11.4.1 : Sustainable practices targets
Student-Driven Action on Sustainable Commuting Targets
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) demonstrates an active process toward measuring and setting targets for more sustainable commuting through significant student advocacy and institutional responsiveness to expand non-motorized and electric transport infrastructure across the campus.
- Student Advocacy for Non-Motorized Transport (NMT): The Student Representative Council (MPP) is actively pressuring university management to expand and improve cycling facilities across the campus, including providing more safe bicycle lanes, sufficient parking, and amenities like washing and storage areas. This push is explicitly aligned with promoting a healthier lifestyle and supporting environmental sustainability efforts.
- Integration of Sustainable Transport Modes: The MPP's proposal goes beyond cycling, suggesting the provision of facilities for bicycles, motorcycles, and electric vehicles (EVs) for campus mobility. Furthermore, they propose that restrictions on private vehicles could be accepted, provided the university enhances supporting facilities for EVs, such as charging stations and repair workshops. This demonstrates an advanced focus on replacing fossil-fuel dependent modes with cleaner alternatives, directly setting a de facto target for EV and NMT adoption.
- Alignment with Global Sustainability Goals (SDGs): The university explicitly links this push for cycling and EV use to global sustainable practices, noting the effort contributes directly to achieving specific Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). This high-level alignment suggests that the university's response to the student demands will be integrated into formal sustainability strategies, which are necessary for setting measurable targets.
By actively engaging in a high-profile, student-led initiative to expand non-motorized and electric vehicle infrastructure, UTM is moving beyond simple awareness to directly addressing and implementing measures that will facilitate and quantify a shift toward sustainable commuting practices within the university community.
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