Suggestions and Solutions for Enhancing Active Commuting to the University of Maribor and Advancing CO2 Emission Reduction

Abstract

This study investigated commuting behavior at four technical faculties (BCTF) in Maribor. The main aim was to provide suggestions and solutions for challenges related to active commuting to the BCTF, while promoting advancements in CO2 emission reduction. The research methodology was based on analyses of a questionnaire survey and calculations of CO2 emissions. The results indicate that implementing measures to promote walking, bicycling and the use of city and regional public transport, in conjunction with supportive housing and parking policies, has the potential to eliminate car trips within 0–1 km of the BCTF and reduce car trips from other zones in favor of active commuting by 30% to 50%. These proposed transport scenarios could lead to an annual reduction in CO2 emissions ranging from 17% to 29%. The greatest potential for CO2 savings is observed within 0–5 km of the BCTF, where a shift to walking and bicycling could reduce emissions by up to 44%. The results also highlighted a notable disparity, indicating that students with term-time accommodations emitted 3.5 times and 4.1 times less annual CO2 within 0–5 km of the BCTF compared to students and staff commuting daily from their permanent residences in the city.