Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 75.35
Liaison Megan Litke
Submission Date March 30, 2016
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

American University
OP-21: Support for Sustainable Transportation

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.88 / 2.00 Megan Litke
Sustainability Manager
Office of Sustainability
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution provide secure bicycle storage (not including office space), shower facilities, and lockers for bicycle commuters?:
Yes

A brief description of the facilities for bicycle commuters:

The School of International Service and Cassell offer indoor secure bike storage. Showers are available in SIS and in the fitness centers to members which includes all students.


Does the institution provide short-term bicycle parking (e.g. racks) within 50 ft (15 m) of all occupied, non-residential buildings and make long-term bicycle storage available within 330 ft (100 m) of all residence halls (if applicable)?:
Yes

A brief description of the bicycle parking and storage facilities:

Bicycle racks are available across campus to all campus visitors.


Does the institution have a “complete streets” or bicycle accommodation policy (or adhere to a local community policy) and/or have a continuous network of dedicated bicycle and pedestrian paths and lanes?:
No

A brief description of the bicycle/pedestrian policy and/or network:
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Does the institution have a bicycle-sharing program or participate in a local bicycle-sharing program?:
Yes

A brief description of the bicycle sharing program:

AU hosts a Capital Bike Share rack that is operated by the District of Columbia. The Capital Bikeshare program requires a nominal fee.


Is the institution certified as a Bicycle Friendly University by the League of American Bicyclists (U.S.) or under a similar third party certification covering non-motorized transportation?:
No

A brief description of the certification, including date certified and level:
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Does the institution offer free or reduced price transit passes and/or operate a free campus shuttle for commuters?:
Yes

A brief description of the mass transit program(s), including availability, participation levels, and specifics about discounts or subsidies offered (including pre-tax options):

AU offers free shuttle rides between the Tenleytown Metro station and campus. Shuttles can be located using GPS via the web.


Does the institution offer a guaranteed return trip (GRT) program to regular users of alternative modes of transportation?:
Yes

A brief description of the GRT program:

The program is provided by MWCOG


Does the institution participate in a car/vanpool or ride sharing program and/or offer reduced parking fees or preferential parking for car/vanpoolers?:
Yes

A brief description of the carpool/vanpool program:

Zimride is an elegant system for the AU community to find and share rides. Students and employees are encouraged to use the online system for long distance travel, short trips around town or for a daily commute.

It's simple. Users sign up and post their travel routes, indicating if they are offering or requesting a ride. Zimride finds other users making similar trips. This system has over 2100 registered users.


Does the institution participate in a car sharing program, such as a commercial car-sharing program, one administered by the institution, or one administered by a regional organization?:
Yes

A brief description of the car sharing program:

Zip Cars are available on campus for use by students, faculty, and staff.


Does the institution have one or more Level 2 or Level 3 electric vehicle recharging stations that are accessible to student and employee commuters?:
Yes

A brief description of the electric vehicle recharging stations:

2 stations in Katzen Arts Center garage


Does the institution offer a telecommuting program for employees as a matter of policy or as standard practice?:
Yes

A brief description of the telecommuting program:

The university recognizes the growing demands on staff while at work and the increasing challenge of finding new and better ways of serving students, other customers and meeting the university goals. American University supports flex work arrangements to foster a highly desirable and productive work environment that is responsive to these demands and challenge. The University expects that flexible work arrangements will increase retention and recruitment of highly qualified staff, maintain staff productivity, and promote employee engagement.

While not all positions will be amenable to flex work arrangements, consideration of flexible work schedules are be reviewed on a case-by-case basis taking into account the departmental needs and the employee’s ability to maintain a high level of service.


Does the institution offer a condensed work week option for employees as a matter of policy or as standard practice?:
Yes

A brief description of the condensed work week program:

Institution offers a condensed work week option for full time employees. Flex Work Arrangement Policy was approved on September 14, 2009.


Does the institution have incentives or programs to encourage employees to live close to campus?:
Yes

A brief description of the incentives or programs to encourage employees to live close to campus:

In summer of 2012, AU started a Live Near Your Work Program. This program awards grants for down payments and closing costs to staff and faculty living near the university. Grants are determined based on the location and proximity of the purchased home to the university as determined by the DC Office of Planning.


Does the institution have other incentives or programs to encourage more sustainable modes of transportation and reduce the impact of student and employee commuting?:
Yes

A brief description of other sustainable transportation initiatives and programs:

Reduced price parking is available for those you drive to campus only a limited number of times per month. This occasional parking permit rewards drivers who drive to campus on a limited basis by charging less per day the less you drive.


The website URL where information about the institution’s sustainable transportation program(s) is available:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.