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Small Idaho County Goes Big in Petroleum Reduction
Last Updated: April 07, 2011
With a population of about 200,000, Canyon County, Idaho, may not be very big. But its recent successes in reducing petroleum use are enormous. About two years ago, Canyon County Fleet Manager Mark Tolman puzzled over a problem shared by countless public officials throughout the country: How would he provide a high level of service to his community in the face of shrinking budgets?
Tolman worked with Treasure Valley Clean Cities to develop a strategy that made better use of his existing fleet resources while also embracing new technologies and fuels. He convened a "utilization team" that sought the input of vehicle drivers in every county department. He also purchased fleet-management software that allowed him to better track and scrutinize fuel use, vehicle utilization, idling time, and employee mileage reimbursements.
Armed with the new data, Tolman trimmed the county's fleet from 325 vehicles to its present 220. He developed a new replacement schedule that incorporated E85 and hybrid vehicles into the fleet wherever possible. He started filling tires with nitrogen. And the Fleet Department installed two new 12,000-gallon fuel tanks (one for gasoline, one for ethanol) and a blending dispenser that allows workers to specify the level of ethanol in the fuel they use.
Before Tolman's project began, he knew fuel was being wasted in idling patrol cars in the Sheriff's Department, but once he had the hard numbers in front of him, "It was just shocking," he says. Each patrol car was idling for up to five hours per day, using about one gallon of fuel per hour of idle time. Over the past year and a half, Canyon County fleet workers installed idle-reduction equipment on nearly all of the 65 patrol cars in the sheriff's department, eliminating 36 "ghost miles" and 100 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions per day for each car. "We're cutting our fuel use, and we're doing it safely-everything runs at peak performance. We're never going to leave our people hanging or compromise their safety," Tolman says.
Today, the Canyon County Fleet Department is eliminating an estimated 1.4 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions every year and improving its vehicles' fuel economy by 4 mpg to 6 mpg.
"Using technologies that are already widely available, we realized immediate cost savings to Canyon County," he says. "We are maintaining a top-notch fleet, trimming our budget with minimal disruptions to ongoing operations, reducing our dependence on foreign oil, shrinking our environmental footprint, and serving as an example for other fleets."
Staples and Massachusetts Clean Cities Deliver on Fuel Efficiency
Last Updated: April 07, 2011
Many people know that Staples is a serious competitor in the office-product supply industry. What they may not know is that the company is also a Massachusettes Clean Cities stakeholder leading the way in reducing petroleum consumption.
With $24 billion in sales in 2009 and a fleet of 2,200 vehicles in the U.S. and Canada, the movement of products is a big part of Staples' operations. And through its Staples Soul corporate accountability initiative, the company has made a commitment to transport its goods sustainably.
In 2006, Staples North American Fleet Equipment Manager Michael Payette began installing electronic speed control modules in Staples' medium-duty diesel delivery trucks. At a cost of only $7 per truck, the modules prevent the vehicles from traveling faster than 60 mph, improving their fuel economy from the industry standard 8.1 mpg to 10.1 mpg. Speed control, in combination with electronic idle reduction and driver training programs, has improved overall fuel economy in Staples' delivery fleet by 30%.
Today, all of Staples' trucks are equipped with speed control modules, and the company has saved a cumulative 2.9 million gallons of fuel and prevented the emissions of 32,000 tons of carbon dioxide. Staples' annual conventional fuel savings are approaching 1 million gallons.
At the project's start, some drivers worried the speed controls might get in the way of timely deliveries. But analysis by Staples found that driving time increased by only seven minutes per day. Furthermore, the extra time on the road was offset by less frequent trips to the fuel pump. And research by Staples' risk management department found no safety issues associated with limiting truck speed.
Staples is now working to further improve the fuel efficiency of its fleet by incorporating all-electric trucks in high-density urban delivery areas, diesel-electric hybrids in urban delivery areas, lighter composite materials in vehicle body construction, and dynamic routing software. Introduction of 53 all-electric trucks, manufactured by Smith Electric Vehicles, began in November 2010.
"Over time, we'll look to increase the number of these trucks in the Staples fleet as an effective way to service our delivery customers while reducing our carbon emissions," Payette says.
Hybrid Horsepower for Kentucky Schools
Last Updated: April 07, 2011
New hybrid electric school buses are clearing the air in Kentucky with help from the Commonwealth Clean Cities Partnership (CCCP). Thirty-one public school districts across the state have ordered 101 ThomasBuilt and International hybrid electric school buses, thanks to funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
The new bus purchases are part of a project to introduce 213 hybrid school buses throughout the state. In August 2009, the U.S. Department of Energy awarded $13 million to the Kentucky Department of Education to cover the incremental costs of hybrid buses over traditional diesel buses. Once the project is complete, Kentucky will have the largest hybrid electric school bus fleet in the nation, translating to significant reductions in petroleum consumption. Manufacturers estimate fuel savings will be as high as 40%, with increases in fuel mileage from 7.5 to 12 miles per gallon, relative to standard diesel buses.
