The second annual Sustainability All-Star award recipients will be recognized Oct. 3 at the Green Fleet Conference in Schaumburg, Ill. Green Fleet magazine staff reviewed nominees submitted online based on professional longevity, accomplishments (significant sustainability achievements), innovation (innovative ways individuals have contributed to reducing emissions and fuel consumption), and overall industry involvement.

Altogether, these fleet professionals have reduced greeenhouse gas emissions, created green fleet and sustainability policies, and have dedicated their time and energy to ensuring the path to sustainability is clear.

The following are the 40 individuals, including commercial and public sector fleet managers as well as vendors/suppliers recognized for their outstanding achievements in green fleet sustainability in 2012.

 

Abrams

Abrams

MIKE ABRAMS,  Fleet Director, Ferrellgas

Ferrellgas’ Fleet Director, Mike Abrams, develops, plans, and executes strategy for the nation’s 35th largest green fleet and 246th largest commercial fleet.  A 15-year propane industry veteran, Abrams authored the company’s Green Fleet Policy, which has identified nearly a half million dollars in annual fuel savings while simultaneously reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions in every community Ferrellgas services.

He helped establish Mid-America Green Fleets, is a former member of the Propane Education & Research Council’s Engine Fuel Advisory Committee, and has served on panels at the Green Fleet Conference and Alternative Fuel Vehicle Institute.Authored the company’s Green Fleet Policy, which has identified close to $500,000 in annual fuel savings and reduced GHG emissions. Helped establish Mid-America.

FLEET STATS: 3767 units, 24% green

Armstrong

Armstrong

TOM ARMSTRONG, Director of Fleet, Thyssenkrupp Elevator

Armstrong led ThyssenKrupp’s fleet department in creating the “Five C’s” protocol to analyze alternative fueled vehicles, which now serves as a model for other companies. 
• Is it clean?
• Does it conserve?
• Is it cost-effective?
• Does it make common sense?
• Can you commit?
ThyssenKrupp has 47 ROUSH CleanTech Ford E-series vans and seven F-series trucks. ThyssenKrupp’s 499 Ford Transit Connects reduce fuel consumption 293,393 gallons, and save $1,026,874 per year based on a $3.50 per gallon fuel price. ThyssenKrupp is on track to meet goals of operating 10 percent of its fleet on propane autogas, and reducing carbon footprint by 20 percent, by 2016.

■ Led fleet department in creating “Five Cs” protocol of analyzing alternative-fuel vehicles. 

■ Use of Ford Transit Connects reduced fuel consumption by 293,393 gallons.

■ On track to meet goal of operating 10% of fleet on propane autogas by 2016.

Fleet stats:  3,100 units, 18% green

 

Bast

Bast

Ronald Bast, President, GO Riteway Transportation Group

■ Operates 65% of airport shuttle fleet on alternative fuels. 
■ Green initiatives include regenerative braking, fleetwide anti-idling policy, and fuel-conservation program. 
■ Member and past board member of Wisconsin Clean Cities. 

Since 2009 Ronald Bast has received awards and recognitions for going the extra mile toward fleet sustainability. His Wisconsin airport transportation company, GO Riteway, operates 65 percent of its airport shuttle fleet (8 percent of overall fleet) on alternative fuels.

Currently running 27 propane autogas and electric hybrid vehicles, GO Riteway has an additional 30 vehicles on order for use by year-end. The company is acquiring 75-passenger buses to run on Eaton hybrid systems and converting shuttle vans and school buses, including a paratransit-capable 21-passenger bus, to clean-burning ROUSH CleanTech liquid propane autogas technology.

Other green initiatives include regenerative breaking, a fleet wide anti-idling policy and a fuel conservation program. They also operate EPA-compliant engines in motor coaches. All this is closely monitored to ensure and encourage drivers to comply with corporate policies.

Bast’s green policies extend to buildings and employees, who hold manager meetings via Skype to reduce their own fuel consumption and emissions. Their newest building uses energy efficient lights and plumbing to cut down on energy consumption.

Under Bast’s direction, GO Riteway has been recognized for their green efforts with the 2009 BUSRide Motorcoach Industry Achievement Award; 2010/2011 Wisconsin Clean Cities Southeast Area Clean American Bus Association’s Green Operator Award; and the first-ever American Bus Association’s Green Operator Award. They have been awarded the Go Gold Level Green Fleet Certification for 2009 through 2011.

Bast is a member and past board member of the Wisconsin Clean Cities, past president of the Wisconsin Motorcoach Association and director of the National Motorcoach Association. He also serves on the board of directors for the Wisconsin School Bus Association.

Fleet Stats: 750 units,  10% green

Blaine

Blaine

Amy Blaine, Director, Strategic Consulting & Sustainability, Donlen

■ Spearheads Fleets for Change program, helping to reduce industrywide fleet emissions by 20%.
■ Engages fleets on key sustainability initiatives to drive organizational change.
■ Industry thought-leader on sustainability trends and implementation.

Amy Blaine, Donlen’s director of strategic consulting and sustainability, brings more than 20 years of experience building and managing complex consulting projects. Her sustainability work includes design of a greenhouse gas reporting process to track emissions from the fleet, building energy, and emergency power generation areas. 

