoring and review 17

4 1. Introduction This document has been developed with the overall purpose to clearly outline the methodology, principles, commitment and strategic measures that will be applied by the University of Glasgow in achieving its Strategic Travel Plan aim, objectives and targets. This document also includes the measures to be implemented to support staff, students, visitors and others who use our services and facilities regardless of the site or location, to adopt a more sustainable way to travel. In 2006 as part of its environmental commitment to reducing the impact of travel and transport associated with its operations, the University published its first Travel Plan for the period , with the overall aim being to encourage staff, students and visitors to use other than single occupancy car modes for travelling to the University premises. In 2009 a review of the Travel Plan was undertaken, showing that considerable progress on the measures and initiatives contained within it, in achieving this aim, was made. To further the progress of the Travel Plan (extended to 2009), an all encompassing Strategic Travel Plan has been developed with an Action Plan for the period This document describes how the University of Glasgow will apply national, regional and local policy and guidance to its own operations, in supporting transport, health, sustainable development and environmental policies across Scotland. This will be achieved through the delivery of measures to support reducing the need to travel active travel, such as walking and cycling the use of public transport reducing the impact of vehicles, where their use is required, through effective and efficient working practises, innovation and awareness. The aim of the Strategic Travel Plan is: To reduce the impact on environment, amenity and community arising from our operational travel and transport and to increase the accessibility of our services and facilities. For this strategy to succeed and the aim to be achieved it will be necessary to embed supporting aims and requirements into other University policies and strategies. 1

5 External influences University of Glasgow Policy Governance Management Strategic Travel Plan Aim and Objectives Operational/Business Procurement of vehicles Co-ordination of use of vehicles Fuel management and driving practices Expenses procedures Active travel and public transport use Avoid unnecessary travel Commuter Flexible working/learning Active travel (cycling and walking) Public transport Car travel and parking Targets External influences Figure 1 University of Glasgow Strategic Travel Plan The implementation of the Strategic Travel Plan will result in a number of benefits for staff, students and the wider University community, and collectively deliver a number of strategic outcomes and benefits, to support the University of Glasgow in achieving: cost savings greater efficiency and effectiveness in operational practises increased access to employment and education reduced pollutants entering the local environment decreased emission of CO2, the main greenhouse gas improvements in health and wellbeing increased transport choices. 2

6 2. Context 2.1 Introduction This Strategic Travel Plan is an important delivery mechanism for many of the aims and objectives of national, regional and local policy. It is important that this is acknowledged, with the aim of converting these aspirations into practical measures for the University to implement. 2.2 The University Founded in 1451, the University of Glasgow is the fourth oldest university in the UK having nearly 16,000 undergraduates, 4,000 postgraduates and 4,000 adults in continuing education and is welcoming students from over 100 countries. The University mission is to undertake leading-edge, internationally competitive research while offering a challenging student-centred learning environment. Through the status as a leading international university, we aim to sustain and add value to Scottish culture and society, to the natural environment and to the national economy. The University is a major research powerhouse, with its annual research contract income in the top ten of UK universities. An exceptional 96% of the research-active staff are in areas which have been independently assessed as producing research of international importance. The University offers an exceptional breadth of undergraduate student choice across the physical and life sciences, the social sciences and the humanities, together with a rapidly-expanding range of postgraduate courses. Teaching quality has been independently rated as among the top ten in the UK and the medical and veterinary schools are consistently rated amongst the very best in the UK. The University works closely with partners and friends in the city, Scotland and beyond to ensure that it is internationally successful at the heart of Glasgow. 2.3 Regional Transport Policy and the University Transport policy and delivery in Scotland has been transformed over the last few years. The alignment of policy at a national level is being delivered by the National Transport Strategy 1 in 2006 and, at a regional level, through the Regional Transport Partnerships (RTPs) and the subsequent publication of Regional Transport Strategies. This has been further translated into local delivery action plans, the Local Transport Strategies (LTS), by each local authority. The University has facilities within several Regional Transport Partnership areas. The University s Gilmorehill and Garscube Scottish Government National Transport Strategy SPT RTP City of Glasgow LTS East Dunbarto nshire LTS SWESTRANS RTP Dumfries and Galloway LTS 1 Scotland National Transport Strategy, Scottish Executive, December 2006 University of Glasgow Strategic Travel Plan 3 Figure 2 Transport policy influences on the University s Strategic Travel Plan