Kentucky's hybrid school bus project will serve as an example for school systems across the country. The Kentucky Clean Fuels Coalition (KCFC), which houses the state's Clean Cities program, will gather performance data to share with other states, as well as with Kentucky students, who will be active participants in the project. KCFC plans to engage the students with onsite energy teams that can use the information for science and math classes.
"The hybrid school bus project not only serves as a means to improve efficiency and be environmentally conscious," Kentucky Education Commissioner Terry Holliday says. "This project will also provide students with learning opportunities across many subject areas. Teachers can develop lesson plans related to fuel consumption, air quality, and transportation costs, bringing real-world knowledge and hands-on experiences into the classroom."
Maryland Hybrid Truck Initiative
Last Updated: April 04, 2011
The Maryland Hybrid Truck Initiative, a U.S. Department of Energy-sponsored project, is designed to get green technologies up and running in the commercial markets. Five big-name fleets will hit the roads across the country with these cutting-edge vehicles to demonstrate how hybrid electric and hybrid hydraulic technologies can make dollars and cents. Company officials say these highly efficient trucks are route ready and fully capable, citing a 20% to 60% reduction in fuel consumption, engine noise, and less greenhouses gases emitted into the air.
"Fuel economy-environmental stewardship is what this is all about-and improving the future technology of transportation mobility," according to Mark Lampert, senior vice-president, marketing, Daimler Trucks North America.
DOE Clean Cities grants subsidize the cost of the 143 trucks involved in the initiative and help create green jobs at the Freightliner factories that make them. Fuel savings are estimated at nearly 140,000 gallons a year, a positive partnership to help green up the fleet of these workforce vehicles.
Knoxville Utilities Board Uses a Variety of Alternative Fuels
Last Updated: April 04, 2011
The Knoxville Utilities Board in Tennessee has over 30 years of experience with alternative fuels with nearly 90% of their current vehicle fleet now using less gasoline and diesel fuel as a result. Besides vehicles that run on compressed natural gas and E85, KUB's fleet includes 14 hybrid electrics including bucket trucks used to repair power lines. Two off-road electric Tiger trucks have said "no" to petroleum, and many of their largest vehicles run on B5 biodiesel.
The utility is also involved with the EV Project, which will bring a charging network to the Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Nashville triangle region. Chris Wilson, fleet supervisor of KUB, says, "We want to get that corridor covered with electric charging stations where folks can get to and from those areas without having to use any type of fuel." KUB is displacing more than 46,000 gallons of petroleum a year using alternative fuels, demonstrating their strong commitment as an environmental steward for the residents of K-Town.
Austin Municipal Fleet Runs on Alternative Fuel
Last Updated: March 21, 2011
The Austin, Texas, municipal fleet uses a wide array of alternative fuel vehicles including propane, biodiesel, hybrid electric, compressed natural gas, and E85. All play a part. Plus, EMS vehicles use solar panels to reduce wasteful idling. Austin's goal is a carbon-neutral city fleet by 2020. Almost 55% of their vehicles already use alt fuels with 30 new vehicles to go green next year.
"Anytime we can start using a renewable fuel source-an alternative fuel source that originates here in this country-then we're helping ourselves internationally in doing that. And we're helping the environment at the same time," says Austin Fleet Officer Gerry Calk. Austin also plans to add plug-in electric hybrids to its fleet and install EV charging stations around town to support them, making this once-oil-centric Texas capital among America's most alt-fuel-savvy cities.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is Trying to Clear the Air
Last Updated: March 07, 2011
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park that straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, is the place where eco-friendly hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles are now helping to preserve this lush landscape. In 2006, beautifully wrapped and decorated hybrid cars were donated to the friends of Smoky Mountains by Toyota.
Since then, the park has received grants to help purchase additional alt fuel vehicles like E-Rods electric utility vehicles. One is used by maintenance crews; the other is an integral part of the Elk Bugle Corps that educates the public about the park's wildlife. Also new are seven hybrid SUVs and a new biodiesel filling station. The park's maintenance vehicles use B50 year-round, a switch that took a little getting used to.
According to Sam Owl, fleet manager for the park, "There was a learning curve with biodiesel because filters were plugging up and cleaning out the old fuel when we first switched to B50. But once we got past that curve, it seems like things are going pretty good now." The park is working closely with the Land-of-Sky Clean Vehicles Coalition in Asheville, North Carolina, a perfect partner to help showcase the Smokies' naturally green beauty.
Yellowstone Leads the Way to Alternative Fuel
Last Updated: March 07, 2011
The National Park Service is entrusted with preserving and showcasing America's natural wonders and historical landmarks, maintaining 392 national parks covering millions of acres of land and water in all parts of the country, and plays host to more than 275 million visitors every year. No other place on earth has this much natural diversity and spectacular scenery in one accessible place than America's first national park: Yellowstone.
So it's no surprise that this is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. More than a million private vehicles and three million people traverse the park during the six months it's open every year. Yet the very act of admiring the scenery or stopping for one of Yellowstone's infamous wildlife jams-those daily backups caused by elk, bison, and bears blocking the road or just spotted nearby-is endangering the pristine environment that makes this place so special.
