scholarly journals Changing commuters’ mobility behaviors of university campuses: environmental and energy comparisons

2021 ◽  
Vol 312 ◽  
pp. 12003
Author(s):  
Laura Cirrincione ◽  
Salvatore Di Dio ◽  
Maria La Gennusa ◽  
Giorgia Peri ◽  
Gianfranco Rizzo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Hybrid Vehicles ◽  
Commuter Students ◽  
Local Institutions ◽  
Sustainable Mobility ◽  
University Campuses ◽  
Field Campaigns ◽  
Polluting Emissions ◽  
The University ◽  
Effective Contribution

Governments are required to take proper measures to promote the use of electric and hybrid vehicles and, more generally, to push people towards sweeter modalities including walking and biking. To reach such tight and challenging goals, local institutions should be deeply involved, and universities among them. The promotion of sustainable mobility practices among commuter students must be considered indeed an effective contribution to facilitating the transition towards greener cities. On purpose, students of the University of Palermo that daily commute from their residences to the campus are considered here. These commuters, in fact, mainly adopt traditional polluting transportation means. Avoiding the recourse to these means by supporting the use of sweeter modalities such as walking, biking, public transport and vehicle pooling and sharing, would contribute to significantly reducing the associated polluting emissions. This task might be accomplished by involving students in app-based games that would reward their greener mobility behaviors. Results of a couple of in-field campaigns including a significant sample of commuter students is presented here, along with the obtainable environmental and energy benefits. The proposed method thus candidates itself as an effective tool that not only academic institutions but also local administrations could adopt to make their decarbonization pathways. Finally, it is argued whether universities (as well as local administrations) could be candidate for carbon or energy credits within the existing trading schemes because of the reduction of their energy consumption and greenhouse gases release.

scholarly journals Challenges of Promoting Sustainable Mobility on University Campuses: The Case of Eastern Mediterranean University

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 4842 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abolfazl Dehghanmongabadi ◽  
Şebnem Hoşkara
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean ◽  
Demand Management ◽  
Sustainable Transportation ◽  
Sustainable Mobility ◽  
Local Conditions ◽  
Transportation Demand ◽  
University Campuses ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods ◽  
The University

Universities have the extraordinary ability to generate awareness regarding all aspects of sustainability in communities. To be successful, they must first adopt and model sustainable concepts within their own campuses. Transportation is one of the most affective sectors on the level of sustainability on university campuses. In recent decades, numerous universities around the world have begun encouraging usage of active modes of transportation through various strategies. This research has a multi-faceted approach to researching proven strategies, sampling local conditions, and making context-driven recommendations. The literature review outlines the most effective strategies related to Transportation Demand Management (TDM) for promoting usage of active modes of transportation inside university campuses. After that, the condition of existing facilities and strategies as well as commuters’ propensities related to active modes of transportation in the Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) campus are evaluated using both qualitative and quantitative methods. The results include a set of recommendations and a framework for administrating, implementing, and enhancing a sustainable transportation system thereby increasing the commuter’s use of sustainable active modes of transportation to, from, and within the university campus.

scholarly journals Sustainable Campus: The Experience of the University of Lisbon at IST

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (14) ◽  
pp. 8050
Author(s):  
João Gomes Ferreira ◽  
Mário de Matos ◽  
Hugo Silva ◽  
Afonso Franca ◽  
Pedro Duarte
Keyword(s):  
Water Consumption ◽  
Research Problem ◽  
Management Policy ◽  
Sustainable Mobility ◽  
University Campuses ◽  
A Value ◽  
Surgical Technical ◽  
Sustainability Policy ◽  
The University ◽  
Technical And Organizational Measures

