Overall Rating Silver
Overall Score 60.54
Liaison Jane Stewart
Submission Date March 1, 2024

STARS v2.2

Washington and Lee University
OP-17: Support for Sustainable Transportation

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.00 / 1.00 Jane Stewart
Energy Specialist
Treasurer's office
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution have a bicycle-sharing program or participate in a local bicycle-sharing program?:
Yes

A brief description of the bicycle sharing program:
The Blue Bike program allows W&L students, faculty and staff to "check out" bikes from a central location at the main campus library for long term loan. All bikes come with a lock and helmet to increase user-friendliness for the new or 'occasional only' bike rider. This program has expanded from a small donor-inspired initiative to a widely used, high visibility program and has greatly increased biking on campus. (https://my.wlu.edu/outing-club/blue-bikes)

Does the institution participate in a car sharing program?:
Yes

None
A brief description of the car sharing program:
Three cars are available on campus for students to check-out so they can attend service learning opportunities.

Does the institution offer preferential parking or other incentives for fuel efficient vehicles?:
Yes

A brief description of the incentives for fuel efficient vehicles:
There are Hybrid and EV-priority parking spots in two primary campus parking areas, as well as designated spots for actively charging vehicles at our charging stations. The installation of the level 2 chargers this fall was intended as an incentive for campus community members considering making a switch, but deterred by limited charging infrastructure in the area.

Does the institution have one or more Level 2 or Level 3 electric vehicle recharging stations that are accessible to student and employee commuters?:
Yes

None
A brief description of the electric vehicle recharging stations:
Level 2 chargers are located on the top deck (the point from which access to main campus is most convenient) of the university's parking garage. The chargers are accessible to the campus community as well as the general public - a community benefit prompted by the still limited charging infrastructure in our area.

Does the institution have incentives or programs to encourage employees to live close to campus?:
Yes

None
A brief description of the incentives or programs to encourage employees to live close to campus:
The University offers a mortgage benefit through which employees may secure a mortgage with an exceptionally low interest rate through the University, rather than a bank. This puts homes within the immediate area of the institution, a typically higher priced area more within range of a larger group of employees. The University Wellness program also incentivizes physical activity through reduced insurance premiums, encouraging those within walking distance of campus to commute on their feet (or bikes).

Does the institution have other programs or initiatives to encourage more sustainable modes of transportation and/or reduce the impact of student and employee commuting?:
Yes

A brief description of other programs or initiatives to encourage more sustainable modes of transportation and/or reduce the impact of student and employee commuting:
University Shuttle Service offers shuttles to/from the Roanoke Airport and the East Falls Church Transit Center in Arlington, VA., with easy connections to Washington DC and Baltimore area airports.

Traveller Transit, composed of five 24-passenger vans, runs a fixed route through Lexington on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights. This provides group transportation during evening hours when Lexington's already extremely limited public transportation is not accessible.

W&L also provides financial support to the Maury Express, a small public transit service that serves Lexington, Buena Vista, and Rockbridge County. Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Washington and Lee students ride for free. This service is promoted during new student orientation and through social media throughout the year.

Optional Fields 

Website URL where information about the institution’s support for sustainable transportation is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
---

Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
---

The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.