{"id":185,"date":"2023-05-04T09:10:11","date_gmt":"2023-05-04T08:10:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/climate-action\/?p=185"},"modified":"2023-05-04T09:10:11","modified_gmt":"2023-05-04T08:10:11","slug":"travel-smart-to-save-the-planet-are-your-habits-impacting-the-environment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/sustainable-bath\/2023\/05\/04\/travel-smart-to-save-the-planet-are-your-habits-impacting-the-environment\/","title":{"rendered":"Travel smart to save the planet: Are your habits impacting the environment?"},"content":{"rendered":"

One of the most significant ways that students and staff can reduce their personal carbon footprint is by altering their travel habits. The daily commute of staff and students, international student travel and staff business travel all contribute to the University's carbon footprint.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Results from the 2023 Climate Action Survey show that, as per the <\/span>results from the 2022 survey<\/span><\/a>, staff and students continue to use different modes of transport to commute to and from the University. Students' number one mode of transport remains the bus, while staff commute via car. Students are now taking more trips via bus compared to pre-pandemic, with results showing they take an average of 4.05 trips \u2013 up from 3.72.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, since the pandemic and largely due to the University\u2019s shift to a hybrid working model for staff, the average number of car trips staff take per week to the University is down, from 4.34 to 2.93.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The effects of the pandemic have seen significant changes to the University\u2019s staff and student commuting patterns. One of the most significant changes has been the introduction of more flexible working arrangements, such as remote working. It is no longer necessary for all staff to be physically present on campus every day and it is considered that staff can work just as effectively from home or another location. This not only reduces carbon emissions from commuting but can also help to improve work-life balance.<\/span><\/p>\n

Reducing carbon footprint through sustainable travel practices<\/h2>\n

Last year\u2019s Climate Action Survey gave the University a better understanding of the impact of its business travel on the environment. Business travel was a significant contributor to the University's carbon footprint and there was a need for a more comprehensive policy to reduce its impact on the environment. As a result, the University developed a <\/span>business travel policy<\/span><\/a> that aims to reduce carbon emissions from business travel while balancing the need for travel to support academic and research activities.<\/span><\/p>\n

The policy promotes alternative travel options, such as video conferencing to reduce business travel. Low-carbon transport options are required for domestic travel (exceptions apply) and there is a process to approve travel requests and assess necessity. Departments must report on travel and carbon emissions, and the policy is regularly reviewed for effectiveness.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are circumstances when air travel is the only option, but there are lots of ways in which you can remain mindful of the impact it has on the planet. For example:<\/span><\/p>\n