7 campuses are situated in the area covered by Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT). Crichton campus is within the South West of Scotland Transport Partnership (SWESTRANS) area. These three main campuses are within the areas of the following three local authorities: Glasgow City Council East Dunbartonshire Council Dumfries and Galloway Council The National Transport Strategy, Regional Transport Strategies and Local Transport Strategies all have a commitment to supporting smarter travel choices through the delivery of travel plans as well as improving access to education and employment. The University is already an active member of the SPT Sustainable Travel Group and is working closely with its local authority partners to ensure that the impact of its operations do not adversely impact on the local areas in which it operates. 2.4 University Strategic Plan Following on from the Strategic Plan Building on Excellence the draft for a new University Strategic Plan has been introduced to staff members in February It sets out the University s vision, mission and how to achieve the vision for the next 10 years. The Strategic Plan outlines, among others, the importance of an infrastructure fit for purpose, a safe and healthy environment to work and study in a reduction in energy consumption to attract and retain high-quality staff and to provide an excellent student experience. 2.5 Universities and Colleges Climate Commitment for Scotland Principal Sir Muir Russell and Rector Charles Kennedy have signed the Universities and Colleges Climate Commitment for Scotland (UCCCfS) on behalf of the University on the 14/01/09. The full text of the signed Universities and Colleges Climate Commitment for Scotland is available on With signing the document, the University commits to cut greenhouse gas emissions and reduce its carbon footprint. A 5-year plan, with targets and measures how to achieve carbon savings, has to be created and published. 4

8 2.6 Carbon Management Plan A comprehensive Carbon Management Plan (CMP), supported by the Carbon Trust, has been approved in December The CMP satisfies the 5 year plan requirements of the UCCCfS. It aims to realise carbon and cost savings across the University operations within the built environment, including buildings and infrastructure energy (electricity, coal, oil and gas) waste management transport procurement. In transport terms this Strategic Travel Plan identifies a series of supportive measures for reducing the carbon footprint of the University s operational and business travel requirements and of commuter travel by staff and students. A Carbon Management Committee (CMC) will be set up with the main aim to overview the implementation of the actions in relation to the built environment in the Carbon Management Programme. 2.7 The University s Travel Policy In 2006, University Court approved a Travel Policy. This policy outlines the University s objectives in terms of travel and transport and introduces the concept of Travel Plans as a means of implementation. The Travel Policy is available on the University s webpage on The University s first Travel Plan and this Strategic Travel Plan are based on the objectives included in the Travel Policy (see also section 4.3) 5

9 2.8 Travel Planning to date The publication of the University s first Travel Plan in 2006 was a catalyst for the implementation of a number of measures to support staff and students in travelling more sustainably to the University as well as increasing their awareness of the impact of their travel. Below is an overview of some of the measures implemented: bicycle user group established with about 80 members extension and improvement of cycle parking facilities, including lockable facilities, on the main campus (supported by the SPT Sustainable Travel Grant) launch of the Cycle to work scheme for staff University specific journey sharing system launched in April 2008 and upgraded to SPT JourneyShare (liftshare) in September 2009 (supported by the SPT Sustainable Travel Grant) cycle training for staff assessment of car parking procedures undertaken (supported by Energy Savings Trust) Green Fleet Review of University vehicles undertaken (supported by Energy Savings Trust) publicity and events to raise awareness of travel issues, such as Walk to Work Week, Active Travel Week and Sustainable Travel Week Time table information for trains and buses provided at several campus locations Travel Planning at the University has led to an increased percentage of staff and students walking to work or study an above Scottish average number of cyclists among University staff and students an increased number of staff and students using public transport a slightly decreased number of staff using their car for commuting. 6

