Sustainable Travel Ambitions

Sustainable travel has a crucial role to play in helping the University to reduce our carbon emissions.

Our Environmental Sustainability Vision sets out our ambitions and our  Environmental Sustainability Vision, Policy and Strategy outlines how we will work towards these goals, including on travel.

Integrated Sustainable Travel Plan

Our Integrated Sustainable Travel Plan (ISTP) 2020-2025 sets out the benefits for those using sustainable travel who work, live and study at the University for the University itself; for the local community; for the local economy and for the environment.

Section 8 of the ISTP outlines objectives and targets for sustainable commuting and visitor travel, including minimising single-occupancy car journeys and increasing journeys made using public transport, cycling, walking, and parking and riding against a 2019 baseline. It also lays out targets to reduce business travel emissions as well as to reduce the carbon impact of services and deliveries to the University.

Read more about the ISTP and how it is managed, monitored and reported at ISTP - Durham University.

Sustainable Travel Engagement

The Energy and Sustainability team use the Greenspace campaign to promote sustainable commuting and travel on campus. For example, at key times of the year, we highlight relevant events and campaigns in our Greenspace Calendar. These include promoting initiatives such as our work with local partner Recyke y'bike to run Dr Bike repair sessions and bike sales in October to increase cycling; National Walking Month activities in May;  World Car Free Day signposting in September; and our Car Share challenge. We also have an arrangement with Arriva to offer staff and students discounted bus tickets to enable modal shift to public transport.

Travel Information

Given the University’s targets to minimise carbon emissions from travel, it is essential that active and sustainable travel options are accessible and visible to all who want to travel to, from and within our campus.

The aim of this page is to inform University staff, students and visitors about the different options for travelling to Durham City. Please follow the links below for more detailed information on different modes of travel for commuting and travelling within Durham City.