| Local Policy Description: | Greening the County Vehicle Fleet
In 1998 the County owned 122 vehicles and spent $41,000 in fuel costs. Gasoline and diesel use from county vehicles produced 752 tons eCO2, which represented 11% of the County's total emissions. Generally, the departments that spent the most on vehicle maintenance had the oldest vehicles in the fleet, and those vehicles emitted the highest levels of emissions per mile. This suggests a need to replace older vehicles with newer, more fuel-efficient models. Such an action may require an initial outlay of capital, but the savings would accrue from lower maintenance and fuel costs in the long run. In addition, there may be other measures that could be implemented to achieve cost and energy savings.
The Local Action Plan proposes to establish a "Green Fleet" policy to address the overall management, operation and procurement of fleet vehicles owned and operated by Tompkins County. The policy will improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and increase the capacity of the fleet to save the County money. The City and County of Denver Colorado enacted one of the first Green Fleet executive orders on Earth Day 1993. Originally, the program set targets of 1% and 1.5% annual average reductions in fuel expenditures and CO2 emissions, respectively. After achieving substantial reductions over seven years the order was revised in 2000, and new goals were targeted to provide more flexibility. If Tompkins County government were to reduce vehicle emissions by a modest 3% over the next four years, or approximately three-quarters of a percent per year, it could prevent the emission of 23 tons eCO2. The County will provide public leadership, save money, benefit from an environmental perspective, and provide an example to private companies. The County should adopt a resolution to establish a Green Fleet policy, thereby formalizing the process. A committee can be charged with working
out the details at the departmental level with program performance monitored by a review committee. The policy should set realistic goals for reducing energy use, air pollutants, and carbon dioxide emissions for the overall fleet.
There are many cost-effective and practical measures that can be implemented which include:
• Right-size vehicle fleets by downsizing and eliminating vehicles.
• Incorporate mileage efficiency into bid specifications.
• Require regular maintenance and upkeep.
• Require phase out of older vehicles and replace them with newer, more fuel efficient models.
• Optimize vehicle travel, operation, and maintenance.
• Substitute other travel modes, or reduce the need to travel.
• Purchase fuel efficient, alternatively fueled, and electric vehicles.
• Approach local car dealerships to negotiate bulk purchasing prices for alternative
fuel vehicles.
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