Transportation
Low carbon emission travel at the University of Roehampton
The University actively encourages the use of low emission transport including the Roehampton shuttle bus, cycling and use of the train network. For information on Roehampton buses and cycling please see the university blog pages.
Travel plan
The University travel plan provides a framework for the implementation of initiatives to encourage and enable sustainable travel to the University. Significant progress has been made to implement various measures to encourage cycling as an alternative to the car. Notable measures include new high quality cycle parking shelters providing a total of 504 cycle parking spaces, a Cycle to Work salary sacrifice scheme for staff and the promotion a Bicycle User Group (BUG).
Air travel
The travel plan progress review is scheduled for autumn 2023 upon the appointment of the new Head of Sustainability and Energy Management unit. We currently have in place a policy through the procurement of travel arrangements to query the use of air travel where alternatives can be utilised.
Air travel ranks as one of the highest emitters of carbon emission, accounting for 5% of global warming which is a high contribution for the number of people who fly. According to the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), a US-based non-profit, an estimated 3% of the global population take regular flights.
While many of us strive to reduce our carbon foot print a return flight from London to Berlin emits around 0.6 tonnes CO2e – three times the emissions saved from a year of recycling.
Choosing alternative methods of travel can significantly impact carbon emissions when traveling, avoiding domestic flights in favour rail travel and seeking to capitalise on train, coach travel and car sharing can help address our impact on the environment.
A shift in thinking will be necessary when taking steps to reduce our carbon footprint when traveling, travel may be slower but other potential outcomes of cheaper travel and exploring stops along the way can provide other unexpected advantages. Rethinking the need to fly to enjoy a vacation or considering other methods of collaborative work may help reduce our right to air travel.
Making better choices when choosing to fly
Fly economy
First-class and business class seats have a much larger carbon footprint than their economy counterparts, up to four times larger per mile, according to a study by the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy.
Passengers using more spacious seating are accountable for a greater share of the aircraft’s fuel. If the space taken up by first-class seats was used by economy class seats the number of passengers on the airplane could increase such that each one would be accountable for a smaller share of the total fuel per passenger. In short, choosing economy class over first or business class equates to more sustainable flying.
This flight carbon footprint calculator will estimate your flight's emissions based on class and duration.
Seat selection
Opt for aircraft with the greatest number of seats, the more passengers there are on a flight means the cost and fuel impact is distributed throughout the plane. SeatGuru.com’s seat map feature can help obtain knowledge on aircraft seat specifications and opt for a flight with more seats.
Buying a 'greener' ticket
Many travel websites now provide a ‘green choice’ which assesses an aircraft’s age, capacity, weight, fuel efficiency, and the number of stopovers among other factors. According to the International Council on Clean Transportation, "The difference between the most efficient airline and least efficient is 26 percent of emissions." Skyscanner is one such website which provides a 'only show flights with lower CO2' filter option.
Choose a more sustainable airline
Try to choose an airline which has taken steps to lower their carbon emissions where possible. alternativeairlines.com provides information on airlines and flights which incur lower carbon emissions.
Non-stop flights and packing light
Non-stop flights are often the more sustainable option due to in part to lower emissions during take-off and landing. Heavier flights means more fuel, by packing lighter the flight incurs less emissions.
According to Delta Airlines, "If customers pack lighter, making simple changes like leaving that extra pair of shoes at home the annual environmental impact from reduced fuel consumption is the equivalent to removing 10,500 cars from the road for an entire year."
One flight fewer campaign
The University one flight fewer campaign seeks to create a new culture amongst staff and students to take one less flight this year whether that be for work, study or vacation time.
By seeking to travel less and when traveling to seek more environmentally friendly options the University community can do its part in reducing our carbon footprint and encourage the airline industry to take further steps in reducing their carbon emissions.