GREEN FLEETS B.C.

Green Fleets B.C. is a program delivered through the Fraser Basin Council, in partnership with the B.C. Ministry of Environment. The mission of the program is to achieve continuous improvement in energy efficiency and emissions reduction in vehicle fleets of all kinds.

Over the next three years, Green Fleets B.C. will work with industry and government to help remove over 900 tonnes of smog-causing emissions from the air. That’s the equivalent of taking 50,000 light-duty vehicles off the road.

Currently, 135 fleets are participating in the program. The Fraser Basin Council’s goal is to have 400 fleets join Green Fleets B.C. by 2010.

There are multiple strategies that fleets can follow to drive down emissions. Today, fleet owners and managers are faced with many decisions, such as choosing the best vehicles of a particular class, using the right vehicle for each job, adopting progressive engine technologies and evaluating use of low-emission fuels. Best management practices are also important, including good vehicle maintenance, careful route planning and sound driving practices.

Hybrid Vehicles

Hybrid electric vehicles (hybrids) are a relatively new technology, combining the internal combustion engine of a conventional vehicle with the battery and electric motor. The result is a vehicle that can dramatically reduce fuel consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and smog. Many private and public sector fleets, including the B.C. government, are now using hybrids.

Biodiesel

Green Fleets B.C. offers fleet managers in-depth, objective information on green fuels, including biodiesel. Biodiesel produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions, including emissions from production of the fuel itself. For fleets interested in biodiesel, there are incentives — the fuel is exempt from provincial fuel taxes and federal excise tax. Over 60 public and private sector fleets in B.C. are using biodiesel — nearly four million litres in 2006. In terms of emissions, that equals taking almost 2,000 Turbo Diesel SUVs off B.C.’s roads.

Canada’s Green Fuels Map

Canada’s Green Fuels map is an online resource to help both industry professionals and individual drivers find the cardlock and retail stations across Canada nearest them that offer biodiesel, natural gas, ethanol, hydrogen or propane.

Green Trucking Technologies & Practices

Newer engines, green fuels, aerodynamic enhancements, anti-idling units and high-tech tires can help cut smog and GHG emissions in B.C.’s trucking sector. Green Fleets B.C. wants to support industry in making good choices for best results.

E3 Fleet Rating Program

The E3 (“Energy, Environment, Excellence”) Fleet Rating program was launched in B.C. in late 2006 as North America’s first green rating system for vehicle fleets. It helps fleet managers increase fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, manage expenses, incorporate new technologies and use alternative fuels. For fleets making a commitment to become carbon-neutral, E3 Fleet provides an emissions baseline, and identifies opportunities for emissions reduction.

Through membership in the E3 Fleet program, managers have access to comprehensive reviews and reports on individual fleet performance. This includes: emissions and fuel performance; vehicle utilization and availability; capital asset profile; operational profile; identification of vehicles that have below-average fuel economy, excessive emissions, excessive downtime or under-utilization; analysis of vehicle replacement with “best in class vehicles.”

To learn more about the Green Fleets B.C. program, visit www.greenfleets.ca.

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Media contact:	Kate Thompson Manager, Media Relations Ministry of Environment 250 953-4577	Denise Palmer Communications Manager Fraser Basin Council 604 488-5352

For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca.