Report to: General Committee                                               Report Date: December 14, 2007

 

 

SUBJECT:                          Green Fleet Transition Plan Update Report

PREPARED BY:               Laurie Canning, Manager, Fleet and Supplies

                                            Mavis Urquhart, Manager, Environmental Leadership

 

 

 

RECOMMENDATION:

That the staff report entitled ‘Green Fleet Transition Plan Update Report 2007’, dated December 14, 2007, be received;

 

And that Fleet Services provide annual ‘Technology Testing Reports’, to be posted on the Town’s Website, to measure emission reductions to equivalent Carbon Dioxide (eCO2) through the implementation of the Green Fleet Transition Plan;  

And that in the fall of each year, Fleet Services staff continue to provide annual fleet replacement programs, including opportunities to implement green fleet management practices, to the Budget Review Committee as part of the Operations Department Capital Budget submission;

And that it be a policy of the Operations Department that the environmental benefits of any fuel-saving device or fuel additive for use in the Town's fleet be tested and certified by third party testing facilities such as CANMET Energy Technology Centre in Ottawa and Environmental Technology Verification in Mississauga as a requirement before any offer to the Town by prospective vendors of these types of products is made; 

And that any rebates and or grants obtained from purchases of fuel efficient and or hybrid vehicle be used to fund future specification upgrades to aid in overall fleet emission reductions.

And that Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

 

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

The Fleet Division of the Operations Department is responsible for the maintenance, repair and replacement of more than 600 licensed vehicles and equipment units including Fire and Emergency Service vehicles and apparatus.  The Green Fleet Transition Plan was developed to reduce the carbon dioxide greenhouse gas emission output of the Town’s fleet, and significantly reduce other forms of pollutants.  The Plan is affordable, sustainable, renewable, and has the capacity to contribute to economic growth and development by promoting the use of alternative fuels, hybrid-electric and natural gas vehicles.

 

 

 

 

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this report is to provide Council with a progress report on the implementation of the Fleet Services’ Green Fleet Transition Plan, including progress on environmental benefits and targets.

 

 

BACKGROUND:

At its meeting held on May 25, 2004, Council approved in principle the Green Fleet Transition Plan 2004 – 2007.  The plan for 2005 included the following initiatives.

 

Natural Gas Vehicles and Vehicle Refuelling Appliances (VRAs)

Hybrid Electric Replacement Vehicles

Bio-diesel Fuel

Monitoring progress on environment benefits and targets

 

 

OPTIONS/ DISCUSSION:

Natural Gas and VRAs

Fleet Services has had to reassess the merits of introducing natural gas or bi-fuel units into the Fleet inventory due to difficult maintenance practices for such vehicles.  There is a lack of both refuelling stations as well as repair facilities for Natural Gas Vehicles, particularly in the Markham area.  Also, giving further consideration to current market trends and the increasing cost of natural gas, it does not seem cost effective to maintain such vehicles.  Finally, natural gas vehicles are no longer in production by any manufacturer and all natural gas conversion installations must be completed by aftermarket suppliers.  Consequently, Fleet Services will not be moving forward with the procurement of natural gas vehicles or the installation of vehicle refuelling appliances in 2008 for any new or replacement units.

 

The Operations Department will continue to work with industry representatives to identify opportunities to introduce natural gas conversions for both new and replacement vehicles and equipment.  Fleet Services staff continue to provide annual fleet replacement programs, including opportunities to implement green fleet management practices, to the Budget Review Committee as part of the Operations Department Capital Budget submission.

 

Hybrid vehicles

Fleet Services started a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) pilot project in 2002, which included procurement of a Toyota Prius and a Honda Civic. Performance of these vehicles has been excellent, resulting in fuel savings of about 38% above similar models in the Fleet.  Positive performance of these vehicles has led to the addition of seven Ford Escape Hybrids, two Toyota Camry Hybrids and two Toyota Highlander Hybrids for a total of thirteen (13) hybrid powered units.  Three of the Ford Escapes have been put into service in the Parking Control division which currently has the highest vehicle usage in the Town. The other four units are currently in service in the Enforcement and Licensing division.

