Transportation emissions, including employee commuting, campus fleet and air travel, represent the other large proportion of Duke’s greenhouse gas footprint and therefore warrant continued focus for how to mitigate these impacts while providing safe, accessible options for mobility to and around campus. There are several ways in which sustainable and alternative transportation is the focus of ongoing planning and infrastructure improvements.
Early in 2023, Duke hired a consultant to assist with the university plan for the electrification of the campus fleet and the associated charging, along with the charging infrastructure needs of the campus community at large. The project helped illuminate the complexities and the rapidly changing landscape of the transition to electric vehicles both for Duke and the public. Though still in process, recommendations for next steps on how to best structure the management of these programs, as well as pilot programs for fleet electrification and campus charging, are expected. Duke is also in the process of updating the campus Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. This plan will assess existing conditions for walking and biking on Duke’s East, West, Central and Medical Center campuses. The plan will address gaps in the sidewalk and bikeway network, evaluate progress on key projects since 2017, and guide future infrastructure projects that will help make walking, biking, and rolling on campus safer, more equitable and more convenient for staff, faculty, students and visitors. The plan will also be used to guide the phasing of proposed projects and will include considerations for micro-mobility (ex. e-bikes, scooters), reflecting the changing transportation needs and choices of the campus community.
Air travel remains a challenge in the reduction of emissions as the campus community resumes normal travel patterns. Duke continues to explore policies and guidance to reduce air travel by utilizing teleconferencing, trains and buses, and aligning meeting schedules to reduce commuting by faculty and staff. The University is also exploring a more sustainable funding mechanism for offsetting its essential air travel.