General Service Agency - Fleet Services Department has incorporated several eco-friendly vehicles and practices into their daily operations.
Hybrid/Alternate Technology Vehicles
Beginning in September 2002, the Board of Supervisors and the CEO's office implemented a policy to support the incorporation of alternate technology vehicles into the fleet where feasible. As of December 2006, GSA Fleet has 58 hybrid vehicles in operation, including 51 sedans and 7 SUV's.
Preliminary data indicates that these vehicles, aside from emitting drastically fewer greenhouse gases and particulate matter, will provide the County with a cost savings in terms of fuel consumption. The 2004-2005 report on hybrid vehicle performance by GSA Fleet Services to the Board of Supervisors indicates that observed mileage of the two models of hybrid sedan used by the County outperforms the average non-hybrid mid-sized sedan by 12.7 to 18 miles per gallon. At $3.00 per gallon, this may result in a savings of up to $7500 in fuel costs alone over the life of the vehicle.
In addition, the County fleet also contains multiple CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) vehicles, including 7 sedans, 2 trucks, and 4 vans.
9-24-2002 - Board Recommendation to Adopt a Policy in Support of County Vehicle Fleet Purchase of Hybrid Vehicles.
10-25-2005 - Board Presentation on the Hybrid Vehicle Policy
Partial Zero Emission Vehicles (PZEV)
As part of a broad approach to eco-friendliness, GSA Fleet Services is also incorporating some of the cleanest burning gasoline engines on the market, called PZEV's (Partial Zero Emission Vehicles).
To date, we have incorporated 9 PZEV vehicles, with plans to include up to 41 more in FY07-08. This will result in a decrease in nitrous oxides and hydrocarbons of nearly half a ton per year.
In December, 2000, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a new standard for cleaner burning diesel fuel, where sulphur content would be reduced to 15 PPM (parts per million), down from the previous 125 PPM. Compliance was required of all retail terminals nationwide by October 15th, 2006, and in California by September 1st, 2006. This cleaner fuel will immediately reduce the formation of hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxide emissions by 30%.
GSA Fleet Services began using ULSD in July, 2006, several months ahead of the state mandate.
In addition, GSA Fleet Services is closely monitoring the development of such technologies as bio-diesel and fuel cells, in the hopes of even further reducing emissions from County owned vehicles.
