Implementing transportation support structures and strategies is essential for promoting sustainable commuting to and from school. This START metric emphasizes creating an environment that encourages walking, biking, carpooling, public transit, and the use of alternative-fuel vehicles. By providing resources like carpool matching, bike racks, shower facilities, free or reduced transit options, campus shuttles, and EV charging stations, schools can make sustainable transportation more convenient, accessible, and appealing.
Transportation accounts for a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions, with road vehicles contributing 72% of transport-related CO₂ emissions (IEA). Schools that prioritize transportation support not only reduce emissions but also improve air quality, reduce traffic congestion, and encourage active lifestyles. These efforts align with broader sustainability goals and set a positive example for students, staff, and the community.
Strategies for Implementing Transportation Support
NOTE: This is not a prescriptive list; it just offers ideas to inspire action and can be tailored to fit the unique needs of each school.
Establish Carpool Matching Programs
Use online platforms or apps to connect families and staff with similar commuting routes.
Provide incentives for carpool participants, such as reserved parking spots or reduced fees.
Install Bike Racks and Secure Storage
Place bike racks in accessible, safe, and well-lit areas on campus.
Offer enclosed bike storage or lockers for added security and convenience.
Provide Shower and Locker Facilities
Install showers and changing rooms to support staff and students who bike or walk to school.
Include lockers for storing personal items, making active commuting more practical.
Offer Public Transit Incentives
Collaborate with local transit authorities to provide free or discounted passes for students and staff.
Promote reliable transit routes that serve the school community.
Introduce Campus Shuttles
Provide shuttles to transport students and staff from transit hubs or nearby neighborhoods.
Use low-emission or electric shuttles to further reduce environmental impact.
Install Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations
Set up EV charging stations in parking lots to encourage the use of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Partner with energy providers or grant programs to fund installation costs.
Create Preferential Parking for Sustainable Commuters
Reserve parking spaces for carpool participants, EV users, or alternative-fuel vehicles.
Offer reduced parking fees for drivers who use sustainable transportation methods.
Support Safe Routes to School
Advocate for improved sidewalks, crosswalks, and bike lanes near the school.
Work with local governments and community organizations to enhance pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.
Host Commuting Challenges and Events
Organize events like “Bike to School Day” or “Carpool Week” to raise awareness and encourage participation.
Use competitions or rewards programs to incentivize sustainable commuting habits.
Educate the School Community
Provide workshops or materials on the benefits of sustainable commuting, such as reduced emissions, cost savings, and health improvements.
Highlight available transportation support resources in newsletters, websites, or social media.
Promote Flexible Scheduling
Allow staff flexible start and end times to reduce peak-hour traffic and encourage alternative commuting options.
Use hybrid work schedules where possible to reduce overall commuting needs.
Track and Share Progress
Measure participation in sustainable commuting programs and track reductions in emissions or traffic congestion.
Share progress reports with the school community to celebrate achievements and build momentum.
Engage Students in Advocacy
Encourage students to lead or participate in projects that promote sustainable transportation.
Use transportation support initiatives as a learning opportunity in environmental science or social studies classes.
Collaborate with Local Partners
Partner with local businesses, transit providers, and non-profits to expand resources and funding for transportation support.
Advocate for community-wide transportation improvements that benefit the school and surrounding areas.
‘How To’ Guides
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How To Start an Electric Vehicle Workplace Charging Program
While not solely for schools, this guide from the City of Boston provides helpful first steps in planning, policies, and management of vehicle charging programs.
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A Guide for Level 1 Charging Stations at the Workplace
From the U.S. Dept. of Energy, an overview of level-1 electrical outlets for on-site vehicle charging, scenarios, estimated costs, and potential management policies.
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Additional Resources
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Charging Up Campuses
While created for university campuses, this report provides useful considerations for equipping a campus with charging stations.
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Emissions Reduction Benefits of Workplace Charging
From the U.S. Dept. of Energy, learn how sustainable transportation support impacts emissions, including calculations and comparisons of various transportation options.
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EV Outreach Resource
From the U.S. Dept. of Energy, resources to educate your employees on why and how they can take advantage of electric vehicle charging stations.
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EV Equipment Costs Overview
From the U.S. Dept. of Energy, factors and costs to consider in the implementation of electric vehicle charging stations, including purchasing, installing and maintenance.
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Estimating EV charging infrastructure costs
From the ICCT, a 2019 report on the costs of EV infrastructure, including labor, permits, materials and taxes.
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Schools hold the key to a healthy, sustainable and regenerative future.
They are role-models and incubators that that nurture, educate and prepare each generation for adult life.
Schools have a unique opportunity and profound responsibility to become part the transition to a sustainable, regenerative future in which people and planet can thrive.
But how do we get there?
START: Sustainability Tracking, Analytics & Roadmap Tool was created by schools, for schools, to help them develop comprehensive programs for step-by-step progress towards sustainability, regenerative practice, and student empowerment.
START provides a Roadmap for School Sustainability:
It breaks down school sustainability into clear actions (‘metrics’), such as Minimizing Waste, Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions, and supporting Sustainable Transportation options.
However, research shows it’s not enough for a school to simply reduce its environmental impact.
Students and staff also need to learn about sustainability, and practice it in day-to-day activities, because this impacts their attitudes and behaviors when they leave school. That’s why START includes metrics like Sustainability Events for Students, Sustainability Course Content, and Sustainable Purchasing Practices.
How sustainable is our school now?
Schools use START to measure how sustainable they are now. A school’s START team investigates how their school currently operates to find their ‘sustainability baseline’ for each metric. For example, is our school a beginner, intermediate or advanced in sustainable water use? START enables schools to benchmark, track and visualize their current sustainability levels, as well as hard data around their waste, water, energy and greenhouse gas emissions.
Where should we go next, and do we collaborate for success?
What do we need to do to ‘level up’ in each metric? Once schools have their baselines, START helps them to set goals and plan for progress. START provides a central hub for school members to collaborate, document, and plan their school’s sustainability journey.
START is a subscription-based Whole School Sustainability dashboard.
It requires at least one adult school member to create a school’s START account, but it will need a team (students, teachers and staff) to grow a Whole School Sustainability program.
Interested schools can sign up for a demo or apply to set up an account.
Learn more about START here, and consider sharing the brochure with your school.
Let’s create a better future, one school at a time.
Contact us at guides@greenschoolsalliance.org if you have a free resource to contribute or recommend that can help schools take action around this specific sustainability metric.