 

Town of Markham’s Hybrid Vehicles

Vehicle

Year

Quantity

Toyota Prius

2002

1

Honda Civic

2003

1

Ford Escape

2006

5

Ford Escape

2007

2

Toyota Camry

2007

2

Toyota Highlander

2007

2

 

 

13

 

After reviewing the approved 2005 fleet replacement and new vehicle program Fleet Services researched various manufacturers’ product lines to determine the best opportunity to implement hybrid vehicles into the program.

 

Fleet Services has determined that the Ford Escape Hybrid meets all of the requirements to make it a suitable vehicle for use in the By-law Enforcement and Parking Control divisions.  Fleet Services recommends these vehicles be considered for future purchases that fit the same duty requirements.

 

The use of Hybrid vehicles has proven to be a good fit with our current user department requirements. These hybrid units are not only proving to be more fuel efficient thereby reducing harmful emissions, but have also reduced scheduled brake servicing and repair with the regenerative braking technology incorporated into the hybrid power system.  The chart and graphs provided in Attachment ‘A’ of this report provides a comparison of the repair and maintenance costs for a typical hybrid Ford Escape versus a conventional Chevrolet Uplander.   

 

2007 Fleet Replacement Program

The 2006 Fleet Replacement budget identified four units that would fit the upgrade to a hybrid specification.  Commencing in the fall of 2006 and continuing through 2007, Fleet Services took delivery of one 2006 Smart Car replacing a Chevrolet Cavalier, two 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid cars replacing two Chevrolet Impala’s as well as two Toyota Highlander Hybrids replacing two Chevrolet Tahoe’s.  The Smart car is a diesel powered vehicle that will be using Bio-diesel as supplied by Town fuel sites. This vehicle has been assigned to Fire and Emergency Services and wrapped with graphic’s promoting fire safety through public education programs.  In addition the 2007 replacement program included provisions to replace three gasoline powered one-tonne flatbed units to diesel powered units which are compatible with the current Bio-diesel fuel blends used in the fleet.

 

Tenders have been awarded for the purchase and delivery of six more hybrid units.  Five of these units are replacements for two Chevrolet Cavaliers cars, currently assigned to By-law Enforcement and Licensing, as well as three compact vans, two of which are assigned to Waterworks and the other to Transportation Engineering.  The other unit is a fleet addition for the Operations Department.  Once the delivery of these units is complete the total number of Hybrids in our fleet operation will be 19 units.  The 2007 replacement program also includes provisions to replace three gasoline powered one-tonne flatbed units to diesel powered units which are compatible with the current Bio-diesel fuel blends used in the fleet.

 

                               Vehicles Ordered Awaiting Delivery

Vehicle

Unit Replacing

Year

Quantity

Ford Escape Hybrid

1999 GMC Safari Van

2007

1

Ford Escape Hybrid

2002 Chev Cavalier

2007

2

Ford Escape Hybrid

2002 Chev Venture Van

2007

2

Ford Escape Hybrid

New Fleet Operations

2007

1

 

 

2008 Fleet Replacement Program

Upon approval, the 2008 Fleet Replacement Program identifies the addition of four hybrid units to the fleet compliment.

 

Future fleet replacement programs will be developed to maximize opportunities to introduce additional hybrid vehicles into the Fleet compliment.  New technologies are transforming vehicles in ways that leave fewer negative impacts on the environment. This changing technology will also have an impact on future vehicle / equipment replacement specifications.

 

Bio-Diesel Fuel

In 2003, the Town of Markham began using bio-diesel in its off-road fleet of vehicles.  A B-50 blend (50% bio-diesel and 50% low sulphur diesel) was used in the summer and fall.  Performance of the bio-diesel was without significant complications until cooler weather was encountered and the fuel began to gel.  This led to significant drivability problems such as plugged fuel filters, stalled equipment and lack of power.  Fleet Services is now using a B-20 blend from April to August and a B-5 blend from September to March.  Currently, the Town’s Fleet Department fuel types consist of gasoline, ultra low sulphur diesel and bio-diesel fuel blends. Bio-Diesel consumption for 2006 was approximately 292,000 litres which is an increase of 41,000 litres over 2005. With the demand for this product growing and new suppliers entering the market, costs for this product are within $0.01 to $0.03 of current ultra low sulphur #1 diesel fuel.  At this point in time, the use of other fuel alternatives is not yet a viable option for the Town’s Fleet.  Staff will continue to monitor market trends and consider options as they become available to aid in overall emission reductions.

