| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 77.24 |
| Liaison | Jim Dees |
| Submission Date | June 10, 2015 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Appalachian State University
OP-21: Support for Sustainable Transportation
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.63 / 2.00 |
Jim
Dees Data and Assessment Specialist Office of Sustailability |
Does the institution provide secure bicycle storage (not including office space), shower facilities, and lockers for bicycle commuters?:
A brief description of the facilities for bicycle commuters:
Appalachian currently does not have the facilities as listed above. There are several locations that offer outdoor covered bicycle storage.
Shower facilities are available in multiple locations including:
SRC, Varsity Gym, PSU, Landscaping Offices on State Farm Road, Quinn Center, Rankin Science.
Does the institution provide short-term bicycle parking (e.g. racks) within 50 ft (15 m) of all occupied, non-residential buildings and make long-term bicycle storage available within 330 ft (100 m) of all residence halls (if applicable)?:
A brief description of the bicycle parking and storage facilities:
Does the institution have a “complete streets” or bicycle accommodation policy (or adhere to a local community policy) and/or have a continuous network of dedicated bicycle and pedestrian paths and lanes?:
A brief description of the bicycle/pedestrian policy and/or network:
Does the institution have a bicycle-sharing program or participate in a local bicycle-sharing program?:
A brief description of the bicycle sharing program:
The Boone bike initiative began in 2007 with a grant from a US EPA P3 (People, Prosperity and the Planet) student design competition for sustainability. There are 12 bicycles which are loaned out for a month at a time. There is a $10 fee for the month for routine maintenance and upkeep of the shop. Demand for the bicycles is high.
Is the institution certified as a Bicycle Friendly University by the League of American Bicyclists (U.S.) or under a similar third party certification covering non-motorized transportation?:
A brief description of the certification, including date certified and level:
Does the institution offer free or reduced price transit passes and/or operate a free campus shuttle for commuters?:
A brief description of the mass transit program(s), including availability, participation levels, and specifics about discounts or subsidies offered (including pre-tax options):
The local Boone/Watauga County mass transit system, AppalCART (Appalachian Campus Area Rapid Transit)was formed in January 1980. AppalCART currently operates 10 free bus routes in and around the town of Boone, and is a major commuting source to shuttle students to and from campus. There were an estimated 1.3 million free rides taken on these ten routes in the 2010/11 school year. These routes covered a total of 487,611 miles.
Does the institution offer a guaranteed return trip (GRT) program to regular users of alternative modes of transportation?:
A brief description of the GRT program:
Does the institution participate in a car/vanpool or ride sharing program and/or offer reduced parking fees or preferential parking for car/vanpoolers?:
A brief description of the carpool/vanpool program:
Since the fall of 2011, Appalachian has used Zimride to help link riders with drivers. Zimride is an online social network that helps students find friends, classmates, and co-workers who are interested in carpooling.
Does the institution participate in a car sharing program, such as a commercial car-sharing program, one administered by the institution, or one administered by a regional organization?:
A brief description of the car sharing program:
UhaulCarShare and Appalachian State University are teaming up to offer UHaulCarShare. Appalachian has 3 fuel-efficient vehicles located on campus for checkout. UHaulCarShare is a service available to faculty, staff and students. Available for checkout by the hour or up to six days.
Does the institution have one or more Level 2 or Level 3 electric vehicle recharging stations that are accessible to student and employee commuters?:
A brief description of the electric vehicle recharging stations:
As of 11/12/14-We have a level 2 charging station located at River Street Parking deck. This is provided as a free service. A new solar charging station with 4 ports for electric vehicles (pending funding) is scheduled to be installed in the Legends parking lot in 2015. This will be a level 2 station as well.
Does the institution offer a telecommuting program for employees as a matter of policy or as standard practice?:
A brief description of the telecommuting program:
State Personnel Manual, Employment and Records, Section 3, Page 10, "Agencies may choose to utilize a variable work schedule that allows employees to choose a daily work schedule and meal period which, subject to agency necessities, is most compatible with their personal needs."
Does the institution offer a condensed work week option for employees as a matter of policy or as standard practice?:
A brief description of the condensed work week program:
State Personnel Manual, Employment and Records, Section 3, Page 10, "Agencies may choose to utilize a variable work schedule that allows employees to choose a daily work schedule and meal period which, subject to agency necessities, is most compatible with their personal needs."
Does the institution have incentives or programs to encourage employees to live close to campus?:
A brief description of the incentives or programs to encourage employees to live close to campus:
Appalachian does not have a program in place incentiviing employees to live close.
Does the institution have other incentives or programs to encourage more sustainable modes of transportation and reduce the impact of student and employee commuting?:
A brief description of other sustainable transportation initiatives and programs:
Appalachian State University's Carbon Neutral Commuter program:
With the purchase of a 2014-15 campus parking pass, Appalachian State University staff, students and faculty had the opportunity to make a financial gift to support the purchase of carbon offsets. This voluntary contribution of only $8 will reduce the university’s carbon footprint by the amount of carbon created during an average commute by one person for one year. In the first year of this program the participation rate was 17.5%.
The website URL where information about the institution’s sustainable transportation program(s) is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.