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Travel

Our aim is to ensure our campuses are well connected to active and sustainable modes of transport, and staff and students are supported to make the most sustainable choices available.

Promoting sustainable travel is one of key focuses at the University. We have fantastic links to public transport, making environmentally-friendly travel between campuses and around the local area easy and accessible for all.

Our travel plan for 2023 to 2028, outlines a range of measures to ensure our staff and students can travel in the most sustainable way. 

A person pushing their bike around campus with only the bottom half of their body showing

Travelling to and around campus

It is a 20-to-30 minute walk, or a short bike ride, between Sir Tom Cowie Campus as St. Peter’s and City Campus. Alternatively, there is a free of charge campus bus service which allows travel between both Sunderland campuses in 10 minutes with a staff or student card.

We also offer a campus minibus operated by the Students' Union. The minibus runs between halls of residence, our campuses, and the SU. 

We strongly encourage you to travel to our campuses sustainably if possible. Whether this be walking, cycling, public transport, or even lift sharing.

An University branded electric vehicle driving on campus

Electric vehicle (EV) charging

The majority of the University’s owned and leased vehicles are 100% electric, with the remaining due to be replaced with 100% electric vehicles as leases expire or the vehicles need to be replaced.  

The University also provides electric vehicle charging units via the MER dual charging units. The chargers can be used by staff and students at CitySpace and the David Puttnam Media Centre at a rate in line with the Sunderland City Council to unify the approach across the city. 

To use the MER charging units you can use various methods including the MER App which can be downloaded via the Android Play Store and Apple App Stores.

Visit the MER website.

The top of the campus bus station with the sign on and lots of wild flowers and plants growing on top

Business travel

Business related travel, such as travel within and outside the UK for meetings and conferences, contributes 13% to our overall carbon footprint. We are committed to reducing this total carbon footprint to Net Zero by 2050. 

Our Business Travel Policy states that all travel must be necessary and justified, and that anyone considering travelling on University business must ask themselves before travelling: Is the journey absolutely necessary? Could this meeting be effectively held in any other way which will result in reduced cost, fewer resources, or less environmental impact, e.g., telephone/video conferencing? The policy also states that public transport is the University’s preferred mode of transport.   

Explore

Cheap and sustainable ways to travel around Sunderland and the north-east

Sunderland and the north-east have a perfect blend of the coast, countryside, and vibrant city life. Find out how you can get around using efficient modes of transport while considering your carbon footprint and how much you spend.

Sustainable shopping on a budget

Sustainable shopping isn't just good for the planet – it’ll also benefit your health and your wallet, which is particularly important for students in the current cost of living crisis.

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