Burlington, Ontario, gets green light to green city fleet

The city aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent (on a “per-capita basis”) from 1994 levels by 2012. The city’s strategy involves using low-emission vehicles and cleaner fuels as well as “right-sizing” vehicles for the job.

The city plans to build on some of its existing practices and successes. For example:

• In 2002, the city added its first hybrid vehicle to the fleet. Today, the city has 14 light-duty hybrid vehicles. The city noted in a press release that it will be monitoring municipal pilot programs for large commercial hybrid vehicles to determine the benefits of adding larger hybrids to the city fleet.
• The city has been “right-sizing” – ensuring that the city uses the most effective and environmentally responsible vehicle to match the job function – to reduce emissions. For example, some large pickup trucks have been replaced with compact pickup trucks and some compact pickup trucks have been replaced with smaller vehicles. Between 2005 and 2008, the city reduced annual greenhouse gas emissions from light-duty vehicles by 35 tons, resulting in an 18 percent reduction for new replacement vehicles, according to the city.
• Since 2003, the city has been using various concentrations of biodiesel fuel in an effort to reduce air pollutant emissions. As part of the city’s green fleet strategy, the city will examine the possibility of expanding the use of biodiesel across the city fleet and increasing the percentage of biofuel.

For more information on the city’s strategy, click here.