Blaine and the team of strategic consultants work closely with Donlen’s clients to examine historical, behavioral, and fiscal trends that impact each major lifecycle cost, and recommend solutions to achieve operational efficiency. Utilizing leading-edge technology and extensive data analysis, Blaine helps fleets reduce operational costs and environmental impact.

Blaine holds an M.S. in environmental management and sustainability from IIT, an M.S. in statistics from Ohio State University, and a B.A. in statistics from the University of Michigan.

Bond

Bond

Douglas Bond, Transportation Services Manager, Alameda County, Calif.

■ Bond's department took an active role in providing transportation alternatives for employees. 

■ Paperless shop for last two years.

■ Runs B-20 on county diesel vehicles, and uses re-recycled oil, antifreeze, and transmission fluid.
Fleet Stats: 1,012 units, 19% green.

Doug Bond has 19 years of fleet experience in both public and private agencies. Bond manages the Motor Vehicle Division, the Messenger Division, the Parking Division, and the Clean Commute Program which includes our shuttle bus operations. Bond’s department has taken an active role in providing transportation alternatives for employees during their commutes as well as on the job.

He has also taken a lead role in promoting alternative fuel technologies both internally within the County's fleet as well as externally by organizing conferences and meetings with other local fleets. Under his leadership, the hybrid electric fleet has grown to 138 vehicles. This includes 127 hybrids, 2 plug-in electrics, and 9 all electric vehicles. He is running B-20 for the County’s diesel vehicles, using recycled oil, antifreeze and transmission fluid. His alternative-vehicle fleet percentage is currently at 19% with more than 45% of the fleet that achieves more than 30 mpg. This last year, he added 200 GPS units and installed three new Invers motor pool systems. Doug’s shops have been paperless for the past two and a half years after adding laptops for paperless work orders. Last year his department rolled out an online mode matching system that allows employees to link up with other employees to promoting carpooling and alternatives for employees to get to and from work throughout the day. This has been very successful with over 10% employee enrollment. Bond has been on the steering committee of the Bay Area EV Corridor, with the focus of partnering with local governments in the Bay Area to make it the “EV Capital of the US”. This group has led into multiple grant projects in which he has secured money from the Federal, State, and local jurisdictions.

Many of the grants have been in partnership with other local governments. The largest of these is a grant of Federal funds that are administered through the County's Metropolitan Transportation Commission and Caltrans. Bond has taken the lead role in this $2.8 million grant to purchase and install 90 electric vehicle charging stations and add 90 electric vehicles to local government fleets. Doug currently serves as the President of the Public Fleet Supervisor’s Association (PFSA) and is an active member of the East Bay Clean Cities Chapter. 

Burns

Burns

 

Bill Burns, Operations Manager, City of Columbus, OH

■ Opened largest public access CNG fueling station in central Ohio.
■ Installed anti-idling and emissions-reduction devices on eligible City vehicles.
■ Board member of Green Truck Associations and Clean Fuels Ohio.
Fleet Stats: 2,987 units, 28% green.

Bill Burns has been in the fleet industry his entire career, spanning 28 years and multiple roles. In his current position, Burns has spearheaded significant sustainability achievements, including managing the number one Green Fleet in the country, opening the largest public access CNG fueling station in central Ohio, and installing anti-idling and emissions reduction devices on all eligible city diesel vehicles. His involvement in industry-wide sustainable fleet initiatives include his position as a board member for the Green Truck Association and Clean Fuels Ohio. Burns frequently speaks at conferences regarding the sustainable fleet practices he has pioneered over the years. 

Chung

Chung

TJ Chung, CEO & President, Navman Wireless

■ Reduced fuel consumption and associated carbon emissions by nearly 34 million gallons for more than 150,000 vehicles in 10 countries in 2011.
■ Developed first fleet tracking solution to manage both on-road vehicles and off-road equipment with a common system.

In 2011, Navman Wireless reduced fuel consumption and associated carbon emissions by nearly 34 million gallons for over 150,000 corporate and construction vehicles in 10 countries with its advanced GPS-based fleet tracking system. That savings increases every time another vehicle is added to the company’s install base, which has nearly tripled since 2007 under the leadership of CEO and President TJ Chung, according to the company.

The "greening" of these fleets is driven by the ability of the company’s technology to identify sources of fuel waste such as idling, speeding and unauthorized vehicle use as well as improve dispatch and routing efficiencies by seeing where all vehicles are on real-time system maps.

Case in point: Provider Enterprises, a special needs transportation company with 178 vehicles, has reduced fuel usage 10% annually by using Navman Wireless’ platform to:
• Send daily route changes and driving directions directly to the relevant driver’s messaging terminal, eliminating unneeded stops, wrong turns and inefficient routing.
• Measure vehicle idling as a means of enforcing anti-idling policies.
• Route the closest appropriately equipped vehicle to meet the passenger’s particular impairment.
• Identify unauthorized personal vehicle use that wastes fuel.

According to the company, innovations include development of the first fleet tracking solution that tracks and manages both on-road vehicles and off-road construction equipment with a common system. This makes it possible to drive fuel savings and operational efficiencies across the entire fleet – including on-road vehicles such as fuel trucks, flatbed equipment haulers and supervisors’ cars that must be tracked.

