UD SUSTAINABLE OPERATIONS
TRANSPORTATION
About Electric Vehicles: As the market and demand for electric vehicles (EVs) continue to grow, UD will inevitably have to provide the proper infrastructure to support electric transportation. EVs provide a more environmentally friendly alternative to diesel and gas-fueled transportation that will help the UD decrease its carbon emissions. The University of Delaware has only 16 charging stations of which 9 are available to the public. The University is lacking in EV infrastructure and thus will increase its infrastructure to keep up with the inevitable rise in demand for EV charging services as more people purchase electric vehicles. Additionally, academic institutions are starting to electrify their own transportation and busing systems through federal grants from the Department of Energy and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). UD will begin making this transition in the coming years.
About Bicycling & Pedestrian Travel: Biking and walking are sustainable forms of transportation that ultimately reduce carbon emissions and can lead to health benefits, decreased traffic congestion, and fewer vehicle-related deaths. Having the proper infrastructure to accommodate biking and on-foot travel is the key to encouraging more people to engage in sustainable travel. UD has bike racks at most campus buildings and a relationship with the community-based bike shop called the Newark Bike Project. However, neither UD nor the City of Newark have a bikeshare program. Additionally, unlike other major universities, UD does not have a bicycle-friendliness rating from the League of American Bicyclists (LAB). LAB ranked Delaware 6th in bicycle friendless amongst 50 states and gave the City of Newark a Silver ranking in 2022. UD earning a LAB ranking of Silver would give us half a credit in the AASHE STARS Report’s “Sustainable Transportation” category.
GOALS
- Develop a Transportation Master Plan. If necessary, engage a consultant to plan an electric vehicle transition.
- Make a commitment to purchasing 100% electric vehicles by 2030.
- Promote a bicycle-friendly community (bikeshare, bicycle lanes, LAB designation).
