Sustainability at Parking and Transportation
Environmental Management System (EMS)
An Environmental Management System (EMS) is defined by the Office of Environmental Health and Safety as "an integrated organized set of policies and procedures under which the University of Virginia can remain compliant with applicable environmental regulations, and in addition, manage and lessen our impacts on the environment, thereby improving the University's overall environmental performance."
A member of the Virginia Environmental Excellence Program (VEEP), the Department of Parking and Transportation works closely with the Office of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) to develop and maintain its own EMS program to contribute to the University's commitment to sustainability. In May of 2006, Parking and Transportation received an environmental excellence award and "E2" designation (Environmental Enterprise) by the Department of Environmental Quality, becoming the first U.Va department to do so. |
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| What Can Be Recycled? |
- White Paper
- Mixed Paper
- Cardboard
- Aluminum
- Metals |
- All Plastics with the Recycling Symbol
- Small electronics
- CDS and Computer Discs
- Glass |
| Note: Boxboard (cereal boxes and the like), post-it notes, paper bags, envelopes, phone books, and any non-white paper go in mixed paper. |
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EMS at Parking and Transportation
Transportation Demand Management
| Parking and Transportation's Transportation Demand Management (TDM) division works to provide alternative transportation resources to the U.Va community to increase awareness of the various commuting options that are available in our area. The TDM section of our site provides information and links to the many eco-friendly transportation options including cycling resources and maps, public transportation options, and carpooling information and incentives. Parking and Transportation's TDM program was named RideShare's "Commuting Champion" for 2008 and was presented with the "Most Outstanding TDM Program" by the Association for Commuter Transportation (Chesapeake Chapter). |
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Some of TDM's initiatives include:
- HoosWhere: An easy-to-use GPS bus tracking system that lets bus riders know approximately when a bus will be arriving at their stop. Riders can obtain real-time arrival predictions at certain bus stops around grounds, on our HoosWhere website, from their web enabled mobile device, and over the phone. More Info...
- Cavpool: Introduced in 2008, the Cavpool program provides incentives to U.Va faculty and staff who carpool with other U.Va faculty and staff to the University. Incentives include discounted permit rates and free occasional parker permits. More Info...
- CAT Open Ridership: U.Va provides free rides on Charlottesville Area Transit (CAT) buses for U.Va faculty, staff, and students. This program allows for free transportation for U.Va ID holders to areas in Charlottesville not serviced by UTS. More Info...
- Bike Racks on Buses: All UTS transit buses are equipped with bike racks that make it easier for cyclists to transition between riding their bike and riding the bus. All Charlottesville Area Transit (CAT) transit buses and JAUNT buses are also equipped with bike racks.
- Zimride: In 2011 Parking and Transportation partnered with Zimride to provide online ride matching for students and staff. Zimride is U.Va.’s private social network for ridesharing. Have a car? Split the costs by driving fellow U. Va. community members. Don't have a car? Find a ride where you need to go. You save money, protect the environment and have more fun when you ride. Add your ride today: http://zimride.virginia.edu
- Zipcar: In 2009 Parking and Transportation launched the Zipcar program at U.Va. Zipcar is the world's largest car sharing provider, giving students and staff access to fuel efficient vehicles by the hour or by the day. Zipcar works in conjunction with the University and local transit service to provide a transportation network that is less reliant on personal vehicles.
- NuRide: In 2010 Parking and Transportation launched the NuRide commuter rewards program in the greater Charlottesville region. NuRide allows users to track their carpool, bike, transit, telework, or walking trip to earn points for rewards from local and national retailers.
- Learning Opportunities: Parking and Transportation works with local organizations to host workshops about vanpooling, safe cycling, area transportation issues and more. More Info...
University Transit Service
UTS provides bus service to virtually all areas of grounds for the U.Va community. In addition to UTS's TDM initiatives, UTS also runs on a mixture of biodiesel.
Biodiesel is a clean burning alternative fuel produced from domestic, renewable resources. The use of biodiesel in UTS buses results in a substantial reduction of unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter when compared to emissions from diesel fuel. The use of a B20 mixture can reduce CO2 emissions by 12%. Learn more at the National Biodiesel Board.
UTS currently runs on a mixture ranging from B5 to B30, depending on the season. |
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Maintenance and Department Vehicles
Parking and Transportation's Maintenance division services all UTS buses and may U.Va owned vehicles. In addition to complying with all state and federal guidelines regarding the disposal, storage, and handling of chemicals and by-products, P&T's Maintenance Division has also implemented effective methods of reducing storm water runoff including separation of wash water and storm water. Island canopies and berms have also be installed to contain any pollutant spills. The Maintenance Division also installed a concrete ramp at the bus fueling station to help prevent fuel leaks caused by fuel expanding in the tank during warm weather periods.
The Department of Parking and Transportation owns and operates several state vehicles used by many of the department's divisions including Event Operations, UTS, Facilities Operations, and Enforcement. Many of these vehicles are alternative fuel vehicles (biodiesel) or hybrid vehicles running off a combination of electricity and gas.
Event Operations
Parking and Transportation Event Operations also adheres to guidelines regarding the disposal and storage of chemicals. In addition, the Event Operations division reuses event and parking signs as much as possible to limit the use and disposal of vinyl, paint, metal, and other needed resources.
Web Development
In addition to providing easily accessible information, the Parking and Transportation website provides several online applications that are not only convenient but also reduce the use of paper and limit travel to and from the Parking Office. Most permit holders are able to renew their permits, pay citations, appeal citations, and update their contact information all online. Users are also able to request Charter Services and apply for student jobs with UTS online. Parking and Transportation's online features include:
General EMS Practices at Parking and Transportation
EMS practices can be seen throughout the Department of Parking and Transportation's offices and in the responsible actions of its employees. Each office in the Millmont Street Office is equipped with motion sensor light switches which reduce the waste of electricity when the room is vacant. The restroom facilities are also equipped with these energy saving light switches as well as motion activated paper towel dispensers that reduce the amount of paper towels used. Recycling containers are also available at the Millmont Street office for employees to responsibly dispose of aluminum cans, glass bottles, paper, and plastic containers/bottles.
Parking and Transportation also participates in the University's ROSE (Reusable Office Supply Exchange) program by donating unneeded office supplies to ROSE for other departments and students to use at no cost. Parking and Transportation also obtains needed supplies at no cost through this program.
Objectives and Targets In Progress
- Continue to sponsor National Bike to Work Day and the Clean Commute Day to increase public awareness of alternative means of transportation
- Evaluate the practicality of using an ethanol blend in gasoline dispensed by the department
- Experiment with the use of synthetic motor oil to determine if buses can run longer between oil changes, thereby reducing oil waste
- Continue to encourage employees to recycle
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