10 3. Existing travel patterns In May 2008 a staff and student travel survey was undertaken. The results have enabled a clear understanding of achievements to date, enabling the development of new aims, objectives and actions to support implementation of the Travel Plan. The staff survey collected information on both commuter and business travel whilst the student survey focussed on their commuter travel habits. Full survey results are available on the University s travel planning webpage The main findings are summarised below. 3.1 Commuting to the University 30% of staff and 8.8% of student respondents drive to University alone. 27% of staff and 46% of student respondents walk or cycle to University. 28% of staff and 42% of student respondents travel to University by public transport. 23% of staff respondents live within 2 miles of the University. 27% of car drivers/users indicated that they would be willing to car-share. 69% of staff car users park on Campus. 112,272 miles are travelled by staff each day for commuting (approximately 57,394 miles are travelled by car drivers each day). 5 23,743 kg of CO 2 are emitted by commuting staff each day (19,170kg by car drivers). 5 5 Calculated using the results of the 2008 staff travel survey (average distances travelled) and the DEFRA CO 2 guidance 7

11 Public Transport 28.40% Motorcycle 1.00% Walking and Cycling 27.70% Car User 42.90% Figure 3.1 a Mode of travel to and from University (staff commuting) Public Transport 19.18% Motorcycle 0.08% Car users 80.74% Figure 3.1 b Percentage of CO 2 emissions by mode of travel (staff commuting) 3.2 Staff and students views on travel by sustainable modes 6 Almost 90% of students and 55% of staff already travel by foot, cycle or use public transport. 32% of staff and 5% of students respondents suggested that better, safer cycle paths would encourage them to cycle to University. 24% of staff and 4% of student respondents suggested that improved shower and changing facilities would encourage them to walk or cycle to work. 35% of staff and 11% of student respondents indicated that a higher reliability of public transport services would encourage them to travel by public transport. 21% of staff and 20% of student respondents indicated that priority parking for car sharers would encourage them to car share. 20% of staff and 12% of student respondents suggested that a free lift home in an emergency would encourage them to car share. 6 All students statistics taken from the 2007 detailed student survey 8

12 3.3 Business and operational travel In 2008 staff travelled a total of 528,486 miles for business reasons using their own vehicles, emitting 176,477 kg CO 2. The University has a fleet of 116 vehicles, which travelled more than 440,270 miles in ,597 litres of fuel, most of it diesel, were used by the University fleet during 2008, which equals 196,840 kg CO 2. In 2008, staff travelled a total of 13,754,790 air miles, emitting 2,547,894 kg of CO 2. One videoconferencing suite is available to all staff members. On the two main campuses six other locations are equipped with video/web conferencing facilities. 9

13 4. Strategic aims, objectives and targets 4.1 Introduction This section presents the key objectives and targets against which the success of the Strategic Travel Plan will be measured. Having a clear aim and SMART 7 objectives, linked to targets and well defined key performance indicators, are important elements of any travel plan. They enable the development of appropriate actions identification of required resources and funding monitoring in the short, medium and long term. 4.2 Strategic aim The strategic aim of this Travel Plan is: To reduce the impact on environment, amenity and community arising from our operational travel and transport and to increase the accessibility of our services and facilities. 4.3 Strategic objectives A set of strategic objectives has been defined in the University s Travel Policy, as follows: Identify and eliminate unnecessary travel and reduce the impact of transport generated by the University on the rest of the community, the local and wider environment; Widen the choice of means for staff, students and visitors by which they may travel to and from the University in a safe, comfortable and sustainable way, simultaneously improving the working environment for staff and students; Identify, support and promote alternatives to single occupancy car travel to and from the University for staff, students and visitors; Improve the amenity and access routes on and around University premises for users of sustainable modes of travel; Positively influence the health and fitness of staff and students by encouraging more walking and cycling as a means of travel; Develop and implement strategies that support future applications for planning permission. 7 SMART = Specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound. 10