 

In 2006, the Town replaced five gasoline powered one ton flatbed trucks with diesel powered models capable of using Bio-diesel fuel.

 

Additional Fleet Initiatives

·        Introducing four stroke engine technology for all lawn mowers, string trimmers, pruning saws and snow clearing equipment.

·        Installing diesel-fired on-board cab air pre-heaters capable of reducing idling time for equipment warm-up on two 2005 snow plough trucks resulting in fuel and emission savings

·        Testing biodegradable hydraulic oils in four fleet units (pilot project started spring 2006)

·        Adding bypass oil filters to aid in extending oil drain intervals

·        The installation of warning lights on vehicles and equipment that draw minimal amperage. This allows vehicles to be turned off when at a work site for longer periods of time aiding in additional emission reduction and noise.

·        The addition of an electric powered utility vehicle to be used in place of current gasoline powered unit. This unit currently is used by operations staff maintaining the grounds at the Civic Centre. This purchase was funded by MESF

 

Monitoring Progress on Environment Benefits

Fleet Services will be working with the Manager of Environmental Leadership and the Corporate Communications Department to provide ‘Technology Testing Reports’, to be posted on the Town’s Website, to measure emission reductions to equivalent Carbon Dioxide (eCO2) through the implementation of the Green Fleet Transition Plan.

 

For reporting on Bio-diesel, Fleet Services will provide year-end eCO2 reductions based on actual litres of B-20 and B-5 blends that were used throughout the calendar year, compared to emission totals from low sulphur diesel fuel.  In addition, Fleet Services will look for opportunities to purchase gasoline that offers Ethanol blends of 10 and 15 percent, resulting in additional emissions reductions.

 

For reporting on hybrid vehicles, Fleet Services will provide the most current emissions from existing fleet vehicles and measure the eCO2 reductions achieved through the purchase of new hybrid vehicles.  The Technology Testing Reports will be updated annually.  A sample of these reports has been included in Attachment ‘B’ of this report.

 

Third Party Testing of Technologies

Fleet Services staff receives numerous requests for the testing of new environmental/fuel saving devices.  While innovation and new technology that reduce the environmental impact is strongly supported, the Fleet Services staff are not equipped and trained for testing these various products.  Other municipalities have experienced the same challenges and have adopted policies requiring independent third party testing and verification.

 

CANMET Energy and Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) Canada are two third party testing facilities that can provide verified testing and screening of new technologies of interest.

 

The CANMET Energy Technology Centre (CETC) is a federal government resource science and technology organization with a mandate to develop and demonstrate energy efficient, alternative and renewable energy technologies and processes.  CANMET specializes in the analysis of process-derived chemicals, fuels, biofuels and biomass products, fuel-related products and by-products in the solid, liquid or gaseous states.  ETV Canada is an independent verification organization which manages Canada’s Environmental Technology Verification Program under a license agreement with Environment Canada.  ETV Canada is a division of the Ontario Centre for Environmental Technology Advancement (OCETA).  OCETA’s core mandate is to provide business services to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) that are commercializing new technologies in the environment and energy sectors.

 

It is recommended that it be a policy of the Operations Department that the environmental benefits of any fuel-saving device or fuel additive for use in the Town’s fleet be certified by third party testing facilities such as CANMET Energy Technology Centre in Ottawa and and Environmental Technology Verification in Mississauga as a requirement before any offer to the Town by prospective vendors of these products is made.  Attachment ‘C’ provides additional background information on these companies and the services provided.

 

 

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS

The cost of “green options” for applicable fleet replacement units are identified in the 2008 Fleet Division Capital Budget submission.  These options consist of specification upgrades to allow the purchase of hybrid vehicles as replacement vehicles that will improve the efficiency and emissions of these units.  The 2008 fleet replacement budget request has been included in Attachment ‘D’ of this report.

