The Award, sponsored by 100 Best Fleets, is open to all federal, state, and local government fleets in North America, including fleets that are operated by government personnel or contracted services. It is presented to the fleet program that shows exemplary accomplishments against a comprehensive set of criteria specifically tailored around the challenges and requirements of the government fleet manager. There are hundreds of applications each year, which are peer-reviewed and judged by a panel of past award winners. In 2009, Seattle earned the #7 position. In 2010, the Port of Seattle was recognized as 20th in the nation, and the City of Seattle was awarded first place.
The City's Green Fleet program was recognized for its excellent integration of alternative fuels into existing operations and comprehensive examination of where and how petroleum reduction policies and procedures could impact the fleet. In 2008, Seattle made a commitment to hire a Green Fleet Coordinator to focus on these issues on a daily basis. With the help of this position, Seattle has:
- implemented a vegetable oil biodiesel pilot program that included vehicle testing and fuel procurement;
- procured a large number of advanced technology vehicles, and become a launch market for the new generation electric vehicles, starting with the Nissan Leaf;
- reduced petroleum usage by more than 100,000 gallons in the last two years; and
- developed a robust education and outreach program that has helped City departments deliver services more efficiently.
The Government Green Fleet evaluation standards are divided into several key categories. Seattle’s areas of focus include:
Alternative Fuels – the City was an early adopter of biodiesel and compressed natural gas (CNG) and is currently negotiating a long-term contract for more than 1 million gallons annually of B20 biodiesel derived from waste vegetable oil. The Environmental Protection Agency has identified waste vegetable oil biodiesel as the lowest carbon-intense transportation fuel for diesel vehicles. This City is also investing in using electricity as a transportation fuel. Because Seattle’s publicly owned utility, Seattle City Light, predominantly derives its power from hydroelectric sources, electricity is a viable, low carbon fuel for fleet operations.
Advanced Technology Vehicles – the City has 569 gas/electric hybrid vehicles and 12 diesel/electric medium-duty work trucks and is installing a charging infrastructure to support the largest municipal all-electric motor pool fleet, which will consist of 26 Nissan Leafs. Electric drive trains are also used in material handling, campus maintenance, and utility meter reading equipment, as well as in parking enforcement vehicles.
Fuel Reduction Policies – the City has a Green Fleet Action Plan that has guided fleet decisions since 2003. The City also has operational policies – idling, down-sizing, right-sizing, weigh limitations – that set standards for fleet size and operator expectations. These policies and plans have resulted in the reduction of more than 100,000 gallons of fuel in four of the City's largest departments since 2008.
Operational Efficiencies – One of the unique features of the City's Green Fleet program is that the Green Fleet Coordinator helps City departments evaluate how to deliver services more efficiently. This is an unusual role for a fleet services provider but provides great opportunities to identify ways to reduce fuel consumption, downsize, and right size the fleet.
Education and Outreach – Information exchange is the hallmark of any successful program and to ensure employees remain informed, the City publishes a semi-annual Green Fleet newsletter and holds bimonthly green fleet coordinator meetings. Green Fleet coordinators represent six of the City’s largest departments and are tasked with keeping staff knowledgeable about Green Fleet efforts.
The Green Fleet Award is presented each year at the Annual Green Fleet Conference Conference. The organization receiving the top honor also receives a $1,000 check. Seattle’s award will be used to support future Green Fleet efforts.
- City of Seattle, WA
- Denver, CO Fleet Management
- Las Vegas, NV Valley Water District
- University of California, Davis
- City of Long Beach, CA Fleet Services
- City of Phoenix, AZ
- City of Columbus, OH Division of Fleet Management
- District Of Columbia, DPW-FMA
- City of New York, NY
- City of Fort Wayne, IN
For more information about the Government Green Fleet Award, visit the website: http://the100bestfleets.com/gf_about.htm