14 4.4 Targets The following overarching specific targets have been developed. These take into account the results of the staff and student transport survey, the University s operational needs and aspirations to become more and more recognised as one of the best universities in the world. Targets for business travel and operational transport reduce the number of business air and car miles by 10% by 2014, based on 2008 data reduce CO 2 emissions from fleet vehicles by 10% by 2014, based on 2008 data increase use of video conferencing by 10% by 2014, based on 2008 data Targets for staff and student commuter travel reduce the percentage of staff travelling alone by car as their main mode of travel, by 5% by 2014, based on 2008 data maintain (or decrease) the percentage of students travelling alone by car as their main mode of travel, based on 2008 data To support the achievement of these overarching specific targets a series of actions has been identified and is described in the action plan in the following section. Section 6 outlines how progress in achieving the targets will be monitored. 11

15 5. Implementation This section identifies the key actions and measures that will be implemented to influence the travel behaviour of staff and students at a corporate level. 5.1 Areas to be addressed Operational and business travel as well as commuter travel elements of the University s activities, that need to be addressed, are identified in the table below. Operational/Business Travel Commuter Travel Procurement of vehicles Co-ordination of use of vehicles Fuel management and driving practices Expenses procedures Flexible working/learning Active travel (cycling and walking) Public transport Car travel and parking Active travel and public transport use Avoid unnecessary travel Information and Awareness Table 5.1 Areas to be addressed 5.2 Implementation elements Management and co-ordination The development and implementation of the Travel Plan in the short, medium and long term requires management support and assigned resources if it is to be successful in achieving its long term aims, objectives and targets. The Travel Plan co-ordinator will lead and co-ordinate the Travel Plan throughout its life. The Travel Planning Steering Group will assist in the co-ordination and implementation of the Travel Plan. For single actions, relevant other members of the University community or external partners will be asked to take part in working groups. The working groups will investigate options to address specific actions and prepare project proposals to be approved by University Court. Funding and support Funding sources for specific measures have not yet been established and where possible funding will be made available from existing budgets as appropriate. Where funding is not available from 12

16 internal sources, external funding sources will be sought. Many of the measures identified will not require capital or revenue investment but will require staff resources. Assistance from the Travel Plan Steering Group will be required to support actions and measures and to identify appropriate staff support. Some of the measures may, in the longer term, result in cost savings for the University, its staff and students. The implementation of the Action Plan of this Strategic Travel Plan may require that responsibilities for specific measures to be placed within different departments. Partnership working 1. The University s travel habits impact on the whole community and reducing this impact, sharing best practise and developing ideas in partnerships with other organisations will form an important part of the Travel Plan as it develops and matures. The University already has established partnerships with Glasgow City Council, Strathclyde Partnership for Transport and others, and this will continue. Information, awareness and promotion Providing information, raising awareness and promotion of the Travel Plan and its measures is imperative to its success and should not be underestimated. Promotion of the benefits of more sustainable and active travel will be an important element of the Travel Plan. Increased awareness of the impact of travel and transport on the environment, health and communities, locally and globally by identifying ways in which individuals can make a difference will also be a key element. 5.3 Action Plan In order that the overall aim, objectives and targets of this Strategic Travel Plan are achieved and are sustainable, the actions identified use a combination of carrots and sticks, addressing all transport modes. This will encourage long term changes in travel behaviour, not just for journeys to and from the University, but for all trips in connection with University operations and those incidental to it. Table 5.3 provides details of the actions identified for the period of this Travel Plan ( ). An indication of budget requirements has been given using the following symbols: - <500 - Between Between > 5000 Where the input is only staff resources this has been indicated. 13

