| Overall Rating | Silver |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 53.92 |
| Liaison | Mat Thijssen |
| Submission Date | Oct. 26, 2021 |
University of Waterloo
OP-17: Support for Sustainable Transportation
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 1.00 |
Mat
Thijssen Sustainability Manager Sustainability Office |
Does the institution have a bicycle-sharing program or participate in a local bicycle-sharing program?:
A brief description of the bicycle sharing program:
Waterloo has participated in a Bike Sharing program with the City and Region of Waterloo in 2018 and 2019. The program was not continued in 2020 due to COVID but an updated version is expected to resume in the coming years, and the University has been part of the community planning to support the success of the program.
Does the institution participate in a car sharing program?:
A brief description of the car sharing 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 offer preferential parking or other incentives for fuel efficient vehicles?:
A brief description of the incentives for fuel efficient 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:
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 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:
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 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:
Full-time undergraduate and graduate students may use their student card (Watcard at UW) for unlimited rides on GRT buses. The fee for the discounted student passes is assessed each term on students’ accounts. In addition, Employees have access to discounted transit passes through the Region of Waterloo’s TravelWise Transportation Management Association.
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.
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.