Since Lancaster University adopted a Carbon Management Plan in 2010 it has made significant progress in understanding its emissions from its travel and procurement activities and reducing these in certain areas. Wherever possible Lancaster University encourage and facilitates sustainable transport choices for staff, students and visitors; and works to continually reduce the negative impacts of travel such as congestion, carbon emissions and air pollution.

Lancaster University Travel Carbon Emissions & Facts

• Carbon emissions from travel at Lancaster University comprise approximately 20,000tCO2e in a typical year, which makes up 25-30% of total University emissions.
• Travel related emissions are 50% higher than emissions from University energy use.
• 50% of travel emissions are from student travel to/from Lancaster at the beginning and end of the year, with a further 15% from University business and academic travel – virtually all from air travel.
• Approximately 30% of travel carbon emissions are from student and staff daily commuting to the University.
• Around 5% of emissions are from staff use of their own vehicles on University business and the University vehicle fleet.
• The 2019 staff travel survey indicated that in daily commuting 51% of staff commute by car alone, 12% car share, 19% commute by bus, 12% cycle, 3% walk and 1% come by train.
• The 2019 (off campus) student travel survey indicated that for daily commuting 64% of students commute by bus, 10% come by car alone, 9% car share, 9% cycle, 3% walk, 3% take the train and 2% use other modes.
• More than twice as many male staff cycle to work compared to female staff.
• The University has converted 2/3 of its vehicle fleet to electric vehicles over the last 10 years. The remaining vehicles are planned to be converted to electric when suitable models become available.
• The campus has plenty of cycle parking including secure student and staff cycle storage.

How can you help reduce travel carbon emissions?

• Avoid flying where possible – flights are the single largest source of travel carbon emissions.
• For UK travel – always use the train, for travel to north west Europe – try the train.
• Don’t commute by car to campus if you can use an alternative travel type.
• Do car share if you can – it will save you money and reduce your emissions.
• If you are changing your car – can you go electric? The University 37 EV charge points on campus.
• Do commute by bus – There are very regular services from the University into Lancaster.
• Get a bike and cycle – there are minimal carbon emissions and it can help keep you healthy!
• Try some of the quiet routes to cycle to campus – any problems with your bike see Dr Bike on a Thursday in Alex Square!
• Have a look at electric bikes – they could make your daily commute easy in hilly Lancaster!
• If you live in Galgate or south Lancaster – why not walk to campus – there are safe quiet routes in. Find out more here.