EcoGo is the University’s very own active and sustainable travel rewards programme, where you earn 'BetterPoints' every time you walk, cycle or take public transport to campus instead of using a car. You can then redeem your points for discounts and offers on campus and in popular shops in Brighton.

Getting involved couldn’t be easier. Just download the BetterPoints App and join other students and staff in taking part in EcoGo. Now is a great time to join, with more prize draws coming up in early 2023.

All of our new users from September to November 2022 were entered into a prize draw to win a Tiger Origami folding bike, and First-year Life Sciences student Shelley was our lucky winner.

Here’s what Shelley had to say about participating in EcoGo so far:

Congratulations on winning the folding bike! How will it make a difference to your day-to-day journeys?

With the bike, I can travel to places that take too long to walk to. The bike is useful as I can exercise while traveling at the same time and I will use it to commute to campus.

Before joining EcoGo, how did you usually travel?

I usually travel by walking or taking buses and before I used to drive when back in my home, for convenience. After joining EcoGo, I started to reflect on my traveling and how to be more sustainable. For instance, walking instead of taking buses if it is not too far or taking buses instead of driving.

How long have you been using EcoGo?

I have been using EcoGo for about two months. You don’t have to spend too much time on the app for it to make a big difference. When I look back on the timeline, it always feels interesting how much activity I did on a daily basis.

How has the app helped you to travel more actively and sustainably? What are your favourite features?

I really like that the app gives me points for travelling sustainably. It is really attractive to have a prize just by taking minor actions in my daily life. The app also tracks my activity automatically so that I don’t have to upload or do anything, the app is doing it for me!

What made you join EcoGo and how are you hoping it will change your travel habits?

I know this app because I saw an advertisement about it in the library. It seemed easy to use, so I started using it. At the beginning, I was quite surprised by how much I walk every day! I am hoping EcoGo can help me being more sustainable.

Have you noticed any benefits since joining EcoGo?

As well as the recording function, the app also calculates the calories burned during activities. It makes me feel that I am exercising without spending too much time and money on it. In addition, it shows the amount of CO2 saved by my activity. The data makes me feel that I am contributing towards saving the planet by being sustainable. It also made me think about how much greenhouse gas I possibly created before joining EcoGo. But it is not too late to start now!

Thanks Shelley for sharing your BetterPoints experience! 2023 is going to be the biggest year yet for EcoGo so download BetterPoints on Google Play and the Apple App Store, join the EcoGo community and start earning rewards today!