WHILE the University of York is undoubtedly to be applauded for encouraging staff and students to adopt more sustainable means of journeying to and from its campuses (University’s bid for transport title, August 25), it would be quite inappropriate for it to be awarded a prize for sustainable travel.
For journeys to and from the university constitute only a very small fraction of its travel-related carbon footprint, with by far the greater part stemming from journeys made by academics and administrators as they routinely fly back and forth across the globe, attending conferences or recruiting overseas students.
Only when the university has embarked on a determined and ambitious programme to reduce this by promoting video-conferencing while also encouraging employees to substitute the train for the plane would any such award be justified.
Colin Campbell, Fulford Park, Fulford, York.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here