 

 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS:

The Green Fleet Transition Plan outlines an implementation schedule for moving the Town’s fleet towards vehicles and fuel technologies that have less environmental impact and lead to greater efficiency.  

 

Markham Fleet staff recently participated in a review of the actions being taken by municipalities across the GTA to reduce emissions from municipal vehicles.  That review, which was conducted by the Clear Air Partnership on behalf of the GTA Clean Air Council, was released in September 2007.  The review shows that Markham has been very progressive in adopting strategies to reduce emissions in our fleet.  A copy of the review has been included in Attachment ‘E’ of this report.

 

The Manager of Environmental Leadership has reviewed this report and supports this initiative.  As the current Green Fleet plan is an ongoing initiative it will be modified accordingly with any new recommendations on how Markham can further develop its fleet as strategic environmental initiatives move forward.  The Technology Testing Reports will also help communicate the Town’s environmental priorities by providing the equivalent Carbon Dioxide (eCO2) emissions reduction achieved as the indicator of the environmental improvement compared to the business-as-usual scenario.

 

 

 

 

RECOMMENDED BY:  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paul Ingham,

General Manager, Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Peter Loukes, P. Eng.

Commissioner Lead, Operations and Asset Management

ATTACHMENTS:

Attachment ‘A’ – Hybrid vs. Conventional Cost Comparison

Attachment ‘B’ – Sample Technology Testing Reports.

Attachment ‘C’ – Third Party Testing Technologies

Attachment ‘D’ – 2008 Fleet Replacement Budget Request

Attachment ‘E’ – Actions Being Taken by GTA-CAC Municipalities

     to Reduce Emissions From Municipal Vehicles

 

 

 

Attachment A

 

HYBRID VS. CONVENTIONAL COST COMPARISONS

 

Vehicle

Km Travelled

Brake Repair costs

Fuel Consumption Costs

Chevrolet Uplander Van

50000

$644.26

$6,192.00

 

100000

$1,288.52

$12,384.00

 

150000

$1,932.78

$18,576.00

 

200000

$2,577.04

$24,768.00

 

 

 

 

Ford Escape Hybrid

50000

$392.54

$3,168.00

 

100000

$785.08

$6,336.00

 

150000

$1,177.62

$9,504.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Note:  Residual value of used vehicles not included.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attachment B

Technology Testing Chart
The following chart demonstrates the CO2e reduction to Markham’s Corporate Fleet in 2005 and 2006 resulting from diesel powered and hybrid-electric vehicle replacements.

It shows that in 2005, five 1999 GMC 1 tonne trucks that used gasoline were replaced with five 2005 GMC 1 tonne trucks that use diesel fuel. Although diesel engines emit more CO2e per litre of fuel than gasoline engines, diesel fuel has been shown to be about 12% more efficient than gasoline.

The replacement vehicles are therefore more efficient and can travel more kilometres per litre of diesel fuel resulting in fewer emissions. These replacement vehicles resulted in emission savings of 4,971 kg CO2e in 2005.

In 2006, Fleet Services replaced two 2003 Pontiac Montana passenger vehicles with two 2006 Ford Escape Hybrids and this reduced fuel consumption by 12,000 litres and reduced CO2e by 29,000 kg.

Also in the fall of 2006, Fleet Services replaced two 2001 Chevrolet Cavaliers with two 2007 Ford Escape Hybrids and this reduced fuel consumption by 1,200 litres and reduced CO2e by 3,000 kg.

Technology Testing Chart

Replacement Year

Existing Vehicles

Year

Model

Make

Annual Fuel Consumption (in litres)

CO2e Emissions

(in kilograms)

Replacement Vehicles

Annual Fuel Consumption (in litres)

CO2 emissions  (in kilograms)

CO2e Emission Reductions Achieved

(in kilograms)

2005

(total results)

Five – 1999 GMC

one tonnes (gas)

19,627

 

47,104

 

Five – 2005 GMC one tonnes (diesel)

19,151

 

42,132

 

4,971

 

2006

(total results)

Two – 2003 Pontiac Montanas

25,361

60,866

 

Two – 2006 Ford Escape Hybrids

13,179

31630 

 

29,236

2007

(results to date)

Two – 2001 Chevrolet Cavaliers

3,981

9,552

Two – 2007 Ford Escape Hybrids

2,701

6,482

3,070

Total Emissions Comparison                            117,522                                                      

37,277

 

CO2e = Carbon dioxide equivalents which are the combination of six individual gases collectively called greenhouse gases. Those targeted by the Kyoto Protocol include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydro fluorocarbons, per fluorocarbons and sulphuric hexafluoride.  Calculations are based on the 2006 EnerCan Guide conversion rates which include B20 bio-diesel fuel blends.

