Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 65.15
Liaison Amber Saxton
Submission Date Jan. 8, 2021

STARS v2.2

George Mason University
OP-17: Support for Sustainable Transportation

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.00 / 1.00 Janet Walker
Programs Manager
Transportation
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

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:

Mason participates in the Capital Bikeshare University Program, which offers enrolled students discounted $25 Capital Bikeshare annual memberships. Participating students will save money on transportation costs, gain access to affordable transportation that supports a healthy lifestyle, and is available 24 hours a day.

With more than 4,500 bikes available at 578 stations, including a station outside Mason's Arlington Campus at Fairfax Drive and Kenmore Street, students can ride to classes and myriad other destinations.

Details here: https://transportation.gmu.edu/capital-bikeshare-student-discount/

Patriot Bike Check Out Program: Anyone with a valid Mason ID may check out one of ten bikes available at the RAC/AFC, at no cost, Monday through Thursday. One may return checked out bikes at either location for convenience. Mason Recreation, the Office of Sustainability, and Parking & Transportation currently manage this pilot program.

Details here: https://transportation.gmu.edu/bicycle-programs/


Does the institution participate in a car sharing program?:
Yes

A brief description of the car sharing program:

Mason has Zipcars available on Mason Pond Drive, in the Rappahannock Parking Deck, and in Lot R on the Fairfax campus. Mason students can join Zipcar for $15/ year, while faculty and staff can join for $25/year.

https://www.zipcar.com/universities/george-mason-university


Does the institution offer preferential parking or other incentives for fuel efficient vehicles?:
Yes

A brief description of the incentives for fuel efficient vehicles:

Fuel efficient vehicles may park in special designated spaces on Mason campuses. Eligible vehicles must be on the LEED list with a score above 45, and faculty, staff and students may participate in the incentive.

https://transportation.gmu.edu/parking-services/fuel-efficient-vehicle/


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:

Charging stations are located in the visitor section of the Mason Pond, Shenandoah, and Rappahannock River Parking Decks on the Fairfax Campus. There are also charging stations located at level B2 of the Van Metre Hall Garage on the Arlington campus.

https://transportation.gmu.edu/parking-services/ev-charging-stations/


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:

Nearby apartments affiliated with Mason's Preferred Employer Program offer rental housing slightly below market rate for comparable units to any Mason employee, graduate, or professional student. Preference goes to incoming Mason community members.

https://hr.gmu.edu/worklife/index.php?t=2&f=supportresources/relocation.php


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

A brief description of other programs or initiatives to encourage more sustainable modes of transportation and/or reduce the impact of student and employee commuting:

Carpooling: Transportation’s main sustainability objective is to reduce the number of single occupancy vehicles (SOVs) at Mason. Carpooling and vanpooling are key to the strategy to achieve that reduction, and incentives are available for all students and staff who choose to rideshare with other members of the Mason community. Mason partners with Zimride to connect community members able to carpool.

Mass Transit: All Mason employees have the opportunity to participate in the Commonwealth Commuter Choice program, which provides tax-free dollars to individuals who take public transportation. Additionally, Mason offers a free shuttle service from all major public transportation hubs, including the Metro, VRE, and SciTech Campus. Finally, Mason has worked with the City of Fairfax to offer free CUE bus rides to anyone carrying a Mason ID.

Employee Guaranteed Ride Home Program: The GRH program is designed for employees who rideshare (carpool/vanpool), use mass transit (bus, train), bicycle, or walk to work at least two times a week. It is free to register and free to use. Once an employee registers, she may use the GRH service up to four times a year.

https://green.gmu.edu/campus-sustainability/transportation/


Website URL where information about the institution’s support for sustainable transportation is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
---

Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
---

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.