| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 45.51 |
| Liaison | Mat Thijssen |
| Submission Date | Nov. 6, 2018 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of Waterloo
OP-18: Support for Sustainable Transportation
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.40 / 2.00 |
Mat
Thijssen Sustainability Manager Sustainability Office |
Does the institution provide secure bicycle storage (not including office space), shower facilities, and lockers for bicycle commuters?:
A brief description of the facilities for bicycle commuters:
Bike lockers are available at locations on campus. https://uwaterloo.ca/parking/bike-locker-program
Does the institution provide short-term bicycle parking for all occupied buildings and makes long-term bicycle storage available for students who live on-site (if applicable)?:
A brief description of the bicycle parking and storage facilities:
Does the institution have a bicycle and pedestrian plan or policy (or adhere to a local community plan/policy) that sets standards and practices for campus streets to enable safe access for all users?:
A brief description of the bicycle and pedestrian plan or policy:
Does the institution have a bicycle-sharing program or participate in a local bicycle-sharing program?:
A brief description of the bicycle sharing program:
Does the institution offer free or reduced price transit passes and/or operate a free campus shuttle for commuters?:
A brief description of the mass transit programs:
Full-time undergraduate and graduate students may use their student card (Watcard at UW) for unlimited rides on GRT buses. The cost is included in university tuition and valid for all school terms. (taken from http://www.grt.ca/en/fares/universitystudents.asp and more details at http://www.feds.ca/about/upass/) In addition, Employees have access to discounted transit passes through the Region of Waterloo’s TravelWise Transportation Management Association.
Does the institution offer a guaranteed return trip program to regular users of alternative modes of transportation?:
A brief description of the guaranteed return trip program:
Any employee who walks, cycles, carpools, or takes transit is eligible to use the Emergency Ride Home program through the Region of Waterloo’s TravelWise Transportation Management Association. Employees can be reimbursed for up to $75 for a cab ride or other transportation expenses in the event of an unplanned overtime, cancelled carpool partner, or other unforeseen circumstance, and can make up to 4 claims per calendar year.
Does the institution participate in a car/vanpool or ride sharing program and/or offer reduced parking fees or preferential parking for car/vanpoolers?:
A brief description of the carpool/vanpool program:
The University of Waterloo subscribes to a carpool matching platform provided by the Region of Waterloo’s TravelWise Transportation Management Association. The platform allows employees to carpool for daily and occasional trips, and to select solely among university employees or from nearby employers. Waterloo also provides dedicated preferential parking locations for carpools, and allows carpool users to split the cost of their permit between carpool members.
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?:
A brief description of the car sharing program:
Yes, the University of Waterloo has two active carsharing providers on its campus – VRTUCar and Enterprise CarShare. The University provides parking spaces for carshare vehicles and employees can register either as a department for work-related trips, or as an individual for personal trips and errands. The programs are both available and promoted to students as well.
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:
Waterloo has two level 2 electric vehicle charging stations, one Tesla station and one universal. In addition, it hosts a level 3 rapid-charger. The chargers are free to use as long as the driver displays a valid UW parking permit.
Does the institution offer a telecommuting program for employees as a matter of policy or as standard practice?:
A brief description of the telecommuting program:
Waterloo’s work-from-home policy allows employees to work from home for up to two days per week, with approval and discussion of their supervisor, and depending on the nature and responsibilities of their role. Teleconferencing software such as Skype for Business and remote desktop and file servers enable employees to connect and access their work remotely.
Does the institution offer a condensed work week option that reduces employee commuting (as a matter of policy or standard practice)?:
A brief description of the condensed work week option:
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 employ other strategies to reduce the impact of commuting (e.g. preferred parking for fuel-efficient vehicles, cash-out of parking programs)?:
A brief description of other strategies to reduce the impact of commuting:
The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives 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.