The University has scooped a Champions of Champions award for inspiring thousands of staff and students to opt for more sustainable journeys to work.

Over the past five years cycling and walking has increased by 7% and student public transport use reached 45%, reducing the University’s carbon emissions for commuter travel by 35%. The University was one of 20 business celebrated by Transport for Greater Manchester’s (TfGM’s) Travel Choices team for encouraging employees to walk, cycle, car-share or take public transport.

Julia Durkan, Sustainable Campus Officer within the University’s Directorate of Estates and Facilities, said: “We’re really proud to have been awarded the Champion of Champions trophy. We’ve been implementing sustainable travel initiatives for over 15 years and have developed a package of incentives to encourage sustainable commuting behaviour, responsible business travel and reducing the impact of our fleet. We’ll continue to influence change, looking at travel options, the impact of our travel and electric vehicles.”

Stephen Rhodes, Customer Director at TfGM, said: “Thanks to the enthusiasm of the organisations receiving the awards and many others in Greater Manchester – and our great team at TfGM – we’re making strides in encouraging more people choose more sustainable ways to travel, such as public transport, cycling or walking.”

He added: “We now have hundreds of members signed up to our Business Travel network, making a real impact on improving air quality, tacking congestion and increasing the health and wellbeing of those who live and work in Greater Manchester.”