TfGM recognises the University’s contribution to sustainable travel

The University has been awarded a TfGM Platinum accreditation for work supporting sustainable commuting, business travel and fleet vehicles.

This year the annual awards saw the addition of a Platinum accreditation, recognising those organisations that have achieved ‘sustained travel behaviour change’ through the interventions implemented.

We have achieved this recognition by evidencing the continuous change towards sustainable travel at the University over a number of years, including increasing rates of cycling and improvements to supporting facilities. Just as important as local travel is our focus on reducing University-related air travel. We recognise that flying is a carbon intensive form of travel and if we are to limit global temperature increase to 1.5*C and strive toward a zero carbon society we have to take action. We will continue to play a key role in reducing the impact of travel not only along Manchester’s Oxford Road Corridor but also nationally and internationally as well.

Julia Durkan, the University’s Sustainable Campus Officer, said: “We are excited to be recognised for our commitment to sustainable travel. After a year like no other we have seen travel habits disrupted and more people walking, cycling and working flexibly. We now have the opportunity to rethink how we travel and do business and rebuild in a way that will support Greater Manchester’s clean air and carbon reduction targets.“

Victoria Le Mare, Sustainable Journeys Delivery Lead at Transport for Greater Manchester said: “While this year has been challenging for many businesses and presented unprecedented challenges, it has been incredibly encouraging to see the continued commitment and focus on improving the sustainability of their practices for both the businesses and employees.

“It’s a testament to the ongoing work of this year’s accredited businesses that eight of them have moved up a level of accreditation, showing their long-term investment in sustainability, and it’s fantastic to see three new businesses achieving their first accreditation as they start their journey with us.”

See our sustainability webpages for more information about sustainable travel.