University Times

Alternative commuting methods have driven Pitt to victory in a carbon dioxide-saving commuter challenge that pitted the University against participants at eight other institutions.

California-based AlterNet-Rides, which promotes alternative transportation, is behind the concept that allows organizations to set up a challenge to encourage participants to use alternative commuting methods.

Participants in the second annual nationwide Fall Campus Challenge earned points by logging their commuting mileage and method on the commuterchallenges.com web site during the month of October.

Driving alone earned zero points, but participants who went to work by bike, on foot or who telecommuted could earn 100 points for the day. Using public transit earned participants 95 points. Commuting on a motorcycle was worth 50 points, using a motor scooter gained the rider 60 points. Carpool/vanpoolers earned 1,000 points per commuting day.

Pitt took second place in the 2008 fall campus challenge, in which 13 schools participated.

This year, Pitt took first place in competition against Penn State, Oregon State, the University of Kentucky, the University of North Texas, the University of Alaska-Fairbanks, the University of Texas-Austin, the University of Maryland-Baltimore County and the University of South Carolina.

Pitt’s 76 participants saved 13,708 pounds of carbon dioxide. Overall, 996 participants across the nine schools saved a total of 74,168 pounds of carbon dioxide — the equivalent of taking six cars off the road for a year. (Using statistics from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, challenge organizers estimate that the average vehicle, driven 12,000 miles and getting 20 miles per gallon of gas, emits 11,742 pounds of carbon dioxide annually.)

Pitt’s participation in the annual campus challenge is spearheaded by assistant director of parking Janet Thomas, who said she became aware of the competition through a transportation listserve and thought it would be a good way for the University to showcase its alternative commuting programs and participants.

Although the University merely gains bragging rights with its title, prizes are awarded at random to participants. Kathy Buccigrossi of Pitt’s Office of Student Affairs won an iPod Nano as one of two grand prize winners.

Pitt will defend its title in the third annual challenge, said Thomas, who intends to promote the competition again next fall.

— Kimberly K. Barlow