This paper addresses the research problem of determining if relevant energy and water savings may be obtained in university campuses without significant investments, based mainly on “surgical” technical and organizational measures. With the creation of the “Sustainable Campus” project, in 2011, IST has been implementing a sustainability policy. A resource management policy has been accompanied by a permanent project team, which proposes the implementation of technical measures. This activity is performed in articulation with the operational management through integrated actions in a collective effort to reduce consumption. Without significant investments, the energy-saving measures implemented have consistently achieved a value of more than 20% in energy consumption when compared to the average annual consumption values of the past decade. Additionally, in 2018, water consumption was 58% lower than the reference baseline value of 2011. In 2018, specific projects were implemented in the area of sustainable mobility, with a focus on smooth mobility and sharing. This paper presents the “Sustainable Campus” project, its operational lines, and the results achieved in energy and water consumption and sustainable mobility.

scholarly journals Travel Demand Prediction during COVID-19 Pandemic: Educational and Working Trips at the University of Padova

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 6596
Author(s):  
Riccardo Ceccato ◽  
Riccardo Rossi ◽  
Massimiliano Gastaldi
Keyword(s):  
Travel Demand ◽  
Risk Mitigation ◽  
Great Part ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Sustainable Mobility ◽  
New Normal ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Demand Prediction ◽  
Travel Decisions ◽  
The University

The diffusion of the COVID-19 pandemic has induced fundamental changes in travel habits. Although many previous authors have analysed factors affecting observed variations in travel demand, only a few works have focused on predictions of future new normal conditions when people will be allowed to decide whether to travel or not, although risk mitigation measures will still be enforced on vehicles, and innovative mobility services will be implemented. In addition, few authors have considered future mandatory trips of students that constitute a great part of everyday travels and are fundamental for the development of society. In this paper, logistic regression models were calibrated by using data from a revealed and stated-preferences mobility survey administered to students and employees at the University of Padova (Italy), to predict variables impacting on their decisions to perform educational and working trips in the new normal phase. Results highlighted that these factors are different between students and employees; furthermore, available travel alternatives and specific risk mitigation measures on vehicles were found to be significant. Moreover, the promotion of the use of bikes, as well as bike sharing, car pooling and micro mobility among students can effectively foster sustainable mobility habits. On the other hand, countermeasures on studying/working places resulted in a slight effect on travel decisions.

scholarly journals Ageism on Campus: Opportunities to Include Age in Diversity and Inclusion Efforts

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 7-7
Author(s):  
Cassandra Barragan ◽  
Stephanie Wladkowski
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Students ◽  
Leadership Positions ◽  
Older Learners ◽  
University Campuses ◽  
Diversity And Inclusion ◽  
Midwestern University ◽  
Barriers And Opportunities ◽  
The Many ◽  
The University

Abstract Diversity and inclusion are essential perspectives on university campuses. In recent years, there has been a nationwide decline in admissions resulting in changes to traditionally FTIAC driven college campuses. An environmental scan was completed at a mid-sized midwestern university to explore age-inclusive barriers and opportunities for change. In-depth interviews were held with 28 EMU stakeholders representing a wide variety of ages in leadership positions across campus. Students aged 40 and above (N=248) were also surveyed about their experiences on campus. Qualitative analysis revealed ageist attitudes about older adults and older students from at all levels of the university. Results demonstrate that initial responses to ‘age-friendly’ focused on stereotypes of older adults, but attitudes adjusted when reframed as older learners and further refined when older learners were defined as 40 and above. Additionally, there was a distinct disconnect between ageist perceptions towards older adults and older students which highlights the importance of intergenerational opportunities as an approach to combat ageist attitudes on campus. While these barriers require long-term and complicated solutions, participants described the many benefits that older learners bring to enrich the campus. Results of this research revealed opportunities to reframe aging in the context of diversity and inclusion efforts on campus. Adopting diversity efforts to include age can benefit universities in not only admissions, classroom experiences, and connections to surrounding communities.

