Rice University’s Office of Sustainability has launched its “New Year, New Commute” challenge, running through Feb. 16 exclusively for Rice staff and faculty. The goal is to encourage Owls to explore and track sustainable and smart commuting options using the ConnectSmart app, helping the university meet its sustainability goals while making daily travel more efficient and rewarding.
“This challenge empowers the community to make small, everyday choices that collectively reduce our environmental impact while improving how we move to and from campus,” said Kristianna Bowles, associate director for sustainability.
Participation begins by registering trips in the ConnectSmart app:
- Download the app: Download the ConnectSmart app from the app store or Google Play.
- Join the Rice group: Once in the app, click “Manage Groups” under the “Carpool” tab, select “Join a Group” and enter your Rice email address.
- Track a trip: Use the app to track any trip, including driving, walking, biking, carpooling or taking public transit.
Each qualifying trip tracked counts as one entry into the final prize drawings.
To encourage participation, six individual faculty and staff members will be randomly selected at the conclusion of the challenge. The winners will receive $25 in ConnectSmart Coins, which may be redeemed directly through the app for a variety of rewards, including gift cards or Uber credits.
ConnectSmart is a program deployed by the Texas Department of Transportation meant to aid transportation sustainability efforts. The app is available for download and will link Owls to create eco-friendly travel options to get to and from campus and around the city. It is available to anyone with a rice.edu email address.
For more information about the Office of Sustainability, visit sustainability.rice.edu.