Sustainable transport
Traffic congestion, the cost of keeping a car on the road, and lack of parking space motivate many of us to find alternatives to driving to University. Motor vehicles are a major source of air pollutants in our cities and car travel accounts for 8% of Australia’s Greenhouse gas emissions. It is estimated that our growing taste for air travel will contribute between 10%-17% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Alternative transport such as riding, walking and telecommuting can improve your health and free up time for thinking, studying and chatting!
Getting to campus using Public Transport
Public transport guides to find out how to get to Camperdown/Darlington campus.
- Sydney buses Camperdown Darlington service.
- Sydney buses Ticket info.
Cycling maps, shops and courses
A Transport survey of hundreds of students at Camperdown/Darlington in 2004 revealed that many live within a reasonably short riding distance to the campus.
In response, Sustainable Campus partnered with the Area Health Service to produce a Bicycle Map that shows bike-friendly back streets within a five-kilometre radius of the University of Sydney.
Download the Bicycle Map or obtain a brochure (such as those plugged by Adam Spencer in the picture) at the Student Union, Security Services Information Desk and SU Sports.
- Download a list of local bicycle shops for Camperdown/Darlington.
- Nunnery bike Workshop for more bike initiatives.
Matt Geale, Cycling Coach of Soular Energy, runs cycling courses and rides in the community. Matt runs skill courses for adults, children, individuals, Councils, schools, workplaces clubs etc. You can attend a scheduled courses, or Matt can develop a specific course for you, eg. for social groups, team building, youth programs etc.
Greening the University Fleet
After several months of research, the USYD Fleet Department has implemented a new vehicle procurement formula that encompasses the following key factors -
- Government contract pricing
- OH&S
- Resale Strength
- Running Costs
- Environmental
Environmental is the most recent addition to the formula, where Vehicle Makes & Models are entered into the RTA managed Green Vehicle Guide Website, to measure fuel consumption and emission levels. The purpose of this step is to confirm the most fuel efficient and environmentally friendly vehicle. This gives the University of Sydney the power to reduce the fleet running costs and help to reduce air pollution (see table below).
The Security vehicles, (Commodore wagons) have recently been replaced with Mitsubishi Outlanders. Where possible, Commodores & Falcons are being replaced with Toyota Aurions. Additionally the University now has 8 Toyota Prius which all are employee packaged vehicles. A big congratulations should be given to these people for taking the initiative to be different and help the environment.
| Vehicle | Fuel Consumption (L/100km) | Greenhouse rating (/10) | Air pollution rating (/10) | Overall Star rating (/5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Prius | 4.4 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 5 |
| Toyota Aurion | 9.9 | 5.5 | 8.5 | 4 |
| Mitsubishi Outlander |
9.5 |
5.5 | 5 | 3 |
| Falcon | 10.7 | 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Commodore wagon | 11.2 | 4.5 | 5 | 3 |
Source: The Green Vehicle Guide. Department of Transport and Regional Services.
Videoconferencing facilities on campus
One of the most effective ways to reduce climate change is to reduce air travel. Video Conferencing is a great alternative to ‘being there’ and is now available to University Staff and students.
Video Conferencing facilities are available through the Faculty of Arts, Medicine and Pharmacy; and workshops are regularly held on how to use the facilities and how videoconferencing can be used as a learning format.
Visit the University’s Video Conferencing webpage.