ASU administrators honored for sustainable efforts
Arizona State University Parking and Transit Services was twice recognized at the 23rd Annual Clean Air Campaign Awards Nov. 2 as “Valley Metro Champions of Clean Air.” ASU associate vice president of University Business Services Ray Jensen received the award for Outstanding Leadership while PTS commuter options manager Judi Nelson was named Outstanding Travel Coordinator for a public employer with more than 500 employees.
Jensen, who has more than three decades of experience in university business operations, was appointed as the university’s first-ever Sustainability Operations Officer in 2009. Since assuming that post, he has established a Sustainable Practices Network and his team developed ASU’s Plan for Carbon Neutrality, which outlines goals and objectives that lead to realizing the vision to mitigate ASU carbon emissions by 2025 and from transportation by 2035. Additionally, Jensen’s UBS units have twice been recognized with President’s Awards for Innovation, including one for the U-Pass, the discounted bus and light rail fare program.
“I am proud of the transit services and staff we have here at ASU to provide our commuters with a variety of quality sustainable options,” says PTS Director Theresa Fletcher. “Ray’s strong leadership and direction allows this department, with dedicated managers like Judi, to help fulfill the University’s transportation and access solutions goals.”
As manager of the PTS Commuter Options program, Nelson implements, manages and measures the effectiveness of alternate transportation programs for the university such as biking, campus shuttles, car-sharing, carpooling, telecommuting and partnerships with regional transit agencies to provide discounted fares for ASU students and employees. Nelson was instrumental in bringing Zipcar to ASU; making ASU the first place car-sharing had a presence in the state of Arizona. She also ensures that the university is in compliance with the State’s Trip Reduction Program and transit-related ADA policies and standards.
To date, ASU has made great strides in curbing transportation emissions. The U-Pass program makes taking the METRO light rail and Valley Metro buses convenient, leading to reducing ASU’s carbon emissions by 1,517 tons. In 2009, Zipcar reduced ASU’s carbon emissions by 28.79 metric tons. These programs are available to the 70,000 ASU students – plus faculty and staff – to encourage the use of alternative modes of transportation. For more information about PTS’ “Commuter Options” are available at pts.asu.edu.
The Clean Air Campaign Awards are presented by Valley Metro to honor individuals and organizations who have been involved in significantly reducing air pollution and traffic congestion by supporting clean air programs and encouraging the use of alternative modes of transportation.