Green Business and Green Fleets

One of the interesting concerns of the latest executive order (EO13514) is the call for improvement of the “fleet” in the overall sustainability plan for government agencies.  Sustainable businesses need to pay attention to what is found in this order.  I strongly feel that this order is a basic template for what is going to be a growing mandate for all businesses.  I would compare this notice to the proverbial “Handwriting on the Wall” that warns each and every business of what is certainly about to fall on businesses everywhere.

What I find also interesting in the approximate 10 point outline of sustainable issues in this order, is the lack of suggestions to take a fleet into a more sustainable operation.  However, I have seen and heard a great number of ideas tossed about.  So, let me list for you the most likely items that will be included under the topic of a Green fleet program:

1. Maintenance and Tune Ups:  The administration continues to believe that well-tuned vehicles and properly inflated tires will cut billions of gallons of fuel from the general consumption.  Not many experts agree with the over-expectations of this tactic, but they do concede some savings will be realized.
2. GPS and Tracking Systems: The UPS and Fedex models have been an amazing lesson in efficiency and innovation.  The ability to better plan routes, consolidate deliveries, and localize vehicles for maximum affect is something that GPS, the Internet, and computerized services now offer.
3. Light and Smaller Trucks:  Efficiency is the basic rule here.  Therefore, the replacement vehicles need to be scaled to the demand.  This calls for flexibility and better strategies for vehicle use.
4. Washing Options:  Car washes are an example of heavy water use.  Newer facilities are recovering and recycling wash water, and using better techniques for washing vehicles with minimum water use.
5. Company cars:  The review of company car use is probably going to eventually fall under scrutiny as well.  It has tax implications as well as a lack of oversight.
6. Logistics and Carriers:  Trucking materials from coast to coast may be a poor investment.  Common carriers can consolidate shipping orders and move them to strategically located warehouses that fulfill orders.  Long distance hauling might be better handled by these logistic programs that minimize transportation and handling costs.
7. Alternative Fuels:  Ethanol and bio-diesel will be a positive option for Greener fleets.  We are left to speculate at battery and hydrogen powered vehicles that will hopefully make it to market.
8. Anti-Idling Policies:  Drivers and even installed microchips can cut unnecessary vehicle idling and reduce fuel consumption.
   

As I have said many times before, sustainable businesses are often taking a piecemeal or patchwork approach to Going Green.  The need for a comprehensive approach to the Green or Sustainable business requires a more comprehensive plan.  It appears that the administration agrees with me, because one of the 10 points of this executive order was the requirement to install a Certified Sustainability Officer (CSO) or Green Officer (CGO) who is charged with producing a comprehensive sustainability plan.  I take from this that every business will need a Sustainability or Green Officer and they will be required to have a Sustainability plan that will be annually scrutinized.

In light of the glaring realities that will eventually shine on all corporations and businesses, I suggest that now is the right time to get started with training and installing a Sustainability or Green Officer for your company.  Sustainability officer training can be best obtained at www.SustainabilityOfficerTraining.com.  If you wish to outsource this duty, we suggest the affordable services of a Certified Green Consultant working with the Green Business League.