To combat the problem, the Park Service is committed to alternative fuel vehicles as a major part of their environmental stewardship program. In fact, a biodiesel-powered 1995 Dodge Ram pickup was the National Park Service's first alt-fuel vehicle, and it's still in service in Yellowstone with over 200,000 miles on its clock. Ask stakeholders in the Department of Energy's Clean Cities program: Yellowstone leads by example. All of their heavy vehicles run on biodiesel blends up to B40 in the summer. The park fleet also contains a number of flex-fuel E85 vehicles, advanced technology hybrids, and a few small electrics.
But park management is also looking to the past for inspiration. Jim Evanoff of the National Park Service explains, "Yellowstone had a very unique transportation operation prior to World War II, when we had a fleet of yellow buses. We had close to 400 of these old yellow buses that would transport people as they got off the trains in Gardiner and West Yellowstone and take them into the park. And most importantly, there was a driver that was very well educated and well versed in interpreting all the park's features to the visitors. After World War II, America fell in love with the private automobile and the station wagon, and nobody wanted to ride in these old yellow buses anymore, and they were slowly put out of service."
Amazingly, at its peak, Yellowstone was the second largest bus company in the nation behind Greyhound. Now, to reduce the volume of vehicles on the park's roads, Yellowstone has commissioned a small fleet of new biodiesel-powered yellow buses to use as employee shuttles and to serve as clean fuel ambassadors in nearby communities. The park has also acquired and refurbished eight of the original old yellow buses and put them back into service-once again giving guided tours in portions of the park.
Yellowstone is not as well suited to mass transit as other national parks, though. Parks with limited access or a single tourist attraction can more easily corral visitors' cars in one place and make use of shuttles. Glacier National Park's famous vintage red tour buses are still in daily use, plying visitors over the road to the sun. And they were retrofitted a number of years ago to run on clean propane while modern tour buses at Mammoth Cave National Park and others around the country are running on clean alternative fuels as well. Evanoff explains, "We're not just looking at alternative fuels but also looking at more green procurement. We're looking at water conservation opportunities, renewable energy such as from the sun or falling water.
Other park programs, like recycling and composting and a new partnership with Michelin to test low-rolling resistance tires, all tie together to reduce vehicle use, lower emissions, and save fuel. And the National Park Service hopes the influence of their good example extends beyond the park gates.
Norwich Connecticut Public Utilities Uses a Variety of Alt Fuel Vehicles
Last Updated: February 27, 2011
The Norwich, Connecticut, Public Utilities Company has assembled the largest municipal fleet of natural gas vehicles in the state. NPU has been using alternative fuels since 1995. Today, they operate 33 CNG vehicles including a sewer jet used to clean out sewer lines. NPU also has a hybrid electric bucket truck, two hybrid SUVs, and 15 biodiesel vehicles including a mini excavator and dump truck. They fill up at their new B20 refueling station built with the help of a federal grant from the Department of Energy.
John Bilda, general manager of NPU, says, "Wherever there's a vehicle and we can match that vehicle up with a compressed natural gas or an alternative fuel source, we're just simply expanding the fleet in that direction." Federal funding will also be used to transform this lot with 10 EV charging stations right next to a public CNG refueling station that's helping to make the Rose of New England a sweet-smelling, cleaner, greener city.
Sevierville, Tennessee Moves People on Propane Hybrid Trolleys
Last Updated: January 19, 2011
Visitors to the City of Sevierville, Tennessee, are touring the town in eight propane-fueled hybrid electric trolley cars. The city purchased the vehicles in 2005 to help reduce air pollution. Propane produces fewer tailpipe emissions than diesel fuel, and it reduces the city's reliance on imported oil.
But these propane hybrid trolleys are only the tip of Sevierville's green initiative. They are also the proud owners of a pair of larger plug-in hybrid buses used for special events. The city has also added four dedicated propane trolleys, a CNG bi-fuel pickup, and some 30 specialized municipal vehicles including a new refuse truck that runs on renewable B20 biodiesel. Sevierville is a community leader doing its part to keep the Volunteer State ready, willing, and green.
San Antonio is Switching to Hybrid Taxis
Last Updated: July 28, 2010
San Antonio is switching to hybrid taxis thanks to a 2007 city ordinance, filled with incentives. The program kicked off the voluntary program to replace traditional cabs with gasoline-electric hybrids. While familiar rides like the Crown Vic still ferry most passengers around the Alamo city, thanks to a commitment by several large taxi firms, more than 100 hybrids are already on the road.
And program coordinators are keeping the pedal down and hope to see more fuel-stingy taxis in the near future. Gary Gilbert says, "As technology changes in the automotive industry, our program will change with those technologies to provide a cleaner vehicle but still provide the transportation needs of our citizens."
Drivers like the fuel economy and cost savings hybrids offer, and passengers enjoy the ride--knowing they, too, are doing something good for Texas.
View the MotorWeek video of this story.
