Sustainability

Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS) is committed to contributing to sustainability at Binghamton University. TAPS has an array of initiatives and programs designed to reduce vehicle trips, encourage the use of alternatives to driving alone and support greenhouse gas reduction. 

Public transit

The University strongly encourages the use of public transportation. Off Campus College Transport (OCCT) is a student run bus and shuttle provider that offers transportation around campus and the community for students, faculty and staff at no charge with a University ID. Broome County (BC) Transit is the local public bus provider that also allows unlimited rides to students, faculty and staff at no charge with a University ID.

Propane buses

TAPS has added propane buses to the OCCT fleet. These buses use liquid propane fuel instead of diesel. Propane fueled buses emit less carbon deposits, run smoother and are more dependable. The University is looking to continue to grow their propane fleet.

Carpooling

In an effort to decrease the number of trips taken to and from campus, Binghamton University has a partnership with 511NY Rideshare, a free carpooling match database for students, faculty and staff. 

TAPS also offers incentives to encourage carpooling. Students, faculty and staff who purchase a permit are eligible to participate in a program that provides preferential parking for carpoolers. During Information Booth hours of operation, when a vehicle with at least three total occupants stops at the Information Booth, the driver will receive access to the Visitor's Paid Lot and Parking Garage. In addition, commuter students who purchase a pass are also eligible to accumulate times participated towards money back on the driver's purchased permit.

To find a carpool with 511NY Rideshare and to find out more about this carpooling incentive, click here.

Electric charging stations

Binghamton University also promotes the use of electric vehicles. There are three electric charging stations in the Garage, six at the Innovative Technologies Complex.

Sustainable parking lot

The parking lot that opened at the end of August 2018, G1, was designed and constructed with a variety of sustainability measures. A stormwater management system was put into place, LED lights with dimmers and motion detectors are being used, trees were planted to mitigate sunlight and create shaded space and a large wetland area was constructed at the North end of the parking lot.

• Stormwater Management System: In Lot G1 a bio-retention area and stormwater storage system were installed to mitigate an increase in stormwater runoff entering the municipal storm system and potential contaminants in the stormwater. Water from the parking lot sheet flows or enters a drainage system. This water then empties out to a stormwater forebay on the East side of the parking lot where suspended material drops out of the water. Stormwater then flows over a spillway into a bio-retention treatment area where it percolates through a very sandy soil. This bio-retention area is also planted with vegetation that thrives on contaminates and helps keep the soil clean after the water has filtered through. Below the sandy soil is a very large stormwater chamber system that allows a large amount of water to back-up and percolate into the ground. This stormwater management system ensures that all stormwater leaving Lot G1 is flowing at a lesser volume than before construction and that the stormwater is clean.

• Electricity Use: The new lot required the installation of around 20 light poles. All of the new fixtures are high efficiency LED lights. The poles are set up with dimmer switches and motion detectors. Between midnight and 6 a.m., the lights dim to 50% and return to 100% when motion is detected.

• Tree Plantings: The large expanse of paved surfaces in parking lots absorb sunlight which can generate a significant amount of heat. As part of this project, trees were planted around the perimeter of the lot and in the lot islands to mitigate sunlight and create shaded spaces.

• Wetland: At the North end of Lot G1 a large wetland area was constructed. The wetland is fed from a portion of stormwater runoff from the West side of campus where it is naturally filtered and stored. Plants have also been installed in the wetland for their ability to remove pollutants from stormwater. The wetland reduces the volume of stormwater entering the municipal storm system and ensures the water that does leave is clean.