17 Action/Measure Benefits Resources implications Management and co-ordination Financial CO2 Health Staff Financial Ensure the consultation process on the Travel Plan is rolled out to include all stakeholders within the University community Establish working groups as appropriate from the Travel Plan Steering Group Work in partnership with public transport operators, local authority, regional transport partnership, and other local partners to improve and enhance public transport services, facilities and information within the area and to support active travel for staff and students Establish procedures that ensure that facilities which support active travel are considered in every University capital / refurbishment project Identify funding sources both internal and external Active travel (walking and cycling) Maintain and further promote the umbrella pool and bicycle emergency repair kit Continue to provide staff with the opportunity of cycle training Ensure appropriate facilities for active travellers, including cycle parking, showers, changing and locker facilities, are available at the University s main campus sites and others as appropriate Continue to manage CyclePlus as part of a salary sacrifice scheme, as long as offered by HMRC, to support staff in the purchase of a bicycle and associated safety equipment Achieve Cycling Scotland s Cycle Friendly Employer Award Initiate the removal of barriers to active travel / improvement of conditions on campus Public transport Investigate the option of purchasing bus season tickets to staff through a salary sacrifice scheme Owner Working Group 14

18 Investigate the option of interest free loans to purchase public transport season tickets Ensure public transport information is available at all University Campuses and via the University website and is kept up to date In partnership with public transport providers and Regional Transport Partnership and Local Authority, ensure bus shelters on the campus are equipped with timetable, fare and route information Work with public transport providers to improve services, relevant for staff and student, in regards of routes, frequency and reliability Car travel and parking Review the existing car park management scheme based on the needs of the University and ensure that it supports the aims and objectives of this Travel Plan Continue to promote the University s journey sharing system and to improve the user-friendliness of the system Working Group Working Group Promote fuel-efficient eco-driving Working Group Business and operational travel Review expenses procedures to discourage unnecessary private car and taxi use on University business Working Group Establish procedures that discourage air travel within the UK Working Group Develop tools and procedures to co-ordinate trips of University fleet vehicles Working Group Investigate the option of a shuttle bus between the main campuses, from travel nodes to the main campuses or from areas where clusters of staff live to the main campuses Working Group Reduce the need to travel Promote the use of University video and telephone conferencing facilities Develop policies to extend flexible working to include compressed working weeks, working from home and flexible working hours Working Group Working Group 15

19 Information Develop and implement a comprehensive annual marketing plan in conjunction with the University s Corporate Communications team to promote the Travel Plan and its measures through regular newsletter articles, campaigns and events Extend, improve and update information for staff, students and visitors on how to get to the University and between University campuses by different means of transport Ensure that the University s campus maps are up to date and give information on bus stops, services, parking areas for cyclists, local cycle and walking routes, shower and changing facilities etc. Provide all new members of staff with a personalised journey plan, if requested Working Group Working Group Working Group Maintain the University s travel planning webpage Table 5.3 Actions to achieve specific targets 16

20 6. Monitoring and review It is essential that the regular monitoring of this transport strategy is undertaken: to show that the Strategic Travel Plan is achieving its aims and objectives to ensure that the Strategic Travel Plan continues to receive the support of senior management, staff, students and its partners to demonstrate that any financial input is being used to good effect. The following indicators have been identified to show the performance and progress of this Travel Plan: percentage of modal split of travel for the journey to and from University premises, reported by staff and students use of video conferencing facilities number of business miles travelled (air and car) and associated CO2 emissions fuel usage for University fleet vehicles. A clear programme for monitoring has been identified to ensure the success of this Strategic Travel Plan and associated implementation plans: staff and student travel surveys will be undertaken every two years annual statistics on specific targets success of actions and measures, measured in uptake, participation and feedback review of the Transport Strategy and its specific targets after 5 years (coincidentally with the end of the Carbon Management Plan period) 17