Emissions Free Circulator Transit Bus Serves Baltimore
Last Updated: June 18, 2010
In Baltimore, Maryland, the brightly colored Charm City Circulator is creating quite a green buzz around town. Baltimore is the first to use the EcoSaver IV Hybrid Electric bus by DesignLine as part of a major free-shuttle fleet. Thirty percent of the time, the 44 passenger buses run emissions free on electric power alone. Then a small, diesel-fueled turbine generator kicks in to replenish the battery pack. Transit officials are so far very pleased as the EcoSaver IV is chalking up big savings on fuel costs. Baltimore currently has 12 EcoSavers in service with a total of 21 on order. They are already being used on two of the three Charm City Circulator routes, and are proving even more popular with riders than transit officials expected, providing residents of Charm City a big, eco-friendly lift. View the MotorWeek video of this story.
Fisher Coachworks Developing Plug-in Hybrid Mass Transit Bus
Last Updated: June 03, 2010
Fisher Coachworks, of Oak Park, Michigan, is developing a plug-in, hybrid-electric, mass-transit bus that is both lean and mean. A prototype of the ultra-lightweight, unibody GTB-40 bus is already being tested. It has a 100-mile range on battery power alone and over 300 miles with the use of a small natural gas-powered generator that recharges the batteries. Fisher claims their bus is 30% lighter and gets two to three times the fuel economy of current hybrid buses. "In a typical diesel bus, you get about three miles per gallon in the city. With hybrids in the market today, youre getting about five miles per gallon equivalent," said Greg Fisher. "We're predicting north of 10 miles per gallon with our bus in a city application because of its light weight." Fisher is currently building a second improved prototype. Partially funded by the Department of Energy, the Fisher GTB 40 has the potential of being the fit and trim city bus of the future. View the MotorWeek video.
Los Angeles City Fleet Uses A Variety of Alternative Fuels
Last Updated: May 20, 2010
The City of Los Angeles boasts over 4,100 alternative-fuel vehicles--everything from gas-electric hybrids to natural gas trucks and buses to trendy MINI Es. The city is field-testing five MINI E plug-in electrics. City workers say they are getting about 100 miles on a full charge. Recharging takes about three hours using a dedicated charging station. For emergencies, a convenience charger plugs into a normal outlet. The city reduced petroleum fuel consumption by eight million gallons last year alone as the alt-fuel fleet continues to grow by over 20% annually. That includes 400 refuse trucks that use natural gas, and nearly half of their street sweepers also run on natural gas with plans for a 100% alt-fuel fleet. The L.A. Clean Cities coalition sees advanced-technology alt-fuel vehicles as a key way to keep the City of Angels clean, green, and beautiful. View the MotorWeek video.
Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Brings Hybrid Fleet to New Orleans
Last Updated: April 01, 2010
The Louisiana Coca-Cola Bottling Co. recently introduced eight new hybrid electric delivery trucks to the streets of New Orleans. The Southeast Louisiana Clean Fuel Partnership hosted a public forum to highlight the new fleet and the sustainability initiatives of Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc. (CCE).
"The Southeast Louisiana Clean Fuel Partnership is delighted with Coca-Cola Enterprises' inclusion of fuel-efficient and emissions reducing hybrid vehicles in its New Orleans delivery fleet," said Rebecca Otte, coordinator of the partnership. "The move demonstrates Coca-Cola Enterprises' ongoing commitment to a more sustainable community and serves as a great example of a viable clean transportation option for similar fleets."
The trucks were specifically designed for effectiveness in the stop-and-go traffic common inurban areas. Regenerative braking and lithium-ion battery technologies make these vehicles 30% more fuel efficient than their diesel counterparts. They also create less noise and pollution than standard delivery vehicles, and CCE drivers report that the new vehicles handle better than the older, nonhybrid fleet.
The hybrid fleet is part of CCE's nationwide initiative to employ hybrid vehicles to reduce emissions and fuel consumption. To date, the company has deployed 327 hybrid electric delivery trucks throughout the United States and Canada, making CCE's the largest commercial hybrid fleet in North America. CCE plans to continue to incorporate hybrid vehicles into its fleets, eventually transitioning all its vehicles to cleaner, more fuel-efficient models.
City of Ann Arbor Promotes Green Fleets Program
Last Updated: March 09, 2010
The City of Ann Arbor, Michigan, embarked on its Green Fleets Program in 2004 with the initial goal of reducing the municipal fleet's gas and diesel use by 10% before 2012. They achieved that in half the time and then set their sights higher: To use 30% renewable energy across all municipal operations by 2010, and they are meeting that goal, too.
"First of all, it's important for the City of Ann Arbor to green its fleet to help us fight climate change," says Andrew Brix of the Ann Arbor energy commission. "But the bigger impact is that we get to use fuels that are produced here in Michigan and in the U.S., and that keeps money in the local economy."
Ann Arbor's fleet uses a wide variety of clean alternative fuels, including E85, compressed natural gas in both light- and heavy-duty vehicles, and up to 50% blends of biodiesel. They are also field testing this hybrid electric lift truck and plan to buy two of them.
Ann Arbor is showing that even a small city fleet can make a big environmental statement. View the MotorWeek video of this story.