Donat

Donat

Rob Donat, Founder & CEO, GPS Insight

■ Dedicated to fleet industry for eight years.
■ Helped Kennecott Utah Copper Mining receive 2008 Outstanding Achievement Award in Pollution Prevention.
■ For companies with a green initiative, GPS Insight monitors GHG emissions, increases fleet mpg, increases route efficiency, and eliminates unauthorized usage.

 

Ellis

Ellis

Glenn Ellis, VP, Marketing & Dealer operations, Hino Trucks

■ Led North American launch of Hino’s sixth generation diesel-electric hybrid system for Class 5 COE.
■ Actively promotes Hino’s Five Leaf Strategy: (1) Hybrid & Alt-Fuel Vehicles (2) EPA-2010 Emissions Regulations (3) Idling Reduction (4) Improving Driver Techniques (5) Green Fleet Management and Improved Route Efficiency.

Frodl

Frodl

Deb Frodl, Global Alternative Fuels Leader & Chief Strategy

Officer, GE Capital Fleet Services

■ Spent past seven years focusing on fleet sustainability products and services.
■ Instrumental in driving adoption of AFVs across fleet industry.
■ Launched GE’s Vehicle Innovation Center to showcase AFV products to fleet industry.

Frodl has nine years of experience in the fleet industry, and she has spent the past seven years focusing on fleet sustainability products and services as part of GE’s ecomagination initiative. She’s been a pioneer in sustainable fleet transportation by driving adoption of AFVs across the industry.  She’s been a speaker at numerous key industry events and an expert source quoted in numerous media articles to promote AFV adoption. Frodl leads GE’s global relationship with AFV OEMs and continues to play an important role in GE’s partnership with the Department of Energy’s National Clean Fleets and the Electrification Coalition. Frodl is also Vice Chairman of the EDTA - Electric Drive Transportation Association. In 2012, she launched GE’s state-of-the-art Vehicle Innovation Center to showcase alternative fuel products for the fleet industry.

Hale

Hale

Art Hale, State Fleet Manager of Energy & Environmental Sustainability, State of Colorado

■ New title & job description due to growing importance and urgency of green fleet issues.
■ Goal to reduce GHG emissions by 20% by 2020 and 80% by 2050.
■ Implemented official Environmental Preferable Purchasing program.
Fleet Stats: 6,000 units, 26% green.

Art Hale's Colorado State Fleet Manager title has been recently updated to Colorado State Fleet Manager of Energy & Environmental Sustainability. He created the new job description, and it was added to the state personnel system as a new job position in the state system during May 2012. The state approved the need to dedicate a priority of Hale's time and effort due to the growing importance and urgency of the Greening Fleet issues.

The position of State Fleet Manager was refocused in order to concentrate high level resources on the single most important state goal.

This position is the statewide authority for all energy and technology initiatives involving the state fleet and has the primary responsibility in the State for achieving statewide fleet energy and environmental sustainability objectives. The position initiates and oversees projects to either implement advanced vehicle technologies or to assess the feasibility of such technologies. The position is the statewide expert in fuel technologies and the characteristics, advantages and composition of the numerous alternative fuel options available now or as emerging technologies. The position takes the lead in developing partnerships with state agencies, local governments, trade groups, and other potential stakeholders to further the state’s greening objectives. This position is responsible to identify and leverage the fleet business initiatives to increase opportunities for jobs and economic development in the state new energy economy. The position researches grant opportunities, and writes and submits grant applications in order to generate funds to offset the financial impacts of applying new technology R&D to the fleet. Identifies metrics and implements data tracking and reporting mechanisms to monitor progress toward the State’s sustainability goals. This position develops training materials and reaches out to constituencies throughout the State through formal presentations and onsite training. This position leads or participates in critical meetings, conference calls, webinars, task forces, and trade organizations in order to influence the direction and commitment of key participants to achieving the State’s goals. Works with the private and public sector to increase the infrastructure and expand the availability of biofuels, E85, CNG, BEV’s, HHV’s, PHEV’s and other advanced vehicle technologies. Writes, plans and implements policies for the state concerning advanced vehicle technologies. Works closely with the Governor, and state energy offices, including the legislature, and various agency decision makers on the implementation of these policies. Responds to Executive, legislative, JBC, OSPB, and media inquiries as the state’s expert and spokesperson for all issues concerning the State’s fleet sustainability programs. This position is responsible to develop the Colorado State carbon management plan, and the Green House Gas reduction plan as they relate to state owned mobile sources.

This position serves as the leading state authority, in a very unique field (fuels engineering, emerging vehicle technologies, and environmental analysis) requiring a high level of technical expertise, that as part of a permanent assignment is critical to the success of both the department and the State. This position directly influences management decisions within the department, other state agencies, the Governor’s Office, as well as other governmental entities and non government organizations. DPA and the State rely on this position to provide direction and council when establishing policy or developing programs that support the goals of the State’s Fleet Energy & Environmental Sustainability initiatives. The position is understood to be the state expert, and guidance and advice are routinely sought from the position before making any critical decisions regarding the future direction of State or department fleet impacting energy initiatives.

