Villanova University is constantly having conversations about its role in bettering the environment. We even have a sustainability plan to make our university greener. Nonetheless, I have doubts about the extent to which this plan is actually put into practice on campus. 

Part of this plan is to prioritize renewable energy and to reduce carbon emissions, which is why one may see signs in campus parking garages stating, “Reserved Parking. Low-Emitting and Fuel Efficient Vehicles Only.” 

These signs are plastered in front of many of the first and second-floor I-1 Garage and S-5 Law School parking spots: spots that are strategically close to the exit to prioritize students and visitors that have these environmentally friendly vehicles. My next question is, how often are there actually low-emitting fuel cars in these specific spots? 

In my experience, most of the cars parked in these spots are not only non-fuel efficient cars, but often some of the worst, most harmful fuel emitting vehicles present at this school. There are Jeeps, Dodges, Fords, Rams and all different types of truck brand cars that don’t require any special knowledge to know that they are bad for the environment. 

In addition, because we go to a school with a wealthier student body, there are also cars such as BMWs and Cadillacs parked in these fuel efficient garage spots which are also seen as highly damaging to the environment. 

It is only in very few and far between moments that I actually see a hybrid type of car in these parking spots. So, maybe students don’t know the definition of what a low-fuel emitting car is. 

While this could be true, I have a strong feeling that if it is your car, you know exactly how it would be categorized. One reason this keeps happening day after day is because no one is ever told not to, nor held accountable for parking in these spots. 

We have parking police that patrol the entire campus and hold students accountable for parking violations, but never this type of parking violation. Beyond this, there is a parking patrol car specifically located at the bottom of the Ithan Garage that can see these high fuel-emitting vehicles parked in these spots, but no one is ever told to move. 

These parking patrol officers have the duty to make sure that students are following these signs, if students themselves won’t. As members of the Villanova community, it is our responsibility to abide by the sustainability plan outlined by the University. 

Ultimately, this phenomenon makes me question whether students are holding Villanova’s sustainability plan to the standard that they should. 

Those who are taking the initiative to help our planet, such as having these low-fuel emitting cars, should be given the priority of having these spots to publicize the importance of eco-friendly vehicle options. Not speaking out to fellow students silently states that this part of our environmental mission may be less crucial than others.  

Many other students agree, including senior Sustainability Club member Erin Costa.

“I am disappointed in how serious people take our sustainability plan on campus,” Costa said. “I constantly notice high-fuel exhaust cars taking those spots instead of the cars that work to better our environment. As someone who cares about the environment, I take the initiative to not park in those spots and I hold myself accountable.”   

Students can do our part for the environment by cooperating with the University and obeying signs like this. Ultimately, these “Reserved Parking. Low-Emitting and Fuel Efficient Vehicles Only” signs represent an important aspect of Villanova’s sustainability plan. 

However, they have never been acknowledged, encouraged or emphasized by students or staff alike–at least throughout my last four years on campus. Instead, they are deliberately ignored.