Hydraulic Hybrid Pressed into Service in Refuse Collection
Last Updated: March 04, 2010
Thornton, Colorado, a suburb of Denver, can boast of the second hybrid refuse hauler in service in the state. The Bridgeport automated side loader collection body is built on a Peterbilt chassis and uses Eaton hybrid hydraulic launch assist (HLA) technology. When the HLA system is engaged, energy is captured and released during deceleration and acceleration respectively. This makes the stop-and-go trash collection routes an excellent application for hybrids.
During braking, the vehicle's kinetic energy drives the pump/motor as a pump, transferring hydraulic fluid from the low-pressure reservoir to a high-pressure accumulator. The fluid compresses nitrogen gas in the accumulator and pressurizes the system. The regenerative braking captures about 70% of the kinetic energy produced during braking. During acceleration, fluid in the high-pressure accumulator is metered out to drive the pump/motor as a motor. The system propels the vehicle by transmitting torque to the driveshaft.
Adam Lovato, Thornton Environmental Services manager, explains that the Thornton City Council has directed staff to take an active role in conservation efforts and alternative energy. "We want to take this opportunity to put this new technology into the field. Our investment will provide good field data that will support industry development," Lovato says. "It's exciting to be part of shaping the technology for the future."
The vehicle joins a fleet of 19 city-owned refuse/recycle collection vehicles. Thornton plans to replace two traditional powered trucks with hybrid models later this year. The city anticipates that each truck may get 25% better fuel economy than its non-hybrid counterparts which could mean an annual fuel reduction of about 1,400 gallons per truck.
For more information, contact Thornton Environmental Services.
Columbus Strives to Become No. 1 Cleanest City
Last Updated: January 04, 2010
The City of Columbus, Ohio, is continuing its efforts to integrate more alternative fuel vehicles into daily operations. New arrivals for 2009 include four bi-fuel, CNG/gasoline light-duty trucks and two Ford Escape hybrids.
Each new CNG refuse truck has saved the city over $1,600 in less than a year. They plan to add 21 more CNG trucks by 2011. Right now, Columbus fills up with CNG off-site, but by the time the new trucks arrive, they?ll have a station of their own.
In 2007, the city began using biodiesel in snowplows and other heavy-duty vehicles. They have replaced nearly one million gallons of petroleum with biodiesel in 2009.
And, to improve air quality, Columbus is outfitting nearly 130 older trucks with diesel oxidation catalysts and diesel particulate filters. Their 1998 fire engine is even on the list to be cleaned up, as the country?s "fourth cleanest city" strives to become number one!
View the MotorWeek video of this story.
NYIT Introduces Long Island's First Solar Carport
Last Updated: December 29, 2009
New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) officially introduced the first of two solar carports it is developing at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 27 at the Central Islip site. Part of NYIT's "One Spot, One Car, One Commute" solar plug-in hybrid electric vehicle project (S-PHEV), the freestanding, four-car carport prototype has solar panels integrated into its structure. The carport shades parked vehicles while collecting energy from the sun and converting it into power to charge plug-in hybrid vehicles. NYIT's two converted hybrid Toyota Priuses, as well as several campus electric vehicles, were on hand to demonstrate how the carport works.
U.S. Congressman Steve Israel (D-Huntington) participated in the ceremony with NYIT's President Edward Guiliano and other members of NYIT's faculty and administration. The congressman was instrumental in helping NYIT secure a $500,000 federal grant that funded the solar carport research, as well as a campus-wide "green print" initiative to determine the carbon footprint of the university, to research alternative energy technologies, and to undertake broad efforts to reduce energy consumption on campus and in the community.
Daniel Rapka, who received a master's degree in energy management from NYIT in 2007, is program manager for the S-PHEV project and an instructor in NYIT's Department of Mechanical Engineering, estimates that a single 200-square-foot parking space can collect enough solar energy on an annual basis to enable a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle to drive the typical daily New York metro commute.
According to Rapka, "Charging plug-in hybrid electric cars is only the first step. The solar power generated by the carports can also be diverted to the local power grid and, in the near future, with a process called Vehicle to Grid (V2G) sharing, the plug-in electric hybrid cars can be a resource for the grid."
David G. Schieren, a 2006 graduate of NYIT's energy management master's degree program and CEO of EmPower, the solar contractor that designed and installed the carport, said "Charging electric vehicles with solar energy means that we can drive without consuming any fossil fuels-that is the ultimate goal. This is a grand slam for energy security, the environment, and domestic economic growth. EmPower is proud to be partnering with NYIT on this vital project that represents significant progress toward this goal. We look forward to collaborating on making this technology a widespread reality."
"NYIT's first solar carport is another important step in our ongoing commitment to global sustainability initiatives," said Greg Banhazl, NYIT's director of business development. "Each solar carport will contribute to enhancing environmental quality by implementing renewable energy resources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and saving NYIT and PHEV commuters money on transportation costs."
NYIT, Long Island Power Authority, and EmPower, partners in building the solar carport at NYIT's Old Westbury campus, are all stakeholders in the Greater Long Island Clean Cities Coalition.
University of Oklahoma Adopts Variety of Alternative Fuels
Last Updated: November 10, 2009
The University of Oklahoma in Norman, Okla., has 160 vehicles that run on alternative fuels, including five low-speed electric vehicles. Two of the electric vehicles are used for on-campus mail delivery. OU also operates 43 electric utility vehicles and golf carts on campus sidewalks and paths that are used by maintenance and physical plant staff.