Hann

Hann

Robert Hann, VP, Marketing, Go Airport Express

■ Driving force behind transition to a greener, cleaner fleet.
■ Converted one-third of total fleet to run on alternative-fuels.
■ Continued commitment to reducing GHG emissions and increase energy conservation.
Fleet Stats: 100 units,  60% green.

Believing a shared ride is a green ride, Robert Hann has been a driving force behind Continental Air Transport - GO Airport Express’s transition to an even greener, cleaner fleet. GO Airport Express provides ride share services to both major airports in Chicago.

Within just one year, GO Airport Express has converted one-third of their total fleet to run on alternative fuels, comprised of 30 shuttle vans fueled by propane autogas, two shuttle vans running on compressed natural gas and 20 idle-reducing buses using a biodiesel blend. With a continued commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy conservation, GO Airport Express plans to convert the entire remainder of their fleet to alternative fuels within the next two years. And, with more than 1 million passengers annually using GO Airport Express transportation, corporate emission reductions have been substantial. For example, each one of their ROUSH CleanTech dedicated liquid propane autogas vans reduces their carbon footprint by 112,000 pounds of carbon dioxide per year, according to the company.

Since his arrival in 2008, Hann has focused on corporate sustainability. His most recent effort includes arranging for propane autogas shuttles to drive Green Fleet Conference registrants to and from the airport — both to educate and to ensure green ride sharing among registrants.

Head

Head

Dave Head, Fleet Manager, County of Sonoma, Calif.

■ Dedicated to sustainability for 25 years.
■ Leader in promoting hybrid-electric vehicles and developing infrastructure. 
■ Implemented improvements to make maintenance facilities “green.”
Fleet Stats: 1,304 units, 19% green.

Dave Head has been dedicated to sustainability in the fleet management industry for 25 years. He has been a leader in promoting hybrid electric vehicles and developing the infrastructure necessary to grow this rapidly expanding market segment. His efforts were recognized in 2011 by bestowing the County of Sonoma the “Most EV Ready Community in the Bay Area” award. In addition, he has implemented facility improvements to make the maintenance facilities “green." 

Head developed a plan and is the Project Manager for a County-Wide public EV charging network.  He found the grant funds to offset the cost and presented the plan and funding elements to the 9 cities in the County and to the Sonoma County Airport resulting in a partnership with some of the cities and the County to build the network.

Chargers are active in the cities of Cotati and Sonoma,  design work has been completed in the cities of Windsor and Rohnert Park, construction work is in process in the cities of Sebastopol and at Sonoma County Airport, and locations have been designated in the remaining cities with construction planned for Summer and Fall of 2012. The “Sonoma County Electric Trail” will be up and running by the end of 2012.Since February 2002 when the County bought its first hybrid, the hybrid and EV fleet has driven over 7.6 million miles and reduced fuel consumption by over 119,000 gallons. Currently the hybrids and EV’s in the County of Sonoma fleet are averaging 120,000 miles driven per month and displacing 1,800 gallons of gasoline per month.

Hill

Hill

 Dale Hill, Founder, Proterra, Inc.

■ Pioneer in clean transit with more than 40 years experience.
■ Founded Proterra in 2004 to design and manufacture advanced tech vehicles powered by clean, domestic fuels.
■ Founded TransTeq, Alumatech, and Tech-Weld.

A pioneer in clean transit, Hill has over 40 years’ experience in transportation and engineering. He founded Proterra in 2004 to design and manufacture advanced technology vehicles powered by clean, domestic fuels. Prior to Proterra, Hill founded TransTeq, which designed and manufactured the EcoMark Alternative-Fueled Hybrid-Electric Vehicle for Denver RTD. In 12 years of revenue service, these buses have carried over 220 million passengers. A career entrepreneur, Hill founded Alumatech, which won the 1992 trucking industry award for "Most Significant Contribution to the Trucking Industry for Non Powered Vehicles" and Tech-Weld, a Houston-based welding supply company. Hill holds three patents and has published several papers.

Hodgdon

Hodgdon

 Gregg Hodgdon, CAFM, Dir. of Fleet ops., E.A. Sween Co.

■ Focused on sustainability for past three of his 31 years of fleet
experience.
■ Downsized vehicles to four-cylinders for 20% overall fuel-economy improvement.
■ Plans to use NPR ECO-MAX trucks to emit 4.2-tons less CO2.
Fleet Stats: 335 units, 18% green.

With 31 years fleet experience, Hodgdon has focused on sustainability for the past three. The cars he’s downsized to four-cylinder models show a 20 percent overall improvement in fuel economy. The four-cylinder diesel trucks demonstrate nearly 50 percent better fuel economy compared to the rest of the fleet, emitting approximately 700 lbs. less CO2 per month. Over 12 months, his innovative NPR ECO-MAX trucks will emit 4.2-tons less CO2. Hodgdon has won the 2012 NAFA Sustainable Fleet Award, he’s co-hosted a NAFA event at the GE Innovation Center, and he is a scheduled speaker at the 2012 Green Fleet Conference.

Hopkins

Hopkins

Tom Hopkins, Dept. Head of Central Warehouse & Logistics, Wright & Filippis, Inc.

■ Transitioned nearly 30% of fleet to run on propane autogas. 
■ Reduced fuel consumption by 48,000 gallons per year, achieving an annual reduction of 931,200-lbs. of CO2.
■ Aims to continue alt-fuel vehicle deployment.
Fleet Stats: 166 units, 30% green.

