Reducing Business and Fleet Transportation Emissions
Transportation emissions are a function of vehicle fuel efficiency, the carbon content of fuel, and vehicle miles traveled (VMT). These three are often referred to as the three-legged stool of transportation emissions, and understanding their components will help identify ways to reduce your transportation carbon footprint. There are many ways businesses and fleet operators can reduce transportation emissions and there are numerous benefits in doing so - saving money, creating an environmentally responsible reputation, and attracting and retaining employees.
Green Your Fleet - vehicle fuel efficiency & the carbon content of fuel
Consider replacing company and/or fleet vehicles with high efficiency or alternative fuel options. You can reduce your carbon emissions, save money at the pump, and often reduce your vehicle maintenance costs. Businesses today have many more options when it comes to purchasing these types of vehicles than in the past.
The US Department of Energy's (DOE) Clean Cities Coalitions operate around the country advancing the use of alternative fuel vehicles. Connecticut has four coalitions; Capitol Clean Cities of Connecticut, Connecticut Southwestern Area Clean Cities, New Haven Clean Cities, and Norwich Clean Cities; all who work diligently with fleet owners and consumers within the state to reduce the use of petroleum fuel.
The US DOE also hosts the Clean Cities' National Clean Fleets Partnership. This public-private partnership provides fleet operators with the tools needed to green their fleet. US DOE provides a wide array of invaluable tools for fleet operators considering the transition.
DEEP hosts many diesel reduction initiatives as well.
Additional vehicle options:
- Learn about zero emission vehicles (electric and hydrogen-fueled) on CT DEEP's Path to Clean Fuels & Vehicles webpage.
- Consider a SmartWay Certified or SmartWay Certified Elite Vehicle. SmartWay Certified and SmartWay Certified Elite Vehicles are certified by US EPA as the top vehicles in terms of being highly efficient with the lowest smog emissions for each model year.
- EVConnecticut is a partnership between the CT DEEP and CT DOT. Learn about electric vehicle (EV) charging station funding opportunities, register and locate EV charging stations, and learn about the many benefits of EV ownership.
- US EPA's Green Vehicle Guide and US EPA/DOE's website fueleconomy.gov provide excellent informational resources detailing the types of available clean, efficient vehicles, benefits and costs of ownership, and comparisons between makes and models.
Vehicle Maintenance & Driver Behavior Tips - drive cleaner & cheaper
Not ready to replace your fleet? You can reduce your emissions and save money by driving smart and taking proper care of vehicles.
US DOE Alternative Fuels Data Center has a host of resources aimed at driving cleaner and cheaper, including:
- Idle reduction
- Parts and equipment
- Maintenance strategies
- Driving behavior
- Fleet rightsizing
- System efficiency
Reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled - commuting options
Reduce emissions through providing employees with opportunities and/or incentives to reduce personal transportation emissions. Encourage employees to use public transit, carpools/vanpools, telecommute, and/or bike/walk to work.
- CT public transit - find transit services in your town and region.
- CTrides - free one-stop-shop for planning your daily commute.
- CTTransit - CT DOT-owned bus service - find schedules, fares, and other information.
- CTfastrak - a bus rapid transit system that links New Britain, Hartford, and surrounding communities.
- Bike Walk Connecticut - advocates for cyclists and pedestrians across the state.
Businesses may also consider providing employees and/or the public with access to electric vehicle charging stations. Visit EVConnecticut for more information and for potential new state-offered grants and federal incentive programs.
Additional Resources
- Argonne National Laboratory GREET Fleet Footprint calculator and AFLEET tool
- The Transportation and Climate Initiative's Northeast Electric Vehicle Network has resources available for consumers, employers, apartment and condo owners, local governments, and utilities. Additional resources are available on their documents page, including general information on electric vehicles and electric vehicle charging equipment, as well as documents on planning, guidance, and development of electric vehicle support and deployment.
- US EPA's Office of Transportation and Air Quality Management offers many resources on mobility management strategies for commuter programs as well as resources for greening fleets.
Content Last Updated January 2016