Beth Gatewood, OU assistant administrator of printing, mailing and document production, said the low-speed electric vehicles save the time and expense of refueling and are ready to go after recharging outside her building. "Besides being fun and quiet," Gatewood said, "we can get in all the small places on campus we need to squeeze through."
Central Oklahoma Clean Cities stakeholders since 1995, the University of Oklahoma Transportation and Parking Services, which includes Fleet Services operations and Cleveland Area Rapid Transit (CART), fuels 53 flex-fuel sedans and SUVs with E85, 41 heavy duty trucks and CART buses with B20, and 15 heavy duty and light-duty passenger vehicles and shuttle buses with CNG at its new Transportation Operations Center, a multi-fuel, state-of-the-art fueling, maintenance and operations facility. The center has four fast-fill CNG hoses at 3600 psi, and eight slow-fill CNG hoses in addition to four pumps for biodiesel and ethanol.
The university also has three hybrid electric passenger cars in its fleet that fuel at the facility which also dispenses gasoline and ultra low sulfur diesel.
At the official opening of the Transportation Operations Center in March 2009, OU President David Boren said the university is committed to the environment and the new Transportation Operations Center is a symbol of that commitment. Boren has made it university policy if an alternative fuel vehicle is available for the type of vehicle needed, the university will purchase the AFV.
OU Fleet Services plans to add five CNG buses to the CART fleet with 2009 federal stimulus money and will purchase and convert two new Chevrolet Impalas with assistance from an award from the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments' 2009 Public Fleet Conversion Grants program. ACOG's Public Fleet Conversion Grants¿ program is administered through its Clean Cities program office.
New York City Sanitation Uses A Variety of Alternative Fuel Approaches
Last Updated: November 05, 2009
The New York City Department of Sanitation, the nation's largest municipal refuse fleet, is making great strides in using clean, alternative fuels. Among the array of vehicles is the hybrid hydraulic garbage truck, the only one in the country in its weight class. The agency is also testing hybrid electric and natural gas powered refuse trucks.
NYC's 2,000 other diesel refuse trucks run on renewable B5 biodiesel as do 450 of their street sweepers. Another 25 are fueled by compressed natural gas, and the alt-fuel list continues with hundreds of light duty gasoline-electric hybrids used by field supervisors along with 6 all-electric GEMs that move around the repair shop.
Collecting 22 million pounds of garbage a day using vehicles that are less dependent on petroleum is how NYC's Department of Sanitation is keeping it "clean and green" in the Big Apple. View the MotorWeek video of this story.
FedEx Converts Delivery Trucks to Hybrids
Last Updated: August 12, 2009
FedEx Corp. has announced the addition of 92 hybrid-electric trucks to its delivery fleet--the result of converting diesel models that were originally put into service in 2000 and 2001. The converted hybrids will increase FedEx's hybrid-electric fleet to 264 vehicles, a 50% increase. This is the largest fleet of hybrid delivery trucks in North America, logging more than four million miles of revenue service and reducing fuel use by 150,000 gallons since hybrids were introduced to the fleet in 2004. "The conversion of these standard FedEx trucks into hybrids is the latest milestone in our drive to advance and adopt hybrid technology into our fleet and the broader industry," said John Formisano, vice president, Global Vehicles, FedEx Express. "FedEx and our suppliers have demonstrated that converted hybrids are a viable, lower-cost option compared to purchasing new hybrids."The hybrid conversions were developed with Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation and Eaton Corporation and feature a 200-horsepower 2007 Cummins ISB engine coupled with an Eaton electric motor/generator using lithium-ion batteries. The standard FedEx trucks used in the retrofit program were 2000 or 2001 models driven 300,000 to 500,000 miles. An added benefit of the conversion program is that it not only reduces pollution but also extends the life of the vehicles, helping to eliminate waste production and creating a reduce-and-reuse program.The retrofit hybrid trucks are projected to improve fuel economy by 44%, decrease particulate matter by 96%, and reduce smog-causing (NOx) emissions by 75% compared to the standard FedEx Express delivery truck. The 92 retrofitted hybrid vehicles are being placed into service in California, primarily in the Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco metropolitan areas.For more information, contact Alison Bird at FedEx.
University of Illinois-Chicago Fleet Invests in AFVs
Last Updated: June 01, 2009
Diversity on campus has a new meaning in Chicago. The University of Illinois-Chicago's (UIC) transportation system for innercampus and commuter transport includes a variety of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs). The fleet includes 12 light-duty hybrids, 37 flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs), 26 vehicles that operate on B20, two compressed natural gas (CNG) cargo vans, and a CNG Crown Victoria. In addition, nine CNG Blue Bird buses transport an average of 2,000 people daily around the campus. All in all, AFVs represent 36% of their fleet.
With the help of two Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) grants received through the efforts of the Chicago Area Clean Cities coalition, the university installed CNG infrastructure. "We now have two slow-fill dispensing units and we have added two quick-fill CNG units," says Pablo Acevedo, associate director of facilities management at UIC. The university's program extends its reach even farther by allowing vehicles owned by the City of Chicago to fill up at the UIC facility.
