High Efficiency Vehicles for Municipal Fleets

Practical Solution

The “How To”

The International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives provides a helpful resource on how to “Green Your Fleet”. “Green Fleet” measures include switching municipal fleets to high efficiency vehicles as well as other ways to crate energy savings and reduce environmental impacts. The pamphlets recommends the following steps:

First, the city or county should collect data to measure the impact of their current fleets. This should include an inventory of vehicles (type, number) and type and amount of fuel they each use.

Second, Once the performance of the fleet is known, realistic goals can be set for your city or county. For example: Reduce energy use and carbon dioxide emissions by a certain percentage by a certain year.

Third, Explore implementing the following measures to reach your goals:

·      “Right Sizing” vehicle fleets by downsizing and eliminating vehicles

·      Optimizing vehicle travel, operation and maintenance

·      Substituting other travel modes, or reducing the need to travel

·      Purchasing fuel efficient, alternatively fueled and electric vehicles

Finally, to implement your chosen measures, adopt a comprehensive fleet policy.

 

In addition to the measures listed above, the EPA provides ways for fleets to increase efficiency, here.  These include:

·      Employ a “right vehicle, right job” approach

·      Encourage fleet scrapping and replacement with fuel efficient vehicles

·      Partner with a private company to supplement fleet vehicles

·      Coordinate with municipal facilities to improve fleet operations

·      Eliminate unnecessary idling 

 

Planning & Zoning

The County of St. Louis lays out its recommended policies under the Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block grant. 

The Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center lists the Missouri Statue on State Fleet Biodiesel Fuel Use. Which reads: “The Missouri Biodiesel Fuel Revolving Fund uses the money generated by the sale of Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct) credits to cover the incremental cost of purchasing fuel containing biodiesel blends of at least 20% (B20) for state fleet vehicle use. (Reference Missouri Revised Statutes414.407).”

The ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability USA report on Efficient Fleets lists on pages 1 and 5 solid policy recommendations for beginning an efficient fleet program.

Dollars & Cents

Ontario Canada implemented a fleet challenge program designed to help municipal fleet managers reduce emissions and operational costs by applying fleet management tools and techniques as described by their E3 (Energy Environment Excellence) fleet review and best practices manual. Participating municipalities saw varying cost-savings, but some of the most common are as follows:

·      Converting vehicle fleets to clean burning or renewable fuels, and the use of high-efficiency vehicles like hybrids reduces emissions and can reduce costs.

·      Thorough route planning and load-sharing can reduce fleet mileage.

·      Downsizing and right-sizing the fleet to meet the true needs of the municipality.

·      Manufacturer’s recommended vehicle maintenance is often easy and simple, as well as improves fuel efficiency and reduces excess emissions.

·      Reducing vehicle idling can reduce fuel consumption and thereby decrease emissions.

·      Driver training can improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, prevent accidents and save on insurance costs.

·      Relocation of staff and resources can allow for reduced vehicle use and costs.

·      Encouraging travel by public transit, rather than by municipal vehicles, can reduce mileage and fuel usage. 

Measuring Success

The City of St. Louis lists their fuel savings and emissions reductions as part of their sustainability initiatives relating to air in the city on their website.

The County of St. Louis lays out its recommended policies under the Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block grant.  Part 9 lays out the potential energy and emissions savings.

In a 2013 Audit of Clark County Washington, they discuss the 2011 purchases and changes in Municipal fleets in order to make them more energy efficient.

The Massachusetts” EV Policy, Assessing the Opportunities” report lists the success of the Oregon program, pg. 9, of using EV vehicles in their fleet as an example Massachusetts could follow. 

Case Studies

Arnold Missouri Green Fleet Policy

Discover More

The International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives published a brochure entitled “Green Your Fleet.” In this pamphlet they give instructions on how Municipalities can take to make their fleets more efficient.

The City of St. Louis publishes information on their fleet and the reductions they have made through diesel retrofits as part of their sustainability initiatives relating to air in the city on their website.

The County of St. Louis lays out its recommended policies under the Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block grant.  Part 9 lays out the recommendations for Green Vehicles for County Fleet.

The ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability USA report on Efficient Fleets lists on pages 2 and 5 list various ways to being an efficient fleet, what vehicles are most efficient and how to provide further education.

The Cincinnati Green Fleet Strategic Plan, Phase 1, offers their strategic plan for high efficiency vehicles on pages 1-4. 

The EPA provides links to resources including associations and partnerships, alternative fuels, data center and guides, and calculators and models.