Attachment C

Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) Canada

ETV Canada is a division of the Ontario Centre for Environmental Technology Advancement (OCETA).  The core mandate of OCETA is to provide business services to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) that are commercializing new technologies in the environment and energy sectors. OCETA is one of three Canadian Environmental Technology Advancement Centeres established by the federal government to strengthen and grow Canada's environmental industry. Incorporated in 1993 as a private sector, not-for-profit company, OCETA operates at arm's length from government.

ETV Canada is the independent verification organization which manages Canada’s Environmental Technology Verification Program under a license agreement with Environment Canada. ETV Canada offers a reliable assessment process for verifying the environmental performance claims associated with projects and programs, as well as technologies and technological processes.

ETV verification provides the marketplace with the assurance that environmental performance claims are valid, credible and supported by quality independent test data and information. To make ETV Canada more relevant to stakeholders, a comprehensive 3-part strategy for ETV Canada has been implemented consisting of:

1. Technology Verification

  • working closely with technology innovators and qualified verification organizations

2. Performance Benchmarking

  • based on the development of credible stakeholder-driven performance criteria and the transparent reporting of performance information

3. International Harmonization of Protocols and Test Methods

  • building on the established ETV Generic Test Protocol and related decision-support tools

How Does ETV Operate?

  • ETV, which began in October 1995, operates through public/private testing partnerships to evaluate the performance of environmental technology in all media: air, water, soil, ecosystems, waste, pollution prevention, and monitoring.
  • Market input is conveyed by the active involvement of stakeholder groups consisting of technology buyers, sellers, licensers, consultants, financiers, exporters and others within each sector.
  • Any technology vendor within each technology category selected by stakeholders for verification is welcome, but in no way required, to participate.
  • All test/quality assurance plans and protocols are developed with the participation of technical experts, stakeholders, and vendors; available prior to testing; peer reviewed by other experts; and updated after testing, as appropriate.
  • Most test procedures, technology performance reports, and verification statements are available on the ETV Web Site within hours of finalization.
  • The highest levels of quality data are assured through the implementation of the ETV Quality Management Plan which is compatible with both American and internationally accepted quality standards.

 

CANMET Energy Technology Centre (CETC)

The CANMET Energy Technology Centre (CETC) - is the federal government's primary research group for the development of hydrocarbon supply technologies and related environmental technologies, with an emphasis on oil sands and heavy oil. Canada's oil sands and heavy oil deposits represent one third of the world's useful petroleum resources. Production levels are expected to surpass conventional light and off-shore oil production by the year 2010.

CETC - is comprised of two groups: Advanced Separation Technologies (AST) and the National Centre for Upgrading Technology (NCUT), delivering a range of programs consistent with energy efficiency and sustainable development. CETC conducts fee-for-service, cost-shared, and task-shared activities and performs exploratory, public-good research in strategic areas such as environmental technologies. By developing hydrocarbon technologies that use less energy and have less environmental impact, CETC is helping to ensure that Canada's oil industry is a sustainable, environmentally responsible contributor to our energy supply.

CETC serves a diverse client base in industry and government. The oil sands and heavy oil industry is the primary industrial client; the natural gas and conventional oil industries are also important clients. Besides the major companies in the energy sector, small and medium-sized enterprises are an important focus of CETC activities, particularly in the related service sectors and the areas of environmental technologies and engineering specialties. These firms tend to have limited internal research capability and rely on CETC as a performer.

The CANMET Energy Technology Centre is located at the Devon Research Centre in Devon, Alberta, about 20 km southwest of Edmonton in the heart of Alberta's oilfield services and oil refining industries.