VU recognized for developing award-winning commuter options

The state of Tennessee has recognized Vanderbilt with the 2006 Governor's Environmental Stewardship Award in Pollution Prevention for its leadership and innovation in protecting the environment.

The flagship program for the university's winning entry was its Free Ride to Work program, which provides fare on Metro Transit Authority buses to and from Vanderbilt for faculty and staff.

Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) officials called this year's contest the most competitive in the 20-year history of the awards program.

Michael Schoenfeld, vice chancellor for public affairs, accepted the award on Vanderbilt's behalf during a ceremony June 23 at the Adventure Science Center.

"We are pleased and proud to be recognized with this award," Chancellor Gordon Gee said. "As an institution committed to education, discovery and science, we have to be leaders in environmental stewardship, not simply followers. I am particularly grateful to our staff, faculty and students who have worked together on this critical issue."

Vanderbilt also was a finalist in the "Green Schools - Higher Education" category for its effort to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification on the five new facilities being constructed at the Commons on the Peabody College campus. LEED certification means buildings are designed to benefit both the environment and the buildings' inhabitants.

Andrea George, associate director of Vanderbilt's Department of Environmental Health and Safety, coordinated several aspects of Vanderbilt's environmental efforts into a cohesive presentation to TDEC. "I think it's a wonderful recognition of a lot of innovative programs that have been implemented by Vanderbilt over the past couple of years," George said.

Pictured (L-R): Tennessee Environment and Conservation Deputy Commissioner Paul Sloan; Michael Schoenfeld, Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs; Andrea George, VEHS Associate Director and Sustainability Coordinator; and TDEC Commissioner Jim Fyke. Photo by Neil Brake.

The Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Transportation last fall added Vanderbilt to its list of "Best Workplaces for Commuters" in recognition of the university's efforts to reduce pollution, commuting costs, traffic congestion and employee stress. Vanderbilt is the largest private employer in Middle Tennessee with nearly 20,000 faculty and staff.

In addition to the MTA Free Ride to Work program, the university also provides bicycle racks throughout campus and shower facilities for those who bike to work, and supports flexible work schedules and telecommuting when possible through the Alternative Work Arrangements policy.

The Vanderbilt Valet program at VUMC assists employees with daily errands so that doctors and staff can remain at work while their personal needs are taken care of free of charge. Various eateries facilitated by Dining Services also keep students on campus and out of their cars, adding to commuter benefits and reducing pollution.

These programs, in conjunction with the MTA Free Ride to Work program, added up to the top designation from TDEC.

"The award is really highlighting programs that are win-win for a lot of reasons. These programs have multiple benefits for our entire campus community as well as the greater Middle Tennessee community," said George. "I see this as a public pronouncement of all the great work that's being done here."

For information on how to use Vanderbilt's Commuter Choice programs, please visit Do You Drive to Work.

More information on the Vandy/MTA Free Ride to Work program is available through Human Resources, or please visit MTA Free Ride to Work.

Want to be part of a Vanpool?  Click here to learn more.

Get more information on commuter options available through

VUMC Parking & Transportation.

For more information on ways to improve air quality in Middle Tennessee and receive Air Quality Alerts, please visit the Clean Air Partnership web site. 

VUMC adds parking garage-but parking problems persist.  Click here for more info.

Click here to find out about Music City Star discounts for VU faculty and staff.

For more information on the Best Workplaces for Commuters program, click here.