ADOPT A COMPREHENSIVE FLEET POLICY

The best way to ensure the success of a Green Fleets program is to pass an ordinance or enact an executive order that formalizes the Green Fleets process. In fact, the inspiration for the Green Fleets program is the “Green Fleets” executive order that Denver, Colorado adopted in 1993. This important program was the first comprehensive policy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from municipal fleets in the country. As a result of this policy Denver municipal fleets must:

o Decrease fuel expenditures by an average of 1% per year.
o Decrease CO2 emissions by an average of 1.5% per year.
o Include precise miles per gallon targets in vehicle bid specifications.
o Reduce fleet size, miles traveled by fleet vehicles, and downsize fleets.

An ordinance enacted in 1999 requires that all city vehicles purchased by San Francisco, California must meet the ultra-low emission vehicle standard (ULEV) and also requires that 10% of cars and small trucks purchased be electric. While not as comprehensive as Denver’s ordinance, importantly, this ordinance addresses other issues such as fueling infrastructure, performance monitoring, and private fleets. Even if a formal policy can’t be enacted, local governments should consider centralizing fleet operations. Due to better fleet management Monterey County, California is saving up to 10,000 gallons of gasoline a year after combining all of its fleets into one.

CLICK HERE to begin the process of writing a Green Fleets Policy.