GreenVET pathway

Green mobility

This initiative supports and promotes sustainable commuting to school by improving infrastructure, collaborating with local transport providers, and encouraging students and staff through engaging activities such as themed weeks, step-counting challenges, and reward programs.

Key People and Partners Involved

School administration
Whole school community
Parents and families
Local public transportation providers
Municipal government

Description of the practice

The foundation of this best practice lies in creating the necessary conditions for sustainable commuting to school. This includes providing covered and secure bike racks, safe pedestrian access, and designated drop-off zones for carpooling. Schools are also encouraged to collaborate with local public transport providers to negotiate student discounts, adjust schedules to better match school hours, and improve accessibility to public transit options. Where this is not possible schools, especially in rural areas, could establish a school-wide management tool for car-pooling.

To further encourage sustainable commuting habits, schools can introduce a variety of motivational activities tailored to different age groups and interests. These may include friendly competitions such as step-counting challenges using pedometers or mobile apps, themed walk-to-school weeks, or class-based tracking of sustainable travel days. One example is the Green Commute Challenge, where each week highlights a different green transport mode, but schools are encouraged to adapt or combine approaches that best suit their community. The key is to make participation fun, inclusive, and rewarding, while reinforcing the environmental and health benefits of active and shared transport.

These efforts are supported by awareness campaigns, classroom discussions, and student-led initiatives. Teachers integrate sustainability topics into the curriculum, and students are encouraged to track their commuting habits. This holistic approach not only reduces the school's environmental impact but also fosters a culture of responsibility, health, and community engagement.

Where it’s being implemented

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A great example of this approach is the Latvian initiative “Soļo par savu skolu 2025”, where over 600 schools participated in a national step challenge, collectively aiming to walk the symbolic distance from Latvia to Hollywood. The project successfully promoted daily physical activity, strengthened school communities, and encouraged students, teachers, and parents to move together toward a shared goal.
https://www.e-klase.lv/aktualitates/zinas/solo-par-savu-skolu-2025-solu-izaicinajums-visam-latvijas-skolam.9860
The Green-Schools Travel Theme in Ireland is a nationwide program aimed at increasing the number of students who walk, cycle, scoot, carpool, or use public transport to get to school. Supported by the Department of Transport and the National Transport Authority, the program includes dedicated Travel Officers who help schools implement sustainable travel plans, organize events, and apply for infrastructure improvements such as bike parking and cycle training.
https://greenschoolsireland.org/the-programme/themes/travel/

Impact and Results

Improved physical health and well-being of participants
Increased use of bicycles and public transport among students and staff
Reduction in traffic congestion and emissions around the school
Greater student engagement in environmental issues
Strengthened partnerships with local community

Implementation Tips and Insights

Ensure safety measures are in place for cyclists and pedestrians
Communicate regularly with parents to gain their support
Offer small but meaningful incentives to maintain motivation
Involve students in planning and promoting the initiative
Track and celebrate progress to build momentum

Useful Links and Resources

This link might not lead to content in English language. Use your browser's translate function or automatic captions to explore this resource. European Mobility Week is the European Commission's flagship campaign to raise awareness about sustainable urban mobility, encouraging cities and schools to promote active and low-emission transport options. The website offers toolkits, campaign materials, and examples of best practices that schools can use to organize events like walk-to-school days or green transport challenges.
https://mobilityweek.eu/home/
This article explains the environmental impact of daily commuting and offers practical suggestions for reducing carbon emissions, such as walking, cycling, using public transport, or carpooling. It supports the idea that small changes in travel behavior can lead to significant environmental benefits.
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200317-climate-change-cut-carbon-emissions-from-your-commute"obOrigUrl=true
This guide provides practical strategies for schools to reduce the environmental impact of student transportation. It covers topics such as carpooling programs, safe walking routes, and collaboration with local transit authorities, making it a valuable resource for planning sustainable school commutes.
https://www.greenschoolsalliance.org/guides-49-student-transport