This October, the Environmental Sustainability team are challenging colleagues at the University of Manchester to reduce single occupancy car journeys. Could you also be a part of the move to more sustainable travel alternatives in your community or organisation?  

Here at the University, just over 20% of our colleagues’ commuter journeys are made by car, but these journeys contribute to more than half of our staff commuting emissions. Swapping even a few car journeys for walking, cycling, public transport or carpooling can help us build more movement into our day, support our wellbeing, save money, and reduce congestion, air pollution and carbon emissions. 

Drive Less This October aimed to promote incentives, offers and practical support available to staff at the University, and empower staff to try new methods of commuting to campus. With this, the team also hosted in-person events, including free bike repairs at the Students’ Union and one-to-one bike maintenance sessions with a professional mechanic.  

It is estimated that switching from driving to public transport can save up to 30% of an individual’s carbon emissions. Car travel and traffic congestion are also major contributors to poor air quality, meaning that by opting to make more sustainable commuting choices, we can improve the well-being of our local communities.

• Find out more on the Drive Less This October Programme and on StaffNet