Acevedo explains that there are pluses and minuses to his CNG vehicles. "Parts and maintenance are more costly for the CNG vehicles than for regular diesel vehicles. It's also important to get the right kind of training for our mechanics who work on the CNG vehicles." On the plus side, the AFVs use less expensive fuel and reduce pollution caused by burning diesel.
The CNG and FFVs are purchased based on mandated levels dictated by the state and alternative fuel provider section of the Energy Policy Act of 1992. The CNG-powered vehicles were first purchased in 1997. "The decision back then was based on cost savings and environmental concerns," Acevedo says. "Those are the same reasons we continue to add CNG vehicles to our fleet."
There's always room for more advanced vehicles--and UIC is interested in the all-electric, commercial Ford Transit Connect van, which is expected to have a range of 100 miles per charge and a top speed of 70 miles per hour.
"UIC's commitment to its alternative fuel program and its involvement in the coalition make it an exemplary fleet in the Chicago area," says Chicago Clean Cities Coordinator Samantha Bingham. "We are happy to assist UIC as well as other coalition members with everything from technical assistance to identifying funding."
Enterprise Rent-A-Car Responds to Demand for Green Vehicles
Last Updated: April 25, 2008
In an effort to meet consumer demand for environmentally friendly vehicles, Enterprise Rent-A-Car is deploying its first group of "Green" branches in Atlanta and continues to expand its number of "E85/FlexFuel" branches nationally. Enterprise is a part of the Taylor family of companies, which includes National Car Rental and Alamo. The combined companies make up the world's largest vehicle fleet, which currently includes 4,000 hybrids, 73,000 flexible fuel vehicles, and 440,000 fuel-efficient vehicles.
At four Atlanta, Georgia, locations, hybrids and fuel-efficient vehicles will comprise approximately 60% of the company's "Green Branch" fleets. These fleets will offer approximately 30 percent hybrid gas/electric vehicles and 30 percent fuel-efficient vehicles that average a highway fuel efficiency rating of at least 28 mpg. "For the past 50 years, Enterprise Rent-A-Car has steadily grown its business by consistently talking with and listening to its customers," says Dan Miller, vice president and general manager for Enterprise in Atlanta. "With Atlanta ranking among the top cities in average commute times, customers of Enterprise's metro Atlanta branches have expressed great interest in renting environmentally friendly vehicles, and we are responding by concentrating the largest number of hybrid and fuel-efficient vehicles possible at these four area branches."
Enterprise also recently designated one of its Dallas-Fort Worth area rental locations as its first official "E85/FlexFuel Branch" in Texas. The location is at the Classic Chevrolet dealership located in Grapevine, Texas. Classic Chevrolet is also home to the nation's first dealership-owned public E85 pumps. Approximately 25% of the branch's vehicles will be General Motors flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs).
To build consumer awareness and increase the number of cars being fueled with E85, Enterprise is actively deploying the majority of its FFVs near E85 fueling stations. The Grapevine, Texas, E85/FlexFuel Branch joins similar Enterprise branches in Washington, D.C.; St. Louis, Missouri; Charlotte, North Carolina; Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and Cincinnati, Columbus: and Dayton, Ohio.
"Enterprise is committed to supporting new technologies and alternative fuels as they become commercially viable," says Miller. "We'll continue to make them more accessible to our customers."
Light-Duty Fleet Brews Up Commitment to Petroleum Reduction
Last Updated: March 10, 2008
New Belgium Brewing, maker of Fat Tire Amber Ale and a host of Belgian inspired beers, was founded in 1991 by an electrical engineer and a social worker. So it's no surprise that the Fort Collins, Colorado, brewer has always looked for ways to be energy efficient and socially responsible. Since its beginning, the company has had an ongoing commitment to participate in developing technologies. Multiple programs within the company focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, maintaining healthy watersheds, building green buildings, recycling and reuse programs, and sustainability.
New Belgium Brewing is currently in the market for four new hybrid vehicles. "But we are seeing a shortage of hybrid vehicles in the market and the wait can be long," says New Belgium spokesperson, Christine Biegert. "We also need all-wheel or four-wheel drive capability for mountain driving but hybrid choices are limited. As a light-duty fleet, we have a five-year turnover cycle rather than a 15-year cycle typical of heavy-duty vehicles. So we want to use the most up-to-date transportation technology available."
New Belgium's fleet is 99 percent light-duty vehicles that are used by its sales representatives in 18 states. These vehicles average 1.4 million miles per year. In a fleet of 95 vehicles there are 23 Prius hybrids, three Ford Escape hybrids, and one Nissan Altima hybrid. In addition, there are five Dodge three-quarter ton Ram pickups that run on B20. Four medium duty box trucks also run on B20. The company is a stakeholder in the Northern Colorado Clean Cities Coalition, and transportation is a large part of its commitment to the environment.
"We have no policy or goal expressed in a percentage of alternative vehicles and alternative fuel," says Biegert. "But we are forward thinking in our use of vehicles."
