Richmond Takes Action

Reducing Fuel Consumption and Corporate Greenhouse Gas Emissions Through Fleet Vehicle Management

Richmond relies on its fleet of vehicles to maintain roads, provide bylaw enforcement, manage water and sewer services, keep parks beautiful and clean and provide many other services in the community.  These vehicles are essential; however, the City recognizes that fleet operations generate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and has been implementing sustainable fleet management initiatives for more than 10 years.

Reducing Demand	Outcomes
Anti-idling programs for fleet since 2004	Richmond's fleet has had an idle-free program as of September, 2004. Community anti-idling bylaw provides opportunity for education and awareness, introduced July 2012.
Driver training for new drivers	Driver behaviour, including idling, accounts for 5 to 33% of fuel use - smart drivers can help reduce fuel use.
Reduced trip length through operational planning	Bylaw, litter and tree routes have been optimized.  Solar compactors at SkyTrain stations reduce number of trips for collection.
Pilot IT program to connect Richmond buildings with fibre optic cable for remote meetings to reduce staff driving for meetings	Fire Halls and City Hall fifth floor connected and using system for remote meetings.
A pilot bicycle share program	The program had low uptake and was discontinued.
Sustainable commute: the highly successful staff carpool program	Almost 80 staff participate, with a 70-person wait list.  Reduces community GHGs, enhances staff satisfaction and demonstrates leadership.  Results in increased wear and tear on City vehicles and the need for accelerated vehicle replacement of carpool vehicles.

Maintenance & Management Practices	Outcomes
Installed an automated fuel management and dispensing system	Ensures fuel use is monitored and tracked and provides for fuel security.
An on-going preventive maintenance program	Ensures vehicle safety and efficient vehicle performance for worker safety and best vehicle performance.
Improved asset management systems	Financial sustainability of fleet; improved asset management including maintenance schedules and active data use for fuel savings.

Efficient Resource Use	Outcomes
Purchased hybrids and Smart Cars	31 hybrids and 10 Smart Cars by 2010. Saved 43 tonnes of GHGs between 2007 and 2010 thanks to Green Fleet cars.
Re-fit trucks with LED lights and auxiliary batteries to reduce idling	One-third of fleet vehicles have been converted to LED lighting.  As of 2012, all new trucks have LED emergency lighting and dedicated auxiliary batteries where possible.
Installed solar panels on Parks trailers to run safety/signal lights	Two message board trailers have been converted to use solar panels for their safety/signal lighting.
Replaced lower tier diesel equipment	Four units replaced.

Alternative Fuels	Outcomes
Adopted a biodiesel 5 blend in diesel fuel prior to 2008	Ensures fuel use is monitored and tracked and provides for fuel security.
Switched to low-carbon BC grid electricity as a fuel:
Richmond's ice resurfacers	Acquired five electric ice resurfacers in 2012.
Electric vehicle passenger cars	Purchased four electric cars procured in 2012.
Electric vehicle charging stations	Installed 11 electric vehicle charging stations in 2013.