Featured Sections:

Green Fleet

Solar Panel Work Truck	Biodiesel Pump	Gas-Electric Hybrid	Security by Segway

What is a Green Fleet and why is it important?

A "Green Fleet" is a collection of vehicles and equipment managed by an organization that implements policies, programs and practices addressing the procurement, management and operation of the fleet in order to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions.

Operating a fleet often accounts for a significant percentage of an organization's overall energy bill. Improving a fleet's fuel efficiency can result in dramatic long-term energy savings.

Motor vehicles and equipment can exacerbate local air quality problems and result in greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming. Many jurisdictions pursue a green fleet strategy as a way to ensure that purchases and expenditures of public monies are made in a manner consistent with improving local air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Important points to consider when implementing a Green Fleet strategy

Adopt a Green Fleet Policy

Creating a "Green Fleet" policy is an important first step toward implementing a Green Fleet strategy. Green Fleet policies often include requirements to:

• Manage, maintain and operate the fleet to minimize emissions. Including a minimum emission standard for each vehicle class and incorporate such standards in any procurement specifications. A green fleet's emission standards should strive to incorporate the most stringent of these standards available in each vehicle class and seek to maximize the number of "zero emission vehicles."
     For example, Oregon has adopted California's
     vehicle emissions standards:
     http://www.deq.state.or.us/aq/orlev/index.htm

What are other communities in Oregon and beyond doing? Clean and Green Fleet Plan, City of Seattle, WA The City of Seattle adopted "A Clean and Green Fleet: An Action Plan for the City of Seattle" in April 2003. In addition, Seattle's Mayor and Council set a long term goal of having a 100 percent clean and green fleet. Some of their goals and accomplishments include adding cars that run on compressed natural gas, purchasing hybrids, using 20 percent biodiesel and ultra-low sulfur diesel for the entire fleet, installing emission control technologies, downsizing the fleet to 1998 levels, half of new cars purchased use alternative fuels or get 45 miles per gallon, using Segways™ for jobs like meter reading and employee education campaigns to reduce idling. Alternative Fuel Requirements, City of Portland, OR The City of Portland has years of experience using biodiesel. All City-owned diesel vehicles and equipment that uses the City's fueling stations have been powered by a 20 percent biodiesel blend since 2004. Each year, the City uses about 600,000 gallons of B20 in approximately 373 trucks, 166 pieces of construction equipment (backhoes, graders, excavators, etc.) and 62 towed units (compressors, generators, etc.). In July 2006, the Portland City Council voted to approve a citywide renewable fuels standard requiring that all diesel sold in Portland contain 5 percent biodiesel (B5) and all gasoline contain 10 percent ethanol (E10). In an effort to maximize the City's own use of renewable fuels, they also created a binding City Policy formally requiring that all City-owned diesel vehicles use a minimum of B20; gasoline vehicles use E10; and "Flex Fuel Vehicles" use E85. The Portland Water Bureau has converting its entire fleet to the use of B99 in the summer and B50 in the winter. Idle Reduction Program, Seattle Parks & Recreation, WA (Link URL forthcoming) In May 2003, Seattle's Department of Parks and Recreation adopted an idle reduction policy and employee outreach program. This policy was a part of a larger successful program to reduce fuel consumption and the associated air quality impacts. Their fuel reduction efforts in 2003 reduced consumption by 12 percent, the equivalent of two full months of fuel consumption in 2002. The idle reduction policy and program, named "Mind Your Idle" consists of maximum idle times for unleaded vehicles (5 minute warm up, 1 minute running in the field) and diesel vehicles (10 minute warm up, 5 minutes running in the field). They have created parking lot signs, vehicle stickers and even staff t-shirts to help spread the word.

