Gold level Smarter Travel Mark awarded to University College Dublin
Posted 18 April, 2024
University College Dublin has been awarded a gold level Smarter Travel Mark from the National Transport Authority (NTA) for its efforts to support active and sustainable travel to and from its campuses.
The Smarter Travel Mark is a three tier certification that recognises and celebrates organisations that are working to reduce single-person car usage, and gold certification is awarded to those that have put in place “outstanding measures that support sustainable and active commuting”.
UCD’s Vice-President for Sustainability, (opens in a new window)Professor Tasman Crowe and Mark D’Alton, Chair of UCD Smarter Travel Group were presented with the plaque by Siobhan Hamilton, Smarter Travel Programme Manager.
“This is great news and achieving the gold Smarter Travel Mark award reflects the hard work and dedication of UCD Estates and others in promoting the benefits of sustainable travel,” said Professor Crowe.
“We look forward to implementing further Smarter Travel initiatives to support staff, students and visitors in making more sustainable transport choices.”
Great news! UCD has been awarded the gold level Smarter Travel Mark from the National Transport Authority. Only second university to get gold!
— Patrice Harrington (@patriceharr) (opens in a new window)April 17, 2024
Plaque presented to VP for (opens in a new window)#Sustainability Tasman Crowe and Mark D’Alton, Chair of UCD Smarter Travel Group by Siobhan Hamilton, NTA. (opens in a new window)pic.twitter.com/1WG0au5Dsq
Anne Graham, CEO of the NTA said that employer-led sustainable travel initiatives are essential to reducing the impact of our collective dependence on the car as a mode of travel, resulting in reduced carbon emissions.
Adding: “In achieving the Mark, UCD is demonstrating a commitment to changing attitudes and behaviours regarding walking, cycling and public transport usage, by implementing measures that facilitate, support and encourage sustainable travel options for your workforce, students and visitors.”
UCD is now one of only two universities in Ireland to have achieved the gold mark.
By: David Kearns, Digital Journalist / Media Officer, UCD University Relations (with materials from Patrice Harrington, UCD Sustainability).