Howdyshell

Howdyshell

Robert Howdyshell, Dir., Purchasing & Fleet Services, County of Riverside, Calif.
■ Deployed alt-fuel vehicles including methanol, NEV, CNG, hybrid, diesel-hybrid, and flex-fuel. 
■ Active in policy decisions, such as 25-mpg minimum requirement. 
■ Implemented Green Purchasing policy.
Fleet Stats: 4,305 units, 39% green.

Ivy

Ivy

Ernie Ivy, Fleet Mgmt. Div.Director, City & County of Denver

■ Leader in “greening” Denver’s fleet for 21 years. 
■ Implemented widespread use of alternative fuels, emissions controls, and GPS. 
■ Guided development of new LEED Gold repair facility. 
Fleet Stats: 2,000 units, 53% green.

Ernie Ivy has been a leader in “greening” Denver’s Fleet for 21 years. Beginning with propane vehicles in the 1990’s, to the largest municipal fleet of hybrids in 2001. He has implemented widespread use of alternative fuels, emissions control technology and GPS. Ivy also guided the construction of a new LEED Gold repair facility. Ernie’s current endeavors include building a CNG infrastructure complex to fuel large refuse and class 8 trucks. At the completion of this project CNG will replace 1.1 million gallons of diesel. He also is completing a new utilization study to enhance central pooling including heavy equipment which will reduce unnecessary equipment usage. Ivy currently is responsible for over 2,000 pieces of equipment which is 53% alternative fueled.

Johnson & Johnson
Louise Davis-Lopez, Julie Pedini, Brian Snow

■ More than 40 years of combined fleet experience. 
■ Established five-year global CO2-reduction goal of 20% by 2015.
■ Recognized as industry leader in hybrid inventory.
Fleet Stats: 7,619 units, 49% green.

With over 40 years of combined Fleet Management experience, Johnson & Johnson’s Global Fleet Management team has always emphasized the environment through their accomplishments, innovations, and industry involvement. The team established a five year global CO2 reduction goal of 20% by 2015 which is externally published in J&J’s annual Sustainability Report. Their global CO2 reduction strategy enabled Johnson & Johnson to meet its goal of a 4% emissions reduction in 2011 spanning over 25,000 vehicles.  The team drives environmental performance through the creation of standardized qualification processes for AWD and Cargo vehicles. Under their guidance, J&J has been recognized as an industry leader in hybrid vehicle inventory.  The team also actively participates in sustainability initiatives through their involvement in supplier customer advisory boards. 

Kilroy

Kilroy

George Kilroy, President & CEO, PHH Arval

■ Created industry’s first environmental program, PHH GreenFleet.
■ Goal to reduce companywide GHG emissions 12% by 2014.
■ Continued education and awareness of alternative-fuel vehicles.
■ PHH fleet HQ earned LEED Certification and GE’s 2012 
Energy Star rating.


Latko

Latko

Ronald Latko, Director of Transportation & Fleet Mgmt., Mesa USD #4, Ariz.

■ Leading Mesa USD to a greener fleet since 2008.
■ Reduced GHG emissions by 802 tons, or 40%, and saved more than $91,000 with propane autogas.
■ Named “Clean Air Champion” by Arizona.
Fleet Stats: 507 units, 5.3% green.

Leading Mesa Unified School District to a greener fleet since 2008, Ronald Latko’s accomplishments include reducing the school district’s greenhouse gas emissions by 802 tons, or 40 percent, and saving more than $91,000 by fueling with propane autogas. Mesa operates 27 school buses and one pickup truck, each using a ROUSH CleanTech dedicated liquid propane autogas fuel system. Mesa, the largest school bus fleet in Arizona, currently runs 5.3 percent of its fleet on autogas. Latko aims to convert his entire fleet — 507 yellow buses and 600 “white” fleet vehicles — to run on autogas.

Named “Clean Air Champion” by the State of Arizona, Latko has presented the benefits of propane autogas to the Arizona Association of School Business Officials and the Valley of the Sun Clean Cities Coalition. He is an outspoken advocate for reducing fuel costs and emissions using clean, domestic alternative fuels and has been quoted in news articles in USA Today, various Phoenix newspapers, and on local television stories. Mesa’s alternative fuel success story landed the cover of School Bus Fleet’s March 2012 issue.

Latko is a member of Valley of the Sun Clean Cities Coalition, and a member / past board member of Transportation Administrators of Arizona.

Leech

Leech

Keith Leech, Fleet Manager, City of Sacramento

■ More than 50 Level II chargers for free public charging and free parking. 
■ Significantly reduced petroleum consumption and associated GHG from 2010 to 2012.
■ Chairman of Greater Sacramento Regional Clean Air Coalition.
Fleet Stats: 2,075 units, 17% green.

Under the leadership of Keith Leech as Fleet Manager for the City of Sacramento, the following accomplishments were achieved during the past year:
• Over 50 level II chargers to provide for free public charging and free parking at five downtown City garages.
• GPS telematics for 600 vehicles significantly reduced idle time and fuel consumption.
• 80% LNG Solid Waste Fleet
• Significantly reduced petroleum consumption and associated GHG from 2010 to 2012:
• LNG fuel consumption increased 112%.
• Consumed 9% less gas 
• Consumed 585,121 less gallons of gasoline and diesel fuel in 2012 compared to 2009.
• Greenhouse gas emissions decreased by 3,373 metric tons from 2009 to 2012, which represents a 15.4% decrease.