Post-occupancy evaluation of outdoor spaces on the campus of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Brazil

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Clara Carvalho Tourinho ◽  
Sabrina Andrade Barbosa ◽  
Özgür Göçer ◽  
Klaus Chaves Alberto
Keyword(s):  
Critical Role ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
University Campuses ◽  
Post Occupancy Evaluation ◽  
Outdoor Spaces ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeUsing the campus of a Brazilian university as case study, this research aims to identify which aspects of the outdoor spaces are the most significant in attracting people.Design/methodology/approachThis research relies on the application of different post-occupancy evaluation (POE) methods, including user tracking, behavioural mapping and questionnaires, on one plateau of the campus.FindingsThree group of aspects (socialization, proximity and infrastructure) were identified as key elements in explaining the impact of the campus physical characteristics on users’ behaviour. The results indicate that having characteristics of at least one group of aspects in those spaces can guarantee their vitality and, if there is presence of attributes of more than one group, liveliness can be increased.Research limitations/implicationsFurther studies should be conducted on an entire campus to identify other spatial elements in the three groups.Practical implicationsThis research contributes to the planning of future campuses and to solutions to the existed ones, indicating the most relevant spatial characteristics to be considered. Additionally, the combination of different methods may be useful to future research.Originality/valueMost of the investigations on the university campuses focus on the buildings, and little research has investigated the outdoor spaces, although they play a critical role in learning and academic life, where people establish social, cultural and personal relationships. In addition, studies using several POE allowed a consistent and complete diagnostic about the aspects of the campus, giving recommendations for future projects.

scholarly journals THE USE OF HYBRID VEHICLES AS A PROPOSAL FOR REDUCING CO2 EMISSIONS AND ITS CONTRIBUTION TO REDUCING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

2009 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 07
Author(s):  
C. A. R. De Carvalho ◽  
W. Q. Lamas
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Dioxide ◽  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Climate Changes ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Hybrid Vehicles ◽  
Pollutant Emissions ◽  
Gas Emissions ◽  
Global Concern

The problems related to energy consumption and pollutant emissions for thetransport sector represent a major global concern regarding climate changes caused by greenhouse gases, directly related to the increased level of gas emissions from fossil fuels , the main one being carbon dioxide. One way tominimize this problem is through the introduction of new technologies. Hybrid cars are one of the new technology options that has the main advantage of reducing fuel consumption and therefore reducing the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere. This paper gives an introduction to hybrid vehicles, with the aim of presenting their main advantages and evaluate their impact on emissions of CO2 in the Brazilian fleet, compared to conventional vehicles.

scholarly journals The Lived Experiences of Chinese International Students Preparing for the University-To-Work Transition: A Phenomenological Qualitative Study

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian Lertora ◽  
Jeffrey Sullivan
Keyword(s):  
International Students ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
The United States ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Chinese International Students ◽  
University Campuses ◽  
College And University ◽  
Work Transition ◽  
The University

Chinese international students have been the largest growing number of international students on U.S. college and university campuses for the last ten years. However, there is minimal research literature that pertains to Chinese international students’ experiences on U.S. campuses and currently no research literature that reflects the entirety of their experience studying in the U.S. The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative study was to give a voice to Chinese international students who are preparing for the university-to-work transition to better understand their experiences as international students in the United States, specifically the types of transitional stressors they experienced and how they coped with these stressors. Five major themes and the essence of the participants emerged from the data analysis and are presented, discussed, and implication for campus based mental health professionals are provided.

scholarly journals Overview of Energy Savings and Efficiency Strategies at the University of Jordan Hospital

2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Heating System ◽  
Market Prices ◽  
Energy Auditing ◽  
Hospital Building ◽  
University Of Jordan ◽  
Solar Water Heating System ◽  
The University ◽  
Current Energy

The main objective of this study is to conduct an Energy Auditing of The University of Jordan Hospital. This hospital is quite known, as one of Jordan’s leading hospitals in human resources and equipment; however, the energy consumption of the hospital over the past few years has proven to be highly expensive. This makes the saving on costs of energy consumption a high priority that cannot be ignored. Energy audit covers the three main sections of the hospital: the Emergency Building, the Clinics Building and the Main Hospital Building. The consumption of energy, which costs the hospital a total of 2,778,426 JD/yr., can be categorized into three main parts, the lighting system, the diesel fuel consumption, and the consumption of water. After analyzing the energy invoices, and visiting the site for inspection, a list of recommended solutions that are applicable to cut down the total energy bill were derived. The implementation of renewable energy was suggested and studied of which a solar water heating system was proposed. A study on photovoltaic cells technology was performed for a sample of guest's rooms, the number of panels needed was found. After that, a feasibility study was conducted. The initial costs, annual savings and payback periods of the suggested system were estimated by the current market prices. It is found that the energy auditing and the solutions would be very beneficial as it will save a total annual value of 346,853 JDs (12.5% of the current energy bill).

