Green Gown Awards 2019 - Glasgow Caledonian University - Finalist

A commuter engagement programme delivering emissions reductions from student and staff commuting by highlighting cheaper, quicker and lower carbon alternative modes of transport.  The programme is underpinned by triennial travel surveys which help quantify carbon emissions, understand travel habits and identify key determinants for the selection of mode of transport.  

Travel Advisors are recruited from the student body and trained to develop their understanding of existing travel habits, local transport options and engagement techniques. These insights are used to develop a framework of distance band and mode of transport specific engagement strategies to foster face-to-face conversations about more sustainable commuting. Travel Advisors are employed throughout the year, but the focus of their activity is around the start of the Academic Year when travel decisions haven’t been finalised.  

Each year GCU’s Travel Advisors speak to over 1,500 students and staff and are having a positive impact of emissions from commuting.   

Top 3 learnings:

• Collect data to understand travel patterns and habits. 
• Use non-environmental hooks (time and money for travel) to encourage a switch to more sustainable modes of transport. 
• Keep advice simple and easy to takeaway. 

Videos

• Green Gown Awards 2019 - Glasgow Caledonian University - Student Engagement (click to hide)