• Review and modify procurement specifications to allow the purchase of electric drive train or alternative fuel vehicles. Include a minimum fuel standard (in miles per gallon) for each vehicle class.
• Ensure the rightsizing of vehicles. Review all purchase requests to ensure the vehicle class is appropriate for the duty requirements that the vehicle will be called upon to perform.
• Eliminate older vehicles or those that are used infrequently, as well as vehicles that are disproportionately inefficient, and schedule their elimination or replacement.
• Implement an anti-idling or idle-reduction program to minimize idling by employees, contractors and vendors.
• Utilize software programs and other tools to increase fleet efficiency, such as route optimization, fuel use or mileage tracking software.
• Set clear goals.
     "Reduce annual fuel use by 5 percent below 1999 by 2009"
     "Ensure at least 50 percent of new light duty vehicles purchased each year are alternatively
        fueled or get 45 mpg or greater"
     "All eligible diesel vehicles are retrofitted with emission control technology by 2008"
• Regularly monitor and review compliance with the goals of the Green Fleet Policy.

Optimize Your Fleet

Seek to implement best practices, programs and policies that help you to utilize your fleet most efficiently and effectively.

Rightsizing: One of the most effective fuel saving strategies is to select the smallest possible vehicle based on the duty requirements of the task, and establish that standard across the fleet. Several jurisdictions, including the City of Portland and the City of Seattle, have adopted stringent policies that significantly limit the procurement of new SUVs. Portland and Seattle also utilize non-traditional vehicles like Segway™ Human Transporters for meter readers and security patrols. Electric carts and small cars, like GEMs are also popular choices. Many jurisdictions are also looking at SmartCars, which are now available in the US, as a viable option as well.

Downsizing: Reducing the overall fleet size is an effective strategy to save money (avoided purchase, maintenance and depreciation costs), discourage non-essential trips and encourage effective utilization of fleet vehicles. Look for opportunities to eliminate old vehicles — which tend to be fuel inefficient and have increased air emissions – and those that are infrequently used.

In 2002 the City of Seattle downsized their fleet by 200 vehicles, returning it to 1998 levels. The City of Portland has also eliminated many "motor pool" vehicles, and bureaus minimized the number of "bureau owned" vehicles, in exchange for setting up "car-sharing" accounts for employees through Flexcar.

Maintenance: Well maintained and tuned engines can dramatically increase fuel efficiency and reduce environmental impacts (e.g., emissions, fluid leaks). Properly inflated tires are also important — studies show that under-inflation by 2 psi can increase fuel consumption by 1 percent.

Consider implementing an employee awareness campaign about the fuel efficiency and safety benefits of proper tire inflation. In addition, seek to ensure that your maintenance practices in your shops are as environmentally responsible as possible (more on Green Maintenance Shops below).

Technology Tools: Evaluate the costs and benefits of using various technology tools such as software and equipment that tracks fuel consumption and mileage by vehicle, idle shut off controls, route optimization software, etc.

Use Alternative Fuels

Because public sector fleets often have their own refueling facilities, fleet managers have a significant opportunity to use alternatives to traditional petroleum fuels. The two Web sites below provide comprehensive information about alternative fuels, including types, environmental benefits, efficiencies, safety, costs, vehicle modifications and refueling infrastructure requirements:

The US Department of Energy
The Pollution Prevention Resource Center in Seattle

Alternative fuel options generally include:

Natural Gas (compressed and liquefied) has significantly reduced air emissions and lower fuel costs compared to gasoline or diesel. It does require modifications to vehicles and fueling facilities and the driving range mileage is typically lower than traditionally fueled vehicles.

Propane (liquefied petroleum gas) also has reduced air emissions. Propane fueled vehicles have been used extensively for many years and require some modification, typically with after-market kits. The fuel is generally cost competitive and widely available. Engine maintenance is improved due to less carbon build-up.

Methanol is an alcohol fuel which is typically blended with gasoline (e.g., M85 = 85 percent methanol and 15 percent gasoline). Emissions are slightly lower than gasoline and toxic air pollutants are 50-100 percent less (depending on the blend). There are some health and safety issues associated with methanol, especially before it is blended with gasoline (e.g., it is difficult to see which can result in over exposure). Flex fuel vehicles (defined below) can seamlessly switch back and forth between M85 and pure gasoline, which has made methanol a popular alternative fuel option.

