Gold standard for University’s sustainable travel

23 Mar 2017

TfGM awards University in new Travel Choices accreditation scheme

The University of Manchester has been awarded the gold standard as part of Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM)'s new Travel Choices accreditation scheme.

The scheme recognises businesses who have championed sustainable travel and rewards companies that have taken steps to reduce their impact on the environment by highlighting them as regional leaders in the field. 

Some of the University’s achievements include increasing the staff cycle to work rate as well as increasing the provision for cycle parking spaces and shelters, cycle repairs stands and tools. We have over 1,000 members of the University’s bike user group, UMBUG, and have purchased nearly 1,500 bikes on the Cycle to Work Scheme since 2010. In addition, we are the first organisation outside London which has established a run-commute group now with over 100 members.

Other initiatives include the introduction of a new flexible parking permit which encourages more occasional parking and the installation of 12 electric vehicle bays in two car parks across campus. The 10,000 Actions programme is the biggest sustainability initiative in the higher education sector which saw 40% of staff members engage with the programme pledging over 1,500 specific travel actions. 

These are just some of the initiatives and achievements the University has demonstrated to receive the gold standard. Transport for Greater Manchester commended the University’s commitment and efforts in helping to improve the health and wellbeing of staff, reduce congestion and improve the air quality for everyone in Greater Manchester.