To further support biofuels development, New Belgium has offered its land, CO2 derived from fermentation, and treated process waste water to Solix Biofuels for a research project to grow algae that can be used as a biodiesel feedstock. The treatment plant's anaerobic digestor is already producing methane as bacteria consume the organic waste material left after brewing. The methane gas is piped back into the building where it fires a combined heat and power engine that can provide up to 15 percent of the brewery's electricity. Solix's algae-to-biodiesel project is one more way to enhance New Belgium's support of sustainability through innovation.
For more information about this fleet on the move, contact Fleet Manager Christine Biegert.
Limo Company Goes Green
Last Updated: September 19, 2007
Michael Fadis had been running limo company Kalacor Executive Service for about seven years when, in 2004, a client asked for a ride to a Toyota dealership to see the Prius. The visit got Fadis thinking about a new business venture: green limos.
After conducting an informal survey of his customers, he found that about three-quarters of them wanted to make "green" choices. That was enough for him. Less than a year later, Fadis launched a second company: Green Car Limo, a driver service that transports clients in one of its dozen hybrid electric vehicles (mostly Priuses).
Since starting his new company, Fadis thinks of himself as a "green evangelist" because he's converting his customers to be believers in the high-fuel-efficiency, low-pollution hybrids. He spends about $6,000 per car to outfit them with custom leather, extra soundproofing, and quieter tires and uses professional chauffeurs to drive them. The cars are proving popular with his regular customers, and he's attracting new customers all the time. In fact, Fadis says Green Car Limo is hired for Berkeley-area weddings about once every two weeks.
Fadis credits the "chauffeur-style" driving of his highly trained, largely European drivers with helping reach the high fuel economy the hybrids are capable of, as well as helping make the customers feel like they are still in a limo. His hybrid fleet averages about 47 miles per gallon (mpg), compared to about 18 mpg for his conventional Lincoln and Mercedes sedans and 15 mpg for his stretch limos. The original vehicles have logged 50,000 to 60,000 miles in a year and a half, and Fadis provides regular feedback on their performance to Toyota.
The Green Car Limo fleet is mostly comprised of Priuses but also includes a hybrid Toyota Camry and Lexus sport utility vehicle.
Fadis is currently thinking about expanding Green Car Limo to service New York, Los Angeles, and Shanghai.
Contact: Michael Fadis, 650-593-6323.
Seattle Tacoma International Airport
Last Updated: August 22, 2007
In 2001, the Port of Seattle Aviation Division adopted a fleet vehicle purchase policy that required the purchase of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs), whenever feasible and practical, to replace conventional petroleum vehicles. The Seattle Tacoma (Sea-Tac) International Airport's fleet is currently composed of 60 compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles, including 16 buses and 41 light-duty vehicles (LDVs)--all of which display the slogan "Doing our share for cleaner air naturally." Sea-Tac's fleet also includes seven propane LDVs, nine hybrid LDVs and 91 ground support units that operate on electricity. In 2005, the Sea-Tac Airport received the Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Air Excellence Award in recognition of the implementation of air quality programs such as the fleet vehicle purchase policy.
The Port required airport taxi and shuttle services to switch to CNG vehicles. Shuttle Express currently has 27 CNG shuttle vans serving the airport. Shuttle Express operates more than 33% of its total trip mileage using the CNG vans. The Seattle-Tacoma International Taxi Association operates all of its 166 taxi cab fleet with CNG-fueled Ford Crown Victorias. The Port of Seattle's Air Quality website reports that the CNG fleet is expected to produce 149 fewer tons of carbon monoxide and 24 fewer tons of oxides of nitrogen each year compared to conventional vehicles.
The Port partnered with Clean Energy to install, operate, and maintain a full-service CNG fueling station at Sea-Tac, which is open to the public and operates 24 hours a day. Sea-Tac currently has plans to add an additional public CNG fueling station, as well as increase the number of CNG buses in its fleet.
For more information, contact Russ Simonson, senior environmental program manager, Port of Seattle, Aviation Division, at simonson.r@portseattle.org.
Redwood National and State Parks
Last Updated: August 22, 2007
Located near Eureka, California, the Redwood National and State Parks are currently using a variety of alternative fuels in its fleet. They are using biodiesel (B20) to operate 32 heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) used for park maintenance. The park also uses five light-duty electric vehicles and two Toyota Prius hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) for light maintenance and park transportation. In addition, the park has an electric tractor vehicle used to haul cleaning supplies to the restrooms, pick up and transport garbage, and to perform routine maintenance work. "The electric tractor is quieter than a conventional vehicle, and it does not disturb the wildlife as much," says Roads and Trails Supervisor Richard Mayle.Redwood National and State Parks currently has an onsite biodiesel (B20) refueling station. "Biodiesel is inconsistent because it usually takes a few weeks to get a shipment to our remote location. Sometimes the fuel arrives in a few days and other times it takes a couple of weeks," says Mayle. "Biodiesel also costs a little bit more than conventional fossil fuel diesel, but we have noticed that biodiesel is cleaner and seems better for the environment."
For additional information, visit the Redwood National and State Parks website or contact Richard Mayle at richard_mayle@nps.gov.
