Sustainable

transportation and the

Open Polytechnic

Nicole Gaston, Ph.D

Lecturer in Information & Library Studies, School of Social Sciences
Prepared for PolyGreen
1 April 2014

Overview
Past
Present
Open Polytechnic
Other Wellington organisations

Future

Past
The 2008 OP environmental audit report
recommended the following initiatives to be
undertaken
A commitment to encourage the use of
environmentally responsible transportation and
provide facilities for that use.

2008 Sustainable Business Audit Report

Is the Polytechnic, or any of its suppliers
(such as couriers) involved in any
sustainable transport initiatives?
(e.g. EECA FleetCheck, SBN GreenFleet).

2008:
The draft Environmental Policy for the Open Polytechnic
states a commitment to encourage the use of
environmentally responsible transportation and provide
facilities for that use.
2007:

Is fuel consumption monitored by the

Polytechnic (and/or contract couriers), and
does this include calculation of fuel
economy?
(e.g. using the EECA Fuel Economy
Calculator, or LTSA Fuelsaver Calculator).

The Polytechnic is not involved in any sustainable

transport initiatives, and is not aware as to whether any of
its suppliers practice sustainable transport measures.
2008:
2008 Status:
Monthly recording of vehicle odometer readings has been 15/07
Implementation of
in place since March 2008 in respect of the three vehicles
recommendation in progress.
owned and operated by the Polytechnic. To date, this
Odometer readings collected, but
information has not been reconciled with fuel
fuel efficiencies still to be calculated
consumption data (which would enable fuel efficiencies
and tracked. Opportunities likely to
to be calculated and monitored), although this is planned
exist to work with Cardlink Systems
for the future. No information is currently available in
(Fleet Management Supplier) to
terms of fuel consumption and efficiency initiatives carried
obtain this information.
out by contract couriers.
2007 Recommendation:
Travel expenditure is also monitored (through HRG Travel
15/07
Review pool vehicle fleet
and Taxicharge), and the Polytechnic is understood to be
card use, and establish a system to
in the process of issuing a tender for travel services, in
ensure mileage and fuel use data can
conjunction several other tertiary education institutions.
be effectively collected and analyses
Expenditure has been communicated to the Exec, and
to accurately identify and monitor
staff have been encouraged, through email
fuel efficiency (for example,
communications, to consider alternatives to taxi use.
implement a checking out system for
vehicle keys, which could be
controlled by an administrator in
Kanuka), and ensure log books are
fully completed when used).

Are drivers of Polytechnic vehicles required to 2008:

undergo any driver education programs, and if
No driver education programs are currently in place, or
so, what do these entail?
proposed in respect of drivers of the three Polytechnic
(e.g. to promote safe and fuel efficient
vehicles.
driving).
2007:
When selecting new vehicles for the
Polytechnic, what factors, if any, are
considered alongside operational needs?

Not covered by this years audit.

2008:

The potential to purchase fuel efficient vehicles (such as

hybrids) when replacing the existing vehicle fleet have been
(e.g. fuel-type, efficiency and emissions
raised through the Poly Green Committee, although it is
hybrid, bio-fuel powered, clean burning diesel acknowledged that the Polytechnic has no immediate plans
etc).
to replace any vehicles at this time.
2007:
The main criteria for selection are understood to be
suitability for use and price, as well as some consideration of
fuel consumption.
Maintenance of the current vehicle fleet is included within
the Asset Management Plan. This provides for regular
servicing and replacement (cars every 4 years, van every 6
years).
Is a Travel Plan in place for the Polytechnic to 2008:
promote more sustainable travel choices by
As at 21 July 2008, a draft travel survey had been released to
employees and reduce reliance on the car?
staff, results of which would be available after 1 August
2008. The survey will seek to identify current staff travel
arrangements and opportunities to improve business travel
arrangements and results are to be published. This will form
the basis for development of a Travel Plan. It was
acknowledged by the Polytechnic that further
opportunities will exist to reward staff for achieving
environmentally sustainable travel practices, and to
communicate positive travel initiatives and outcomes.
2007:
No travel plan is currently in place, although approximately
500 staff are based at the campus.

2008 Status:
16/07
Travel survey in progress,
and will inform the future
development of a Travel Plan.
2007 Recommendation:
16/07
Develop a Travel Plan for
the Open Polytechnic, aimed at
promoting more sustainable travel
choices and reducing reliance on the
car. Consider initiating this process by
conducting a staff survey of travel
practices and preferences and
establishing a competition aimed at
encouraging mileage and fuel
reductions.

Are facilities provided for alternative transport 2008:

users to the Polytechnic site?
Four bike racks are provided on site, although scope may
(e.g. showers, bike racks, lockers etc).
exist to provide covered and secure storage for bikes.
Shower facilities are also provided in Kanuka and Totara
blocks, as described above, and it is understood that
additional facilities will be provided in D Block.
2007:

Are any policies or initiatives in place to

reduce travel requirements for Polytechnic
employees?
(e.g. work from home, video-conferencing).

As noted above, some shower facilities are provided,

although no bike racks or lockers are available (it was later
confirmed that several bike racks are in place).
2008:
A coordinated car pooling scheme has been implemented,
and includes the introduction of a formal application process
in July 2008. Tips on car pooling are provided on the
PolyGreen TOPIC page.
In addition, the Polytechnic operates a free staff shuttle
service to Lower Hutt, three times a week.
2007:
Currently staff organise car pooling via informal word-of-
mouth. Potential to set up car pooling page under Topic
has been raised (Source: PolyGreen EE Survey, 2006).
The Polytechnic is working on the concept of allowing staff to
work from home; 1200 adjunct staff are currently employed.

Refer to 3.4b.

Current
Most (90%) of the approximately 500 staff travel by car?
Little motivation for sustainable transportation
Though some facilities (showers, bike racks) provided
Many barriers to increased uptake of sustainable transportation

Staff promotion of WCC sponsored active commuting events (Active

a2b) resulted in 18 staff participating
1 team of 4 staff members participated in Active a2b GO
challenge (first time OP has participated)
Finished 25 out of 60 teams in the Greater Wellington Region.

Numbers could be significantly increased

Current

GWRC supporting Workplace Travel Forum for more sustainable

commuting practices
40 local organisations involved, ranging from little sustainable travel activity
(ie, The OP), to high levels of sustainable travel (VUW, GWRC, KCDC)

Great initiatives at GWRC offices (behind Statistics NZ)

More than 40 staff cycling to work every day
(out of 250 staff total)

GWRC
cycling
facilities

Future
Review 2008 sustainability audit
recommendations
Conduct travel survey to establish baseline
Support sustainable transportation for staff
Establish sustainable transport working group?
I cant do it alone!

Raise awareness internally about physical &

environmental benefits of active commuting
More?