City Fleet Goes Green, Receives Award

With a fleet of 1,200 vehicles, the City of Irving continues to look at ways to conserve fuel through a variety of green efforts. Here are a few examples of what the city is doing and the recognition received.

Fuel Conservation

The city’s entire diesel fleet, comprised of 451 units, uses biodiesel (B20), which is a step beyond federally mandated standards. Compressed natural gas is used in 69 units of the city’s fleet. Four hybrid vehicles have been purchased, and 16 additional hybrids will be purchased by the police department to help reduce the city’s carbon footprint.

Emissions

Alternative fuels that can reduce emissions are currently in use by the city, including biodiesel, CNG and gasoline/electric hybrids. The fleet’s 451 diesel units are in 100 percent compliance with the 2007 Federal Air Standards. The city’s 577 gasoline units are all ultra low emission or low emission vehicles.

Grant Applications

The city has applied for the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Diesel Emerging Technologies Grant, which would fund an On-Road Fleet Retrofit Project. A retrofit project applies new technology to existing equipment in an effort to reduce air pollution and emissions. In the city’s case, the technology is a catalytic converter that would be applied to 25 units.

Awards/Recognition

The city has been recognized for its efforts to go green. Irving has received the National Government’s Green Fleet Award.

Award criteria included:

  • Fuel and Emissions – Determines use of renewable and alternative sources of energy and evaluates efforts to clean up current inventory of on- and off-road diesel equipment.
  • Policy and Planning – Evaluates the process in which the applicant plans for the future environmental role of its fleet, and determines whether continued budgeting and purchasing of green technologies will ensue.
  • Executive/Employee Involvement – Monitors fleet manager’s efforts to educate executive staff of the advantages of a green fleet, new and available technologies and associated costs.
  • Supporting Programs – Reviews a variety of other initiatives that include: applying for grants, recycling programs, parts purchasing habits and facility improvements.