SDSU Wins SANDAG iCommute Diamond Award
The SANDAG award is given for outstanding efforts in encouraging employees to use environmentally sustainable transportation options to get to and from work.
“This award demonstrates we are heading in a positive direction to provide alternatives to our community and improve the carbon footprint.”
For a second consecutive year, San Diego State University has received the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) iCommute Diamond Award – Gold Tier for embracing green transportation choices.
SDSU is one of 94 employers in San Diego County – along with entities such as the Port of San Diego, San Diego County Regional Airport Authority and Sharp HealthCare – recognized by the agency for outstanding efforts in encouraging employees to use environmentally sustainable transportation options to get to and from work.
"We are so proud to receive the iCommute Diamond Award," said Debbie Richeson, director of Parking and Transportation Services. "This award demonstrates we are heading in a positive direction to provide alternatives to our community and improve the carbon footprint."
The SANDAG iCommute program provides services to commuters and employers to help reduce traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions.
The award underlines SDSU’s efforts across campus to be more environmentally friendly when it comes to transportation.
“SDSU encourages students, faculty, and staff to use environmentally sustainable transportation options to help us achieve our carbon neutrality goals,” said Tom Abram, energy and sustainability officer and assistant director of Facilities Services. “Transit, carpooling, and active transportation, like biking and skateboarding, can reduce transportation costs and in many cases promote a healthier lifestyle.”
Bicycle Programs
The campus offers a network of bicycle lanes and roads that allow for easy access around campus. The campus also features more than 90 bicycle rack locations on campus.
The campus also has several bicycle maintenance stations at several residence halls on campus:
- Cuicacalli
- Chapultapec
- University Towers
- Air station at Aztec Recreation Center on the north side of the Shake Smart building
It is recommended that bicycles are registered with the University Police Department. Members of the campus community are provided with a free U-lock bicycle lock following registration.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Programs
The university has replaced Blink charging stations with ChargePoint stations. As a result, prices have been reduced from $0.49/kWh to $0.20/kWh. Charging station usage in September 2019 was more than three times the usage the year before. SDSU maintains partnerships with several dealerships in the area to provide discounts for electric vehicles for students, faculty, and staff in addition to hosting an EV test drive day every year on campus during Drive Electric Week each September.
Public Transportation and Ridesharing Programs
Students can purchase semester passes from MTS, valid for regular MTS bus and Trolley services, for $152 per semester. SDSU also maintains partnerships with Zimride and Waze Carpool for carpooling partnerships as well as a partnership with Zipcar that allows vehicles to be rented on an hourly basis. Cars are located in lot 2A by the east residence halls and in lot 5 on the corner of Campanile Drive and Lindo Paseo. Members of the campus community are also encouraged to carpool when utilizing Lyft and Uber.
