Overall Rating Reporter - expired
Overall Score
Liaison Debra Shepard
Submission Date March 6, 2020
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

Wentworth Institute of Technology
OP-18: Support for Sustainable Transportation

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete Reporter Debra Shepard
Sustainability Consultant
N/A
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Support for Cyclists and Pedestrians 

Does the institution provide secure bicycle storage (not including office space), shower facilities, and lockers for bicycle commuters?:
Yes

None
A brief description of the facilities for bicycle commuters:
Wentworth offers over 380 bicycle parking spaces on campus, including 10 outdoor bike racks, a secure bike shelter, and an indoor storage area in a residence hall. Shower facilities are available in the men's and women's locker rooms in the fitness center, and lockers are also available.

Does the institution provide short-term bicycle parking for all occupied buildings and makes long-term bicycle storage available for students who live on-site (if applicable)?:
Yes

None
A brief description of the bicycle parking and storage facilities:
See above.

Does the institution have a bicycle and pedestrian plan or policy (or adhere to a local community plan/policy) that sets standards and practices for campus streets to enable safe access for all users?:
No

A brief description of the bicycle and pedestrian plan or policy:
---

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:
Through its affiliation with the Colleges of the Fenway, Wentworth participates in the "Blue Bikes" city-wide bicycle sharing program. Wentworth sponsors a Blue Bikes station in front of the Apartments at 525 Huntington Ave. residence hall.

Mass Transit Programs 

Does the institution offer free or reduced price transit passes and/or operate a free campus shuttle for commuters?:
Yes

A brief description of the mass transit programs:
Wentworth is located in the heart of Boston, with multiple mass transit options within walking distance, including bus, subway, and commuter rail options. Discounted MBTA passes are available for students and employees.

Guaranteed Return Trip Program 

Does the institution offer a guaranteed return trip program to regular users of alternative modes of transportation?:
Yes

A brief description of the guaranteed return trip program:
Through its participation in the MASCO CommuteWorks TMA program, Wentworth employees who commute by alternative modes of transportation can receive a free taxi ride or rental car to go home in the event of an unexpected personal emergency.

Carpool/Vanpool Programs 

Does the institution participate in a car/vanpool or ride sharing program and/or offer reduced parking fees or preferential parking for car/vanpoolers?:
Yes

A brief description of the carpool/vanpool program:
Through the MASCO CommuteWorks TMA program, Wentworth employees who choose to carpool or vanpool can utilize a free rideshare matching service.

Car Sharing Program 

Does the institution participate in a car sharing program, such as a commercial car-sharing program, one administered by the institution, or one administered by a regional organization?:
Yes

None
A brief description of the car sharing program:
Through the Colleges of the Fenway and MASCO CommuteWorks, Wentworth employees and students can join Zipcar at a discounted rate, and Zipcars are located within walking distance of the main campus.

EV Recharging Stations 

Does the institution have one or more Level 2 or Level 3 electric vehicle recharging stations that are accessible to student and employee commuters?:
No

None
A brief description of the electric vehicle recharging stations:
---

Telecommuting and Condensed Work Week Programs 

Does the institution offer a telecommuting program for employees as a matter of policy or as standard practice?:
No

None
A brief description of the telecommuting program:
---

Does the institution offer a condensed work week option that reduces employee commuting (as a matter of policy or standard practice)?:
Yes

A brief description of the condensed work week option:
Some departments offer a condensed summer schedule.

Other Strategies to Reduce the Impacts of Commuting 

Does the institution have incentives or programs to encourage employees to live close to campus?:
No

None
A brief description of the incentives or programs to encourage employees to live close to campus:
---

Does the institution employ other strategies to reduce the impact of commuting (e.g. preferred parking for fuel-efficient vehicles, cash-out of parking programs)?:
Yes

A brief description of other strategies to reduce the impact of commuting:
Preferred parking for carpool vehicles.

Optional Fields 

The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
http://www.masco.org/directions/commuteworks

Additional documentation to support the submission:
---

Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
Wentworth's comprehensive commuter programs are managed by the department of Student Engagement (https://wit.edu/commuters) and through Human Resources (via the MASCO Commuteworks program: http://www.masco.org/directions/commuteworks) for faculty and staff. These departments help run events and campaigns to promote alternative commuting, such as free bicycle tune-ups on campus, bike-to-work week, and commuter challenges / raffles. As shown in the commute modal splits, the majority of the campus community travels to/from campus using sustainable modes.

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.