Smartway Transport Partnership

The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) SmartWay program was launched nationally in 2004 as a voluntary program to address the growing trends and challenges surrounding global freight emissions. While global trade has an overall net positive effect on the world’s economy, the increase in trade has contributed to a steady increase in worldwide emissions. EPA’s SmartWay program helps companies advance supply chain sustainability by measuring, benchmarking, and improving freight transportation efficiency. Since 2004, the SmartWay program has helped its partners save approximately 312 million barrels of oil. The success of this program has companies relying on assessment tools and streamline shipping operations so they can use less fuel and generate less pollution.

As a groundbreaking educational partner, The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign leads the way for universities and other institutions to work as shippers in SmartWay and engage with their carriers and suppliers to improve freight efficiency, reduce greenhouse gases and other emissions from goods movement while also helping enhance our nation’s energy security,” said Christopher Grundler, director of EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality.

As a part of Illinois’ commitment to promoting sustainable habits and being a leader within our community, the University of Illinois System joined this program in 2020, becoming the first higher education system to join this program as an affiliate. The university is dedicated to recognizing other SmartWay members to promote our sustainable culture on campus. As an affiliate, the U of I will continue to educate and support members of the community we interact with and support their efforts to improve freight sustainability.