Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 73.23
Liaison Michael Chapman
Submission Date Dec. 8, 2016
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

Nova Scotia Community College
OP-21: Support for Sustainable Transportation

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.75 / 2.00 Patti McCullough
Project Assistant
Facilities & Engineering
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution provide secure bicycle storage (not including office space), shower facilities, and lockers for bicycle commuters?:
Yes

A brief description of the facilities for bicycle commuters:

All campuses have shower facilities that are available to cyclists.

The Akerley Campus has a locked shed in which bicyclists can safely lock their bikes away. Public showers are located in the men’s and women’s changing rooms along with lockers. Lockers are also provided to every student.

All other campuses have outdoor bicycle racks and shower facilities are available within the building in men's and women's changing rooms along with lockers.


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)?:
No

A brief description of the bicycle parking and storage facilities:

NSCC only has one campus with a residence. There are no long-term storage facilities at this campus. Every campus provides bicycle parking at outdoor bike racks. Many of the campuses have bicycle repair stations which are available from Security inside the building.


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?:
Yes

A brief description of the bicycle/pedestrian policy and/or network:

Several of the NSCC campuses have trails alongside the campus that allow for pedestrians and bicyclists to use in lieu of walking/cycling along the streets.

The local bicycle laws for Nova Scotia can be found at https://novascotia.ca/tran/publications/NovaScotiaBicycleSafety.pdf


Does the institution have a bicycle-sharing program or participate in a local bicycle-sharing program?:
No

A brief description of the bicycle sharing program:

NSCC does not participate in a bicycle sharing program.


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?:
No

A brief description of the certification, including date certified and level:

This certification is not available in the areas where NSCC has campuses.


Does the institution offer free or reduced price transit passes and/or operate a free campus shuttle for commuters?:
Yes

A brief description of the mass transit program(s), including availability, participation levels, and specifics about discounts or subsidies offered (including pre-tax options):

Since September 2010, students at NSCC's three Metro campuses (Akerley, IT and Waterfront/Aviation) have benefited from Halifax Transit's U-Pass (universal bus pass) program. This initiative was initially approved through student referendum in April 2010 and the program was reaffirmed by students again in March 2013.

As part of the enrollment fee paid to NSCC, service on any of Halifax Transit's regular bus routes and ferry service are included. Students travelling during the academic year (September to April) must carry a valid Student ID card with their pass to show to the Halifax Transit Operator. More information about the U-Pass can be found on Halifax Transit's website at http://www.halifax.ca/transit/students.php.


Does the institution offer a guaranteed return trip (GRT) program to regular users of alternative modes of transportation?:
No

A brief description of the GRT program:

NSCC does not participate in a 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?:
Yes

A brief description of the carpool/vanpool program:

At every campus there is a carpool bulletin board outside of the Student Association office. The board has signup sheets where students can match up with people travelling from their area.

All students can also sign up for NSCC social networking. Through this social network site they can connect with other students looking to carpool.


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?:
Yes

A brief description of the car sharing program:

NSCC IT Campus in Halifax has a CarShareHFX fleet vehicle on campus. It is available for any member of CarShare to use. It can be used by student or staff members of the CarShare program as well as CarShare members in the community.


Does the institution have one or more Level 2 or Level 3 electric vehicle recharging stations that are accessible to student and employee commuters?:
Yes

A brief description of the electric vehicle recharging stations:

EV Level 2 charging stations are mounted on the buildings at various campuses across the province. EV Level 2 charging stations can charge an electric car in approximately eight to twelve hours.


Does the institution offer a telecommuting program for employees as a matter of policy or as standard practice?:
Yes

A brief description of the telecommuting program:

College employees are encouraged to use video conference, conference calling or other communication tools in lieu of travelling when reasonable and feasible to do so.

The following is taken from the NSCC Travel and Reimbursement Policy, August 31, 2011:
“College employees are encouraged to use the most economical form of travel when reasonable and feasible, and when the use of video conference, conference calling or other communication tools is not an option.”


Does the institution offer a condensed work week option for employees as a matter of policy or as standard practice?:
Yes

A brief description of the condensed work week program:

Although no formal policy is currently in place, NSCC will offer a condensed work week as determined on a case-by-case basis (Operational Support).


Does the institution have incentives or programs to encourage employees to live close to campus?:
No

A brief description of the incentives or programs to encourage employees to live close to campus:

There is no program or incentive available to encourage employees to live close to campus.


Does the institution have other incentives or programs to encourage more sustainable modes of transportation and reduce the impact of student and employee commuting?:
Yes

A brief description of other sustainable transportation initiatives and programs:

NSCC has been an active participant in the Idle Free Campaign since 2009. Idle free signage provided by DriveWiser is posted in the Shipping & Receiving areas as well as drop off points on the campus.


The website URL where information about the institution’s sustainable transportation program(s) is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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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.