Sustainable travel at Kingston University
Supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Kingston University's practices tie in with the United Nations SDGs, which aim to transform our world and promote prosperity for all while protecting our planet. The University's policy on sustainable travel supports:
Kingston University's commitment to sustainable travel
Kingston University is committed to sustainable travel. It aims to be, by 2030, one of the most enjoyably accessible universities in London (Kingston University Travel Policy).
If you are visiting the University, whether you're walking, cycling, using public transport or driving your electric vehicle, there are plenty of sustainable travel options available. Visit our directions page and enter your preferred mode of transport to find a suitable route.
As a university we are committed to facilitating sustainable travel to, from and around our sites. We host Dr Bike bicycle maintenance events at several of our campuses throughout the year. We also have electric vehicle charging points and have electric vehicles for use within our own small service fleet.
We offer our staff interest-free loans to buy public transport season tickets to travel to and from work rather than use their cars. We also help our staff purchase discounted bikes for commuting through the Bike2Work Scheme.
Free inter-site bus service
The free Kingston University inter-site bus service provides around 4,000 passenger journeys a day during term time to University campus sites, halls of residence and sport facilities. Find out more and view the timetable.
Following a successful application for funding under the Office for Low Emission Vehicles' Low Emission Bus Scheme, in September 2016 we converted our entire inter-site bus fleet to less-polluting hybrid vehicles. These emit approximately 30% less carbon, and between 75% and 90% fewer pollutants. We are working with the Transport Research Laboratory to monitor the impact of these improvements as part of a research project on alternative clear bus services for the Department for Transport.
Cycling
We encourage staff and students to cycle to our campus in a variety of ways:
Kingston University regularly hosts ‘Dr Bike' sessions and bike marking events with the police. The 'Bike Dr's' will comprehensively check any bike brought to them, do minor repairs and give advice on more major work that may be required, as well as any general maintenance.
In the academic year 2022/23, the Bike Dr's spent a total of 24 hours on our campus sites.
We also run free Bike Maintenance courses for staff and students. In 2022/2023, we spent 14 hours teaching essential bike maintenance skills. Find out more on our Fit for Purpose page.
Across the estate we have facilities to support cycling, like showers, changing rooms and bicycle pumps.
We also help our staff purchase discounted bikes for commuting through the Bike2Work Scheme.
If you have any questions, please email us at sustainability@kingston.ac.uk.
Car travel and parking
Road transport makes up a fifth of UK greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. As the UK looks to reach net zero emissions by 2050, reducing emissions from road transport remains a significant challenge.
If you do drive to the University, lift sharing is a great way to save money, reduce congestion and improve air quality.
Get in touch with the Sustainability Team
Estates and Sustainability
Services Building
Penrhyn Road Campus
Kingston upon Thames
KT1 2EE
United Kingdom
Tel: +44(0)20 8417 6520
