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Campus Bulletin

July 10, 2007

U of G Successfully Takes on Commuter Challenge

The University received top awards for most emissions reduced and most kilometres travelled by a sustainable mode of transportation as part of the city-wide Commuter Challenge last month.

During the national week-long event, which ran June 3 to 9, U of G managed to reduce 1.88 tons of emissions and travel a total of 7,910 km using sustainable modes of transportation.

The University will receive the city-wide awards during the city council meeting July 16 at 7 p.m.

This was the third year U of G was involved in the event, and the University’s 126 participants made up 40 per cent of the city’s total participation.

“We are very pleased with this year’s results,” said Gillian Maurice, the University’s sustainability co-ordinator and organizer of the event. “The U of G community continues to rally around trying out more sustainable modes of transportation, and our participation continues to grow. Next year we hope to further expand our partnerships and learn more from other institutions’ approaches.”

Prizes were given to participants who travelled the most kilometres for each transportation category from walking or cycling to taking public transit. Prizes included a push lawn mower, City of Guelph monthly transit passes and a bicycle rack. People were also given free coffee coupons just for participating.

Those traveling by bicycle during the week also had a chance to have small repairs and adjustments done by Paramount Skis and Sports free of charge and were given coupons and discounts on safety equipment from campus police.