Macquarie University developed a Sustainable Transport Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the health and wellbeing of its current and future students and staff. Macquarie University is intent on being a role model for all by establishing sustainability based programs and policies to enhance the environmental, social and health conditions of students, staff and the local community. In 2007, Macquarie University established a Sustainability Office to work under the direction of the Deputy Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer. The Sustainability Office works cooperatively with faculties and offices across campus to ensure that all of Macquarie University’s activities (e.g. Waste, Energy, Planning and Development, Procurement, Learning and Teaching, and Transport) incorporate sustainable principles and practices. Macquarie University, as a facility of higher education and learning, is aiming to remain at the forefront by setting an example for sustainability in action. In the case of Macquarie University, with its extensive and easily accessible road network and large car parks, encouraging the use of private car, GTA identified that 30 % or 10,000 staff and students lived within 5km of the University, a distance easily cycled by an averagely fit person. Some of the key priority initiatives recommended by GTA in the Macquarie University Sustainable Transport Plan included a pilot TravelSmart program, positive and guilt themed marketing campaigns, incorporated within the current University curriculum, (www.tfl.gov.uk/roadusers/cycling/5842.aspx & www.climatechange.com.au) implementation of a car share scheme, development of a university cycling map and no excuse zone map together with a range of other bicycle infrastructure projects.
GTA looks forward to other Universities and organisations in New South Wales adopting this approach in the future.