Ethanol, like methanol, is an alcohol fuel that is blended with gasoline at 10 percent (E10) or 85 percent (E85). Ethanol works in Flex fuel vehicles and offers lower emissions, including reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, ethanol is made from grain crops, like corn, so the market price of corn influences the costs of the fuel. In the near future, however, ethanol will be made from cellulose (e.g., wood, grass, straw), which will provide significant ethanol production opportunities in Oregon.

Electricity can be used to operate electric motors in a variety of vehicle types, including hybrids (more information on hybrids below). Electricity in hybrids is commonly provided by rechargeable batteries (although fuel cells are also in development).

The emissions associated with electricity depend on the source of the electricity, as there are no emissions directly from the tailpipe. Electricity produced from coal or oil has significantly higher indirect emissions than that produced from wind or hydro power. Costs vary depending on electricity rates (or, in the case of fuel cells, the cost of hydrogen). Battery replacements also represent a potential cost; however, this can often be offset by avoided maintenance costs (oil filter changes, transmission fluid, etc.).

Electricity can also be used to augment the operation of vehicle equipment or tools. For example, the City of Portland has outfitted maintenance trucks with solar panels on the roof so that equipment can be operated without needing to idle the engines.

Biodiesel is a fuel made from plant oils and animal fats. It can be used in its pure form as a direct replacement for diesel, but is most commonly blended at 5 percent (B5), 20 percent (B20) or 99 percent (B99). Biodiesel has significantly less air emissions and is generally only slightly more expensive than traditional diesel. Natural rubber components on older vehicles (generally 1995 or older) may need to be swapped out for synthetic rubber options due to the natural solvent properties of biodiesel.

Biodiesel offers a significant economic development opportunity for Oregon, as many farmers can grow canola (a feedstock crop for making biodiesel) as a rotational crop. Many jurisdictions in Oregon have been using B20 for many years (including City of Portland, Multnomah County, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue and Oregon Department of Transportation – more information in "Other Resources" in sidebar). Portland's Water Bureau has switched their entire fleet, including heavy equipment, to the use of B99 in the summer, and B50 in the winter.

Use Hybrids and Flex Fuel Vehicles

Gas-Electric Hybrids are exciting new additions to the car market for government fleet purchases. Powered by both an internal combustion engine and a battery-operated electric motor, hybrids can achieve up to twice the fuel economy of a conventional car and produce 30 to 50 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Each year, auto makers are making more gas-electric hybrid options available, including SUVs. Many public sector fleets have made hybrid sedans the default procurement option for new fleet vehicles.

Heavy Duty Diesel-Electric Hybrids are just beginning to become available, including utility, delivery and dump trucks, buses, and garbage/recycling trucks. The Hybrid Truck Users Forum (HTUF) is actively engaged with users and manufactures to continue these efforts, and is an excellent source of information about new developments.

Flexible Fuel Vehicles, also known as FFVs, are designed to run on gasoline, E85 (85 percent ethanol), or any combination of the two. The "flexible" nature of the vehicle allows the driver to seamlessly switch back and forth between gasoline and E85. Chances are you already have FFVs in your fleet and you don't even know it! Click here to find out if you have FFVs in your fleet. Most importantly, consider specifying the flexible fuel option, if available, in all future vehicle purchases.

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) use the same technology as the popular hybrids on the road today, but have a larger battery that can be recharged by plugging into a standard home outlet. The battery packs are large enough to power the vehicle from 20 to 60 miles on battery charge alone. The City of Austin, Texas and Austin Energy have created a national campaign called Plug-In Partners to demonstrate to automakers that a market for flexible-fuel PHEVs exists today. Several Oregon jurisdictions have signed on as partners in this effort.

