Automotive

UBC follows automobile-restrained policies to reduce the number of automotive trips into and out of campus.

The University also measures, reports and is required to offset carbon emissions for campus-owned vehicles, as part of provincial legislation and UBC's Climate Action Plan.

Before purchasing a vehicle, consider alternate modes of travel, such as sharing a vehicle with another department, using a car share program, carpooling, or cycling. UBC has numerous electric vehicle charging stations and car share locations across campus, to encourage sustainable automobile travel.

Choose
  • Sharing a vehicle with another UBC department, or using a car share program such as Car2go, Evo, Modo, Veemo, or ZipCar.
  • Electric, hybrid or alternative fuel vehicles, when operationally feasible. Check the guides below for lifetime cost calculators, or contact ARI
  • Appropriately-sized vehicles that match their intended use
  • Standardized models, via UBC Building Operations, maintainable by the UBC Building Operations garage
  • Regular vehicle maintenance, including tire pressure checks, to maximize efficiency
  • Fuel management and fuel-efficient driving practices
Avoid
  • Vehicle purchases, when you can meet your transportation needs by lease, rent, car sharing, car pooling, or using alternate modes of travel
  • Vehicle purchases, if your long-term transportation needs are unclear; consider renting or leasing a vehicle instead
  • Oversized vehicle models (i.e. purchasing a bigger vehicle than necessary)

Building Operations has standardized its automobile fleet to the following vehicle models, largely based on fuel consumption, total life cycle cost and the ability to diagnose and maintain issues in the Building Operations garage:

People Movers Vans Pick-Ups
  • Smart Fortwo electric
  • Toyota Prius hybrids
  • Ford Transit Connect (small van)
  • Mercedes Sprinter (large Van)
  • Ford F Series

Where to Purchase

  • ARI Financial 
  • Connect and discuss your vehicle needs with UBC Building Operations

Labels to Look for

E3 Fleet logo

E3 Fleet

Provides an independent review and rating of an organization's transportation fleet, based on factors such as vehicle idling, fuel management, and greenhouse gas emissions performance.

EnerGuide logo

EnerGuide

Canada’s energy performance rating and labeling system for houses, light-duty vehicles, and certain appliances like dishwashers and refrigerators.