scholarly journals Optimizing Power Consumption of Freight Railroad Bearings Using Laboratory Experimental Data

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos E. Lopez ◽  
Constantine Tarawneh ◽  
Arturo Fuentes ◽  
Harry Siegal
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Power Consumption ◽  
Optimal Operating ◽  
Speed Condition ◽  
Load Train ◽  
Train Speed ◽  
Railroad Bearings ◽  
Railroad Bearing ◽  
The University

Abstract Based on projected freight truck fuel efficiency, freight railroad and equipment suppliers need to identify, evaluate and implement technologies and/or operating practices to maintain traditional railroad economic competitiveness. The railway industry uses systems that record the total energy efficiency of a train but not energy efficiency or consumption by components. Lowering the energy consumption of certain train components will result in an increase in its overall energy efficiency, which will yield cost benefits for all the stakeholders. One component of interest is the railroad bearing whose power consumption varies depending on several factors that include railcar load, train speed, condition of bearing whether it is healthy or defective, and type of defect. Being able to quantify the bearing power consumption, as a function of the variables mentioned earlier, would make it possible to obtain optimal operating condition ranges that minimize energy consumption and maximize train energy efficiency. Several theoretical studies were performed to estimate the power consumption within railroad bearings, but those studies lacked experimental validation. For almost a decade now, the University Transportation Center for Railway Safety (UTCRS) at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) has been collecting power consumption data for railroad bearings under various loads, speeds, ambient temperatures, and bearing condition. The objective of this ongoing study is to use the experimentally acquired power consumption to come up with a correlation that can be used to quantify the bearing power consumption as a function of load, speed, ambient temperature, and bearing condition. Once obtained, the model can then be used to determine optimal operating practices that maximize the railroad bearing energy efficiency. In addition, the developed model will provide insight into possible areas of improvement for the next generation of energy efficient railroad bearings. This paper will discuss ongoing work including experimental setup and findings of energy consumption of bearings as function of railcar load, train speed, condition of bearing whether it is healthy or defective, and type of defect. Findings of energy consumption are converted into approximations of diesel gallons to quantify the effect of nominal energy consumption of the bearings and show economic value and environmental impact.

scholarly journals Student Satisfaction: Importance of Civility and University Identification Predictors

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
LaVelle Hendricks ◽  
Stephen Reysen ◽  
Zaidy Mohdzain ◽  
Kelly Martin ◽  
Joy Teles Oliveira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Student Satisfaction ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Academic Context ◽  
University Environment ◽  
University Campuses ◽  
Preventative Measures ◽  
Uncivil Behavior ◽  
Teaching Learning ◽  
The University

Uncivil behavior has recently been a topic of concern within university campuses. Administration, faculty, and students are all subject to engage or experience uncivil conduct. Academic civility is a fundamental variable to establish a positive university environment and teaching-learning outcomes. Objective: The present paper analyzes the concept of civility and incivility within an academic context, offers a dimension perspective of the problem, reviews contributing factors associated with incivility, explores preventative measures for incivility, investigates academic strategies that promote civility, and makes recommendations for intervention strategies. A study that examines relationships between civility, university identification and satisfaction with the university was conducted. Methods: undergraduate students (N=588) from a state university answered a survey that evaluated three variables: civility, university identification, and university satisfaction. Results: Civility was positively related to university identification (r = .11, p = .009) and satisfaction (r = .16, p < .001), and identification was related to greater satisfaction with the university (r = .75, p < .001). Conclusion: Greater levels of civility are correlated with university identification and satisfaction. In order to improve teaching-learning environments, academic institutions are encouraged to promote an environment that is conducive to civility, as well as establish civil behaviors as part of their instruction.

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