CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The University of North Carolina in Charlotte received the Centralina Clean Fuels Coalition’s annual Clean Cities award for its fuel-reduction program and its move toward alternative-fuel vehicles.

The Clean Cities award honors organizations that demonstrate excellence in using clean transportation and fuel, the Charlotte Observer reported. In 2005, UNCC began replacing its gas-powered golf carts with electric vehicles. The university has invested in 56 electric vehicles to perform on-campus functions like parking lot management and grounds keeping. UNCC projects the new fleet will reduce the university’s petroleum consumption by 6,500 gallons, saving $6,400 in annual fuel costs.

The award was presented at the Centralina Council of Governments Board of Delegates meeting on Feb. 13.