Have a Green Maintenance Shop Too!

A green maintenance shop has policies and practices in place related to proper handling of hazardous waste, air quality and pollution, spill prevention and response, green product procurement, recycling, training, and energy and water use.

The "Pollution Prevention Outreach Team" of the Portland metro region has developed a third-party certification program for auto maintenance shops called "Eco-Logical Business Program".

Even if you are not interested in full certification, reviewing the checklists and manuals will provide excellent examples of best practices for a green vehicle maintenance shop.

Influence User Behavior

While ensuring you have the most fuel efficient and properly maintained fleet is critical, influencing the behavior of the users is also critical.

Fuel Efficient Driving: Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas and can lower fuel efficiency by 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent around town. As a rule of thumb, each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.20 per gallon for gas (assuming gas costs ~$3 per gallon). Also, avoid keeping unnecessary items in vehicles; an extra 100 pounds in a vehicle can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 2 percent.

Idle Reduction Programs: Rising fuel prices, falling budgets, environmental issues as well as community health and safety are all reasons to develop a comprehensive idle reduction policy and employee/vendor outreach program. For a great resource for idle reduction materials (e.g., fact sheets, stickers and signs, policy documents) visit "Idle Free BC" (Canada).

Employee Incentive Programs:

Develop incentive programs to encourage staff to implement best practices. For example, the City of Portland offers a variety of employee incentives through the "Trip Reduction Incentive Program" (TRIP), including bus pass discounts, financial incentives for walking or biking to work, carpooling, flextime and telecommuting. If you have data and tracking technology available, provide incentives for employees to increase their miles per gallon (e.g., recognition for employees or crews who achieve a 5 percent reduction in fuel consumption by optimizing their routes, reducing idling, etc.).

Costs Considerations for Green Fleets

Fuel Efficiency: The Environmental Protection Agency maintains a very helpful website, www.fueleconomy.gov, where you can look up fuel efficiency ratings for a variety of vehicles, dating back to 1985. This will help you compare the potential cost savings of specifying high fuel efficiency vehicles.

Tax Credits: The Oregon Department of Energy offers Business Energy Tax Credits (BETC) for both hybrid vehicles (pre-approved list), and the use of alternative fuels and efficient truck technology (e.g., idle reduction technology, automatic tire inflation, aerodynamic packages). The BETC program has a "Pass-through Option" that will allow you to transfer your tax credit project eligibility to another business or individual (a pass-through partner) with an Oregon tax liability in exchange for a lump-sum payment.

Life Cycle Costing: Many jurisdictions have used the tool of "life-cycle costing" to help evaluate the costs of alternative vehicles and fuels, including the costs of the associated environmental and public health benefits.

In 2004, the City of Seattle did a life-cycle cost benefit analysis for sedans, comparing a Dodge Neon, Toyota Prius and car-sharing through Flexcar. They considered purchase price, fuel mileage (and associated fuel costs) and salvage value (assuming 8 year life). They also assigned costs associated with the environmental and health impacts of the vehicle emissions. They found (with a fuel price of $1.80 per gallon at the time) that Flexcar was the most cost effective option for vehicles that are driven 400 miles or less per month. Thereafter, the Dodge Neon was the most cost effective with the Toyota Prius was not far behind, especially when the monthly vehicle mileage was over 1000 miles.

Other Resources

• US Department of Energy, Columbia-Willamette Clean Cities Coalition, Resource/Workshops for Fleets
• US Department of Energy, Green Fleet Guide
• US Department of Energy, Alternative Fuels
• Pollution Prevention Resource Council, Alternative Fuels
• US General Services Administration, Alternative Fuel Vehicles
• Oregon Department of Energy, Alternative Fuels
• Hybrid Truck Users Forum
• Fuel Economy & Other Cost Calculators
• EPAct (Energy Policy Act)
• Local Government Fleet Rule for Alternative Fuel Vehicles

Printable Version