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Reducing carbon emissions from student commuting in higher education

Author

Listed:
  • Aleyeh Roknaldin

    (University of Southern California
    University of Southern California)

  • Laurel Kruke

    (University of Southern California
    University of Southern California)

  • Aili Qiao

    (University of Southern California)

  • Richard S. John

    (University of Southern California)

  • Detlof Winterfeldt

    (University of Southern California
    University of Southern California)

Abstract

Student commuting, specifically single-occupant vehicles, is a significant contributing factor to the carbon footprint of universities. Many universities have action plans and programs to reduce emissions from student commuting; however, the issues of safety, time, and convenience typically outweigh students' motivation to use alternative modes of transportation. For this reason, it is crucial to understand the behavioral research on commuting and the environment and the use of nudging or incentives to change behavior. Effective programs must consider the students' reasons for their mode of transportation and include them in the conversation for solutions. This work provides a literature review of commuting and nudging behavior, a study on commuting and sustainability plans at several universities, and solutions from focus groups with University of Southern California (USC) graduate students aimed to encourage alternative forms of transportation.

Suggested Citation

  • Aleyeh Roknaldin & Laurel Kruke & Aili Qiao & Richard S. John & Detlof Winterfeldt, 2025. "Reducing carbon emissions from student commuting in higher education," Environment Systems and Decisions, Springer, vol. 45(1), pages 1-15, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:envsyd:v:45:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s10669-024-09996-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s10669-024-09996-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ariella S. Kristal & Ashley V. Whillans, 2020. "What we can learn from five naturalistic field experiments that failed to shift commuter behaviour," Nature Human Behaviour, Nature, vol. 4(2), pages 169-176, February.
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