Travel at LSE
Travel is an important part of university life, but it is also a significant source of carbon emissions. At LSE, emissions from travel come mainly from commuting, business travel, and the movement of goods and services.
As a central London campus, LSE benefits from excellent public transport access. Our approach focuses on making lower-carbon travel choices easier, while recognising that not all travel decisions are within individual control.
Our approach
LSE aims to reduce travel-related emissions by:
- supporting lower-carbon commuting options
- reducing the need for travel where viable alternatives exist
- making business travel choices more transparent
- working with suppliers to reduce the impact of deliveries
This approach reflects both environmental priorities and the practical realities of studying and working in a global university.
Commuting to campus
LSE’s campus is well connected by public transport, and many students and staff already travel by walking, cycling or public transport.
To support lower-carbon commuting, LSE:
- promotes walking and cycling, including through halls of residence
- offers a Cycle to Work scheme for staff
- runs free bike maintenance events for students, staff and the public
- provides on-campus cycle parking, lockers and showers
- works with local councils to improve walking and cycling access
- engages with the LSE Bicycle User Group
Information on transport options and facilities is available on the Transport and cycling facilities webpage.
Business travel
Business travel refers to travel undertaken on behalf of LSE for work or study purposes. This includes travel by staff, and by students where travel is funded, arranged or required by the School, such as attending conferences, fieldwork or academic events.
LSE seeks to reduce emissions from business travel by focusing first on institutional decisions, including avoiding unnecessary journeys, particularly flights.
This includes:
- encouraging hybrid and online participation in meetings, seminars and conferences where appropriate
- providing high-quality video conferencing facilities on campus
- raising awareness of lower-carbon travel options for journeys that do need to take place
Where business travel is required, staff and students are encouraged to consider alternatives to flying, particularly for shorter journeys where rail is a viable option.
Information on booking LSE-funded business travel is available on the Business Travel webpage (staff guidance).
Transport of goods and services
LSE also works to reduce the impact of deliveries and supplier travel to campus.
Examples include:
- using cargo bikes for some central London deliveries
- working with suppliers that operate electric or low-emission vehicles
- consolidating deliveries where possible to reduce vehicle movements
- managing delivery schedules to minimise congestion and idling
- prioritising reuse and internal redistribution of equipment where feasible
These measures help reduce emissions and improve air quality in the local area.
What can I do?
Travel emissions are driven mainly by commuting patterns and business travel decisions. Individual actions are most effective where realistic alternatives are available.
You can support lower-carbon travel by:
- avoiding flights where viable alternatives such as rail or online participation exist
- choosing walking, cycling or public transport for regular journeys where this is practical and accessible
- reducing the need to travel by using digital tools and hybrid options
- using travel systems and facilities provided by LSE