Leech is also the Chairman of the Greater Sacramento Regional Clean Air Coalition (Clean Cities).

Mahoney

Mahoney

Charlie Mahoney, National Sales Mgr., SCT Fleet Solutions

■ Since 2008, worked to create customized powertrain calibrations to reduce fleet operation costs through reduced fuel spend.

■ Customers have been able to reduce carbon emissions by 9,039 tons of CO2 covering 16,000+ fleet vehicles.
■ Transfers auto racing knowledge and tech to target key fuel savings.


McClelland

McClelland


Drew McClelland, Corp. Sales Mgr., BMW North America, LLC

■ Worked to place 15 BMW ActiveEs into U.S. fleets in 2012.
■ Ensures Corporate Fleet has voice in regards to production and allocation of alt-fuel vehicles.
■ Assists customers to identify products that meet green fleet requirements.

■ Aligns fleet strategies with BMW’s sustainability goals and vision.

 

Mitchell

Mitchell

Allen Mitchell, CPFP, Chief, Equip. Bureau, Arlington County, Va.

■ Early adopter of electric vehicles and infrastructure and alt-fuel vehicle use. 
■ First home-grown biodiesel processing facility with complete supply chains.
■ First medium-duty hybrid-electric field service truck using biodiesel.
Fleet Stats: 1,160 units, 85% green.


Neuber

Neuber

Craig Neuber, Dir., Strategic Consulting, ARI

■ Conducted roll-out of ARI’s Environmental Management System.
■ Directs internal sustainability, waste mitigation, and energy efficiency efforts.
■ Manages ARI EnviroFleet program, which offers sustainable consulting 
efforts in North America.

Sustainability efforts have filled the last two of Craig Neuber’s 13 years in the fleet industry. Neuber conducted the rollout of ARI’s Environmental Management System and now directs internal sustainability, waste mitigation, and energy efficiency efforts. Neuber manages the ARI EnviroFleet program, which offers sustainable consulting efforts throughout North America. In his upcoming appearance as a panelist at the 2012 Green Fleet Conference, he’ll discuss ARI’s role in the widely praised E. A. Sween case study for successful fleet sustainability implementation across multiple suppliers. Neuber is the ARI representative for partnerships with Smartway Transport, CALSTART, and multiple Clean Cities coalitions.

Oschsner

Oschsner

Tracy Oschsner, Asst. Ops. Services Director, City of Fort Collins, Colo.

■ Proponent of alt-fuels since 1994.
■ Constructed $750,000 CNG fast-fuel facility and utilizes B-20 biodiesel in every diesel vehicle. 
■ Implemented green purchasing policies and utilizes recycled fluids.
Fleet Stats: 1,928 units, 30% green.

Oschner has been a proponent of alternative fuels since 1994 when he converted over 20 vans to propane autogas to be used for vanpooling. Since then, he has been instrumental in many innovative projects. Oschner has been a certified equipment manager since 1994, is a LEED accredited professional, a certified facility manager (CFM), a facility management professional (FMP), and has completed a Green Building

Certificate Program at Colorado State University. He currently holds the office of the Colorado Chapter Chair, National Executive CHari, and past Colorado Chapter Vice Chair all for the Rocky Mountain Fleet Management Association (RMFMA). He is a founding member, past board member, and current treasurer of the Northern Colorado Clean Cities Coalition. He regularly speaks at local and national conferences about the City of Fort Collins' sustainability accomplishments and gives tours to promote Fort Collins' efforts.

Payette

Payette

Mike Payette, Dir., Fleet Equipment, Staples, Inc.

■ Limited top speed of 1,800 trucks to 60 mph, saving 8,000 tons of CO2 per year.
■ Deployed 53 all-electric delivery trucks displacing 94,000 gallons of fuel and 1,000 tons of CO2.
■ Received two EPA awards for fleet environmental initiatives.
Fleet Stats: 1,740 units, 100% green

Pratt

Pratt

Gayle Pratt, Dir., Global Fleet, Ecolab

■ Reduced GHG emissions by 22% since 2006, despite an increase in total miles driven. 
■ Incorporated sustainability principles into revised fleet policy.
■ Implemented forecasting tools for optimizing fleet operations.
Fleet Stats: 8,141 units, 20% green.

Reinish

Reinish

James Reinish, Mgr., Central Automotive Division, Port Authority of NY & NJ

■ Made sustainability during times of shrinking budgets a major priority.
■ Led fleet to become No. 8 Government Green Fleet.
■ Oversaw a 15% fleet size reduction.
Fleet Stats: 2,000 units, 80% green.

Having spent 30 years in fleet and budget management, most recently as the Port Authority’s fleet manager, Jim Reinish has made sustainability amidst shrinking budgets a major priority. Responsible for 2000 vehicles (valued at $263,000,000), Reinish has led his fleet—now over 80% green with fully realized fueling infrastructure, including bio-diesel, CNG, ethanol and hydrogen—to become the country’s No. 8 government green fleet. He has also overseen a 15% fleet size reduction, resulting in a 20-year low. Reinish actively supports Clean Cities coalition efforts to improve regional sustainability and is vice chair of the New York/InterCounty chapter of NAFA.

