Sustainable Development Policies

11.4.1

Sustainable Practices and Commuting Targets

1. Purpose

The purpose of this Policy is to define and institutionalize the University of Thessaly’s approach to promoting sustainable commuting and mobility practices across all campuses. The University commits to measuring, monitoring, and reducing the environmental footprint of commuting, while supporting active, shared, and low-emission modes of transport.

2. Scope

This Policy applies to all students, academic and administrative staff, contractors, and visitors to the University of Thessaly. It covers commuting between campuses, field sites, and affiliated facilities, including the use of walking and cycling, public transport, carpooling, vanpooling, shuttle buses, motorcycles, scooters, and electric or hybrid vehicles.

3. Legal and Institutional Context

The Policy aligns with: Law 4936/2022 (National Climate Law); Law 4342/2015 (Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Transport); Law 4485/2017 (Framework for Higher Education); EU Directive 2018/844/EU on energy efficiency in public institutions; EU Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) framework; European Green Deal (2019); UN SDGs 11 (Sustainable Cities) and 13 (Climate Action).

4. Policy Statement

1. The University of Thessaly shall measure and monitor commuting patterns annually for students and staff to assess modal share and environmental impact.
   2. The University shall set specific, measurable targets for sustainable commuting, including increased walking, cycling, and shared transport use.
   3. The following baseline targets shall apply:
   – 20% increase in walking and cycling by 2030,
   – 30% increase in public or shared transport use by 2030,
   – 50% reduction in single-occupancy car use by 2030.
   4. The University shall promote active mobility infrastructure, including safe pedestrian routes, bicycle parking, and repair stations on all campuses.
   5. Incentive programs shall be developed for carpooling, vanpooling, and the use of electric vehicles and shuttle services.
   6. The University shall collaborate with local transport authorities to improve public transport links to campuses.
   7. Awareness campaigns shall be organized annually to promote sustainable commuting and climate-conscious behavior.
   8. All University-owned vehicles shall transition to low-emission or electric models by 2035.
   9. Each campus shall develop a Mobility Action Plan aligned with this policy and reviewed annually.
   10. The University shall integrate mobility data into its Sustainability Reporting Framework, with indicators on emissions reduction, participation, and accessibility.

5. Implementation and Responsibilities

– The Rector oversees implementation.
– The Facilities Services implements operational changes and infrastructure improvements.
– The Student Affairs Offices supports staff and student engagement programs.
– The Public Relations Office communicates policy actions and achievements.

6. Monitoring and Review

Annual mobility surveys and emissions assessments shall be conducted to evaluate progress toward targets. Results shall be published in the University’s Annual Sustainability Report. This Policy shall be reviewed every three (3) years, or sooner if significant changes in mobility or climate legislation occur.

7. Related Documents / References

Law 4936/2022 (National Climate Law);
Law 4342/2015 (Energy Efficiency and Transport);
Law 4485/2017 (Higher Education Framework);
EU Green Deal and SUMP Guidelines;
UN SDGs 11 and 13;