Hull College has been recognised nationally for its work to encourage and support staff and students to make more sustainable journeys to and from its city-centre campus.
We joined the programme earlier this year and have been working closely with Hull City Council to identify practical ways to make sustainable travel easier and more accessible for our college community.
This has already led to a number of improvements, including enhanced security for our onsite cycle parking, the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging facilities and plans to introduce a car sharing scheme.
We’re also helping our students discover sustainable travel options from the moment they enrol, promoting BetterPoints Hull through our student app. The city-wide initiative rewards people for making sustainable journeys, giving our students another reason to consider how they travel to and from college.
Matthew Blowman, Director of Facilities and Infrastructure at Hull College, said: “We’re delighted to receive this recognition, which reflects our commitment to making sustainable travel an easier and more practical choice for our staff and students.
“As a city-centre college, we have a real opportunity to encourage healthier journeys, reduce our environmental impact and help ease congestion. Working with Hull City Council has helped us turn that ambition into practical improvements, including secure cycle parking and better promotion of the travel options available.
“This award is an important first step, and we’ll continue to build on this progress, listening to our college community and supporting more people to walk, cycle, use public transport or share their journey.”
The Modeshift STARS accreditation scheme recognises workplaces that are making a positive difference to travel behaviour by developing, implementing and monitoring effective travel plans.
Accreditation is awarded at five levels – Approved, Good, Very Good, Excellent and Outstanding – with us achieving Good accreditation in recognition of the work we have already put in place.
Councillor Mark Ieronimo, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Transport and Infrastructure at Hull City Council and a lecturer at Hull College, welcomed the recognition.
He said: “I’m really pleased to see Hull College receive this recognition. Teaching here, I know just how many people travel to and from the college every day, so giving staff and students more options for how they make those journeys really matters.
“People won’t all travel in the same way, but where we can make walking, cycling or public transport a realistic and convenient choice, that’s good for individuals and good for the city.
“Hull College deserves credit for the work it has put in and it’s a good example of how organisations across the city can help give people more choice in how they get around.”
We’ll continue to work with Hull City Council and listen to the needs of our staff and students as we look for further opportunities to improve sustainable and active travel.
By making sustainable journeys a more practical choice, we can support the wellbeing of our college community while also playing our part in creating a cleaner, more connected city.
Businesses or organisations who would like to take part in the Modeshift STARS programme should contact Caitlynne Adams, travel plan officer (business) at Hull City Council, at: caitlynne.adams@hullcc.gov.uk