Saxon

Saxon

Tony Saxon, CAFM, Fleet Support Supervisor, Georgia Power Co.

■ One of the earliest pioneers of biodiesel and ethanol use in state. 
■ To date, has used more than 6 million gallons of B-20 and more than 390,000 gallons of E-85.
■ Remains dedicated to use of alt fuels.
Fleet Stats: 3,139 units, 28% green.


Scott

Scott

Devin Scott, Founder & CEO, Energy Xtreme, LLC

■ Focused on developing sustainable clean technology solutions that deliver conservation.
■ Developed Independence Package, a mobile power idle-reduction system.
■ Began career as attorney specializing in environmental law.

Devin Scott co-founded Austin-based Energy Xtreme in 2007. Scott is clear in his mission, he is focused on developing sustainable clean technology energy solutions that deliver conservation through innovation. The development and installation of the Independence Package, a mobile power idle reduction system, has saved Energy Xtreme customers thousands of dollars and gallons of fuel, reducing the production of emissions. Devin began his career as an attorney specializing in environmental law. It was as an environmental attorney, that his drive developed to provide meaningful contributions and seek solutions for our impending climate change. Scott pioneered a fleet solution that eliminates the need to idle, is self-sustainable and provides mobile electric power without having to engage the engine.

Smith

Smith

Maraskeshia Smith, Public Services Deputy Director, City of Cincinnati

■ Helping the City achieve sustainable goals set forth in mayor’s Green Cincinnati plan for past three years.
■ Aggressively pursued alt-fuel vehicles to reduce dependence on foreign oil.
■ Member of Clean Fuels Ohio.
Fleet Stats: 1,700 units, 24% green.

Under Maraskeshia Smith’s direction, the City of Cincinnati is on track to greener technologies and ahead of schedule for alternative fuel vehicle conversions.

For three years, Smith has been helping the City of Cincinnati achieve sustainable goals set forth in the mayor’s Green Cincinnati Plan. Smith and city officials have aggressively pursued alternative vehicles as a way to reduce the municipality’s dependence on foreign oil while cleaning up the city’s air. Their aggressive, proactive approach has resulted in 425 vehicles — accounting for 25 percent of their total fleet — running on alternative fuels. Smith’s fleet has a much smaller footprint with 354 ethanol, 34 propane autogas and 34 hybrid and three electric vehicles. They also replaced gasoline golf carts with electric motorcars and have ordered mowing equipment fueled by propane. Smith and her colleagues have significantly reduced air pollution by installing filters on refuse trucks, putting bypass oil filters on police vehicles, and implementing a vehicle and equipment idle reduction policy. The city’s future plans include reducing fleet size, improving driver behavior and purchasing more alternative fuel vehicles.

For their propane autogas vehicles specifically, the City of Cincinnati has reduced its smog producing hydrocarbons by 60 to 70 percent, decreased its toxin and carcinogen emissions by up to 96 percent, cut its nitrogen oxide emissions by about 20 percent and its carbon monoxide emissions by up to 60 percent. Smith has incurred nearly 10,500 fewer gallons of gasoline per year by switching to propane autogas alone and is saving the city about 40,000 pounds per year in carbon dioxide emissions with ROUSH CleanTech dedicated liquid propane autogas fuel systems in her fleet.

Smith says, “During my research on best practices for a greener fleet, I learned ways to improve vehicle efficiencies, optimize routes, and reduce fuel consumption, mileage and exhaust emissions. The efforts are paying off.”

A member of Clean Fuels Ohio, Smith is also involved with American Public Works Association, Solid Waste Association of North America, Municipal Waste Management Association, and is the president of the Cincinnati chapter of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators.

Swackhammer

Swackhammer

Mark Swackhammer,CAFM, Sr. Mgr., Fleet Ops., Houston Independent School District

■ Received $2.5 million in grants for 27 propane-autogas school buses and 18,000 gallon fueling station.
■ Implemented eco-driving program.
■ Installed 1,893 GPS units. 
Fleet Stats: 2,276 units, 56% green.

Mark Swackhamer has been in the fleet environment for 30 years working in the utility industry and school transportation. Over the last five years, he has implemented biodiesel, propane, hybrids and eco driving into the fleet. Among his notable "green" achievements: 
• $2.5 million in grants for 27 propane powered school buses and an 18,000 gallon fueling station. We have on order 20 propane vans and ready to order an additional 58 propane buses. Also, all diesel units run bio diesel offsetting our petroleum usage by 105,000 gallons yearly.
• 1893 GPS units are installed on the fleet. We track idle time, route efficiencies, ontime performance and driver behavior using a “hard braking” report. Using the GPS system interfaced with routing and scheduling software we reduced our routes by 44 while increasing ridership by over 1,500 students. 
• An Eco Driver training program for school bus drivers is now being implemented and their improvements monitored using MPG and “hard braking” reports from both our GPS fuel management systems. Targeting a 5% increase in MPG with this program.
• Top 100 government fleets 2011 & 2012.
• Top 40 government green fleets 2011.

