By Train

Commuting and Travel

Academic and Business Travel

 

Business Travel and commuting emissions are a significant proportion of the DCU carbon footprint (~30-35%).  This is particularly significant when compared with DCU's energy emissions (~ 20-25%).  A breakdown of DCU's 2021 emissions are shown below :

 

 

Breakdown of DCU Carbon Footprint 2021

 

From 2021, DCU has reported, using an agreed methodology with DCU Business, the travel greenhouse gas emissions to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland under a government led mandate for all public sector bodies.  Below is a summary of the distance travelled, and estimated emissions, for 2021 and 2022.

 

 

                                                                                 Distance Travelled (km)                                         Estimated Emissions (tCO2e) 
  2021 2022                                               2021                           2022
Private Road Vehicles 112,137                     515,351                     23                   103                         
Flights 771,271 4,651,761 120 1,034
Commercial and Public Transport      17,133 43,678 2 4
Total 900,541 5,210,790 145 1,141

 

 

At present there is no reporting requirement or agreed methodology for staff and student commuting.  DCU has developed its own methodology, and shared it with other Higher Education Institutions, where data is gathered via the annual staff and student travel survey conducted in conjunction with the National Transport Authority from which an estimate of total commuting greenhouse gas emissions are identified. 

 

     

     

    Actions to address business travel and commuting emissions

     

    Measures being undertaken by DCU to address these emissions include:

     

    Business Travel

    • Examination of the development and implementation of a pilot policy for reducing business travel emissions addressing potential for carbon budgets, traveler prioritisation for 2023/24 academic year
    • Investigate the inclusion of student travel undertaken as part of their programmes at DCU
    • Examination of the possibility of additional time/cost for those who commit to not taking flights to promote ‘slow travel'
    • Examination of whether funding agencies have or intend to have policies/guidelines on travel/travel emissions

     

    Commuting

    • Examination of the learnings from the Remote Working Pilot and assess the related reductions in commuting emissions
    • Examination of potential measures that could also lead to better space management/reduction in need for future builds/reduction in energy consumption, etc, including hot-desking
    • Continue to work closely with NTA/ Dublin Bus and other providers to enhance the provision of public transport connections to the DCU campuses
    • Examination of car parking measures and solutions to promote active commuting and reduce single person car usage and align with proposed city and national strategies
    < Back to Commuting and Travel

    Dublin City University
    DCU Glasnevin Campus,
    Dublin 9,
    Ireland.

    T: +353 (1) 700 5000

     

    Dublin City University
    DCU St. Patrick's Campus,
    Dublin 9,
    Ireland.

    T: +353 (1) 700 9000

     

    Dublin City University
    DCU All Hallows Campus,
    Dublin 9,
    Ireland.

    T: +353 (1) 700 5800