WINNIPEG, MB - September 7, 2012 - The City reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by three per cent in 2011, and is well on its way to achieving its goal of a 17.65 per cent reduction by 2019, according to a report submitted today to the Executive Policy Committee.
On July 21, 2010, City Council approved a Green Fleet Plan aimed at reducing fleet-related greenhouse gas emissions by 17.65 per cent from 1998 levels by 2019.
Data from the first quarter of 2012 indicates fuel usage is significantly lower than what was used in the first quarter of 2011. If this lower fuel usage trend continues, the city will see further emission reductions in 2012.
“I’m pleased to see that we are on track to significantly reduce our greenhouse gas emissions,” said Mayor Sam Katz. “The City of Winnipeg is looking at creative ways to take care of the environment while making efficient use of taxpayer dollars.”
The primary indicator for the Green Fleet Plan emission reduction is total fuel used by City vehicles and equipment, with the exception of Transit.
Successful emission reduction strategies in 2011 included:
- Purchasing light duty diesels over less fuel efficient light duty gasoline vehicles;
- Purchasing the right size vehicle for the job by downsizing the vehicle size where possible;
- Using mandated levels of ethanol and biodiesel;
- Implementing measures to ensure accurate odometers readings are inputted at City fuel sites which improves data accuracy relating to light duty fuel efficiency;
- Idle reduction efforts such as installing anti-idling signs at all Police stations, incorporating idle reduction information in driver training programs, and preprogramming City vehicles to have engines automatically shut off after a pre-determined time limit;
- Purchasing Police vehicles with tire pressure monitoring systems; and
- Deploying a working group to investigate reducing employee vehicle km travelled during the work day and for home to work commutes.
Efforts in 2012 and 2013 will focus on exploring methods that have proven to be successful in reducing emissions, as well as some new strategies, some of which are:
- Purchasing the most fuel efficient and lowest emitting light duty vehicles possible;
- Utilizing mandated levels of cleaner burning fuels such as ethanol and biodiesel, and investigating the use of other alternative fuels such as propane, natural gas and electric;
- Ongoing mechanical and safety training for new vehicle technologies such as hybrid vehicles; and
- Deploying a bicycle pool for City employees to travel to close proximity work meetings.