Swackhamer has presented at many school bus conferences and seminars (Texas Association of Pupil Transportation, STN Expo, Best 100 Fleet Seminar and Texas Association of School Business Officials) on the use of alternative fuels and GPS for identifying excessive idling and inefficient routing.

Swearngin

Swearngin

Sam Swearngin, Fleet Administrator, Kansas City, Mo.

■ Successfully installed five CNG fueling stations and implemented a biodiesel program.
■ Championed green technologies, including dedicated electric and hybrid-electric vehicles. 
■ Member Kansas City Clean Cities Coalition.
Fleet Stats: 2,276 units, 15% green

As Fleet administrator for the City of Kansas City Missouri, Sam Swearngin has successfully installed five Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fueling stations, implemented a bio-diesel program, through advanced technologies eliminated gas powered ancillary equipment, and has championed other Green technologies including dedicated electric and hybrid electric vehicles.

Swearngin’s affiliations include the follow organizations some dating back as far as 1988, all are dedicated to the proliferation of Green technologies, including the Kansas City Regional Clean Cities Coalition; Longview Community College, Automotive Technology Advisory Committee; Mid-America Regional Council; Congestion Mitigation/Air Quality Committee City of Kansas City/Jackson County Green Purchasing Co-operative Taskforce.

Tabel

Tabel

Brian Tabel, Retail Marketing Mgr., Isuzu Commercial Truck of America

■ Reach/ECO-MAX has a highly fuel-efficient diesel engine without the added cost of hybrid systems.
■ Gas N-Series features a CNG/LPG compatible engine to seek alternative fuels.
■ The Isuzu lineup has a low cost of ownership to bring down operating 
costs for the end user.

Walker

Walker

Rodney Walker, Technical Dir., Oil Re-refining, Safetykleen

■ Involved in re-refining engine oil to help fleets be “green” for 13 years. 
■ Works to protect the environment and engines by demonstrating use of re-refined oil to reduce GHG emissions.
■ Champion of increased use of re-refined engine oil by government, commercial, and private fleets.

For 13 years, Rodney Walker has been involved in re-refining engine oil to help fleets be greener.He has shown fleets how using re-refined oil can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Companies who operate fleets can significantly reduce its carbon footprint by using re-refined oil, which can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 7,500 metric tons for every million gallons of traditional oil made from virgin crude that is displaced. In addition, Walker has been a champion to increase the use of re-refined engine oil by government, commercial and private fleets to protect engines and the environment.

Walker is involved with several lubricants industry groups that are working on new solutions and standards that will help reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency for fleets, while protecting engines, including:
New Category Development Team 
Team comprised primarily of Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA) and API along with American Chemical Council (ACC). This team is developing PC-11 - New API diesel engine oil category. 
He serves as Chair of Precision Matrix Task Force which is developing precision model for PC 11.
• Diesel Engine Oil Advisory Panel (DEOAP)
• API Lube Group Member
• API Base Oil Interchange/Viscosity Grade Read Across (BOI/VGRA) Member
• API Auto Oil Advisory Panel - New API engine oil category, GF-6 development (gasoline engines)
• Chair of API Emerging Base Oil Technology Work Group which is working on review of new technologies and defining subsequent API base oil group these technologies may be placed.

Watson

Watson

Bret Watson, CAFM, National Fleet Mgr., Sprint Nextel Corp.

■ Implemented innovative approach by using SmartWay certified vehicles to meet sustainability and financial targets.
■ Downsized to 4-cyl. engines, resulting in 12% reduced emissions and $2.1 million in lower vehicle costs. 
Fleet Stats: 1,784 units, 60% green.

Sprint has implemented an innovative approach to greening their fleet by using Smart Way Certified vehicles to meet strategic sustainability and financial targets. Two years after implementation, 60% of Sprint’s fleet is Smart Way Certified.

In MY-2010, Sprint began downsizing to four-cylinder vehicles which resulted in 12% lower emissions and $2.1 million in lower vehicle costs. Sprint has found that the new four cylinder engine performance is very comparable to the old six-cylinder engine.

Sprint’s strategy is to increase the use of four-cylinder sedans, eliminate AWDs, and use small SUV’s only as an exception vehicle. 

West

West

Walter West, Dep. Commissioner, Fleet Ops., City of Chicago
■ Expanded car sharing and pooling operations, reducing size of light-duty fleet.
■ Increased usage of E-85 and CNG through the purchase of new vehicles and expansion of fueling capabilities.
■ Implemented a formalized spill prevention plan and personal protective equipment policy.
Fleet Stats: 7,147 units, 29% green.

Wright

Wright

Jim Wright, President & CEO, Fleet Counselor Services

■ Developed clean fleet certification program, designed to allow even the smallest agency with very limited funding to be recognized for their achievements.
■ The certification program has requirements propagating to the local private sector for a positive effect on clean air in local communities.

 

 

About the author
Lauren Fletcher

Lauren Fletcher

Executive Editor - Fleet, Trucking & Transportation

Lauren Fletcher is Executive Editor for the Fleet, Trucking & Transportation Group. She has covered the truck fleet industry since 2006. Her bright personality helps lead the team's content strategy and focuses on growth, education, and motivation.

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