DE MONTFORT University has set a series of key targets for more sustainable commuting and has a series of attractive promotions for staff and students to help meet those targets.
The targets were established in the university’s annual Sustainability Report and include…
Commuting targets and progress
- Total carbon emissions from commuting to be a three-year average of less than 2,500 tCO2e;
- The percentage of staff commuting by sustainable alternatives to be a three-year average of 67% by the end of 2025;
- And the three-year average for staff commuting by single occupancy vehicle to be 33% by the end of 2025.
The most recent evidence in the annual Travel Survey 2025 shows that commuting emissions from DMU’s staff and students was estimated to be 2,849 tCO2e, which means there is still work to be done.
Staff commuting by sustainable alternatives was at a three-year average of 50%, while staff commuting by single occupancy vehicle was a three-year average of 46%. Both are behind the targets set for the end of 2025.
Although, the annual travel survey showed those figures had improved during 2025 with 44% of staff travel in a single occupied vehicle and 19% by public transport,
Business aur travel in 2025 was 6.7 million km down from the 8.1 million km in 2019/20 before the Covid pandemic.
A series of promotions were carried out throughout 2025 with the aim of meeting those ambitious sustainable travel targets in the coming years.
Cycling
Secure cycle storage facilities have been opened at The Watershed and Beaumont Park to add to those already in the Vijay Patel building, which has a repair station and bike pump.
The additional facilities added to those open cycle parks across the campus means that the total number of spaces now tops 770 spaces on campus, with more than 100 of those indoor. Additional showering facilities are in the Vijay Patel as well as other building across the campus.
DMU has carried out the Daria Project with Leicester City Council in 2025 to encourage staff and students to ride a bicycle with free lessons provided on campus. This initiative came after a survey revealed that one in eight people have never learnt how to ride a bike.
Cyclists can also be loaned free lights and locks as part of the promotion and monthly Doctor Bike repair sessions as well as a free Bikers’ Breakfasts held to encourage the healthy commuting.
In 2025, a total of 11% of DMU staff regularly cycled to work, which is three times the national commuting average.
Public transport
DMU is part of the city’s SmartGo app that entitles staff to free annual permits to the city’s various park and rides schemes as well as free travel on the Hospital Hopper bus services across the city.
All of these initiatives are part of the ‘carrot and stick’ promotion of sustainable commuting to DMU. While there is heavy promotion of the various sustainable travel initiatives both by DMU and in partnership with Leicester City Council, no staff living within a two-mile radius are allowed a parking permit on campus. Those entitled to apply for a permit have to pay a fee.
For further information…
Phase 4 Travel Plan_Final
DMU Sustainability Report 2023-2024
Walking to the DMU campus is heavily promoted through campaigns and initiatives