| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 73.80 |
| Liaison | Corey Peterson |
| Submission Date | June 2, 2022 |
University of Tasmania
OP-17: Support for Sustainable Transportation
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
0.80 / 1.00 |
Sustainability
Team UTAS Infrastructure Services and Development |
Does the institution have a bicycle-sharing program or participate in a local bicycle-sharing program?:
A brief description of the bicycle sharing program:
Although the university does not have a bike sharing program, it has partnered with local councils to support city-wide e-scooters programs in Hobart and Launceston that include our campuses.
Does the institution participate in a car sharing program?:
A brief description of the car sharing program:
The University of Tasmania has partnered with Flexicar to launch Flexicars in Hobart, exclusively available to UTAS students and staff. There are Flexicars conveniently located in Hobart CBD and Sandy Bay, that can be booked by the hour or the day.
Does the institution offer preferential parking or other incentives for fuel efficient vehicles?:
A brief description of the incentives for fuel efficient vehicles:
There are some parking spaces reserved for fuel efficient vehicles at different locations in north and south Tasmanian campuses. In addition, parking at electric vehicles charging locations is reserved for these type of vehicles.
Does the institution have one or more Level 2 or Level 3 electric vehicle recharging stations that are accessible to student and employee commuters?:
A brief description of the electric vehicle recharging stations:
Electric car charging stations have been installed at the Sandy Bay, Newnham and northwest campuses since 2019. These stations are available for private cars and are currently free. These were possible thanks to a fund matching ChargeSmart grant from the Tasmanian Government. In 2022, this same grant program is supporting fast charger at the West Park as well as destination chargers at Inveresk and West Park campuses. These are being provided alongside university-funded chargers at West Park (5) and Inveresk (9).
Does the institution have incentives or programs to encourage employees to live close to campus?:
A brief description of the incentives or programs to encourage employees to live close to campus:
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?:
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:
There have been a number of improvements to the University’s transport options over the past few years brought about by changes to transport infrastructure, bus services, the location of some key facilities, awareness and behaviour change campaigns, and academic projects. In summary, improvements include (but are not limited to):
• Upgrading of virtual transport facilities (video and internet-based conferencing facilities);
• Changes in parking and carpool parking supply and pricing;
• Relocation and expansion of some major facilities in the Hobart CBD (specifically, the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), Hedberg visual and performing arts centre, and expansion of the Medical Sciences Precinct and Domain facilities);
• Upgrading of active transport facilities, such as the installation of new or retrofitted full-featured end-of-trip cycle facilities (e.g. bike hubs with electric bike charging points, repair and water stations) in new facilities and key entry points on main campuses;
• Implementation of a UniHopper bus service for students and staff between Sandy Bay and Hobart CBD
• Partnered with local councils to support city-wide e-scooters programs in Hobart and Launceston that include our campuses;
• e-bike salary sacrifice opportunity;
• Improvements to way-finding signage;
• first carshare scheme in Tasmania (Flexicar at Sandy Bay and Hobart CBD campuses)
• Installation of new and upgraded bus stop shelters at all main campuses, including signage improvements;
• Implementation of a high frequency (<15 min) ‘Turn Up and Go’ bus service between Sandy Bay to Hobart city service reaching to the far north and eastern suburbs;
• Public transport card incentives (e.g., free card and initital amount charged onto card at the beginning of semester 1 for some of the new students)
• Introduction of hybrid and electric vehicles into the University vehicle fleet with commitment to replace all light fleet vehicles (~40) with all-electric by mid-2023; and
• Awareness-raising and sustainable transport choices promotional campaigns, and promotional and educational tools for informing those accessing university campuses about safe bike routes and behaviour choices, such as through the ‘Decide your Ride’ initiative.
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.