FRASER BASIN COUNCIL AWARDS E3 FLEET GOLD AWARDS
Fraser Basin Council Awards Vancouver and Delta
FBC Chair Dr. Charles Jago, Delta Mayor Lois Jackson, Vancouver Deputy Mayor Ellen Woodsworth and Minister of State for Climate Action John Yap at the E3 Fleet presentation on September 30. The City of Vancouver and the Corporation of Delta are the first municipalities to earn Gold Ratings from E3 Fleet, a national program that recognizes excellence in fleet management and environmental performance, the Fraser Basin Council announced on September 30. “Vancouver and Delta can take pride in achieving Gold Ratings,” said Dr. Charles Jago, chair of the Fraser Basin Council, which manages the E3 Fleet Program. “They are showing exceptional leadership and a serious commitment to improving air quality and reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that drive climate change.” “Greening our fleets will be a key part of reducing transportation emissions in B.C.,” said Minister of State for Climate Action John Yap. “By securing Canada’s first Gold E3 fleet rating, the City of Vancouver and Corporation of Delta have achieved a major milestone in reducing their transportation emissions as they move towards being carbon-neutral cities.” Under the E3 Fleet Program, public and private sector fleets can seek formal ratings, which are based on several criteria. These include a fleet action plan, staff training, idling reduction practices, vehicle purchasing practices, fuel data management, fleet operations and maintenance, trip and route planning, fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas performance. "The E3 Fleet rating is both exciting news and a tremendous encouragement to us as we strive to become the greenest city in the world,” Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson said. “Our Engineering Services staff are to be congratulated for taking multiple steps to improve fleet efficiency by 4% and cut overall emissions by 0.4% between 2006 and 2008. These include employing the right vehicles for each fleet function, assessing the full lifecycle costs of each vehicle purchased, testing alternative fuels, adopting new technologies and piloting such practices as nitrogen tire inflation and engine control module reprogramming.” Vancouver has also recently purchased medium-duty hybrid electric trucks, which are cleaner, more energy-efficient vehicles and new to Canadian roads. The Corporation of Delta has cut its corporate fleet emissions dramatically, even in the face of increasing demands for service. The Corporation improved its fuel efficiency by 6% for every kilometre travelled, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 1% overall between 2007 and 2008. The municipality’s E3 success can be attributed to several key fleet initiatives, including: a fuel-efficient fleet purchasing strategy that replaced 16 conventional vehicles with 16 hybrid vehicles over a two-year period, a successful anti-idling campaign, a vehicle right-sizing program and the installation of GPS and idling auto shut-offs units for Delta’s larger vehicles. Delta also uses biodiesel in all of its diesel engine vehicles and has launched a fleet training program that is driven by a newly appointed fleet trainer. “I am thrilled that the Corporation of Delta has been able to achieve one of the country’s first Gold E3 fleet ratings,” said Mayor Lois E. Jackson. “Reducing the environmental footprint created by our corporate fleet has been a huge effort on the part of a lot of people - the Engineering and Climate Action Departments, our corporate policy analysts and upper level management, everybody. It’s a municipality-wide commitment that’s paying off.” ****** Launched in 2006 as an initiative of the Fraser Basin Council, the E3 Fleet Program is designed to assist trucking, utility, urban delivery, courier, government and other fleets increase their fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, manage expenses and incorporate new technologies. The E3 Fleet Program, the first such program of its kind, offers fleets the opportunity for a comprehensive fleet review, as well as an opportunity to receive ratings for fleet performance. For more on the E3 Fleet program, visit www.e3fleet.com. For more information, visit e3fleet.com. |
FRASER ASSEMBLY MEETS NEXT IN JUNE
2009 Fraser Assembly The Fraser Assembly was established in 2006 as a multi-interest forum on the Fraser Salmon and Watersheds Program (FSWP). The purpose of the Assembly is to promote information-sharing and the coordinated delivery of the FSWP program to enhance watershed and salmonid sustainability in the Fraser Basin. The Fraser Assembly is open to organizations and individuals in the Fraser Basin that have a relevant and substantial interest in the sustainability of watersheds and salmonids in the Basin. Participants include representatives from all four levels of government (federal, provincial, First Nations, and local) as well as non-government organizations, stewardship groups, academia, industry and business. New participants are welcome to attend. For more information:
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NORTH AMERICA'S FIRST DIESEL-ELECTRIC HYRBID URBAN DELIVERY TRUCK IS HERE
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“We’re proud to take a leadership role in this area,” said Paul Cunnington, owner of R & B Trucking, which has just introduced a diesel-electric hybrid to its fleet. “With the long-term cost of diesel rising, we’re looking forward to seeing a big drop in our fuel bill. We’re also excited to be doing our part for the environment.” |
Thanks to support from the provincial government (Ministry of Environment) and the Fraser Basin Council’s Green Fleets BC program, Victoria-based R&B Trucking (a delivery agent for Clark Freightways), is meeting the tough economic times head on with a new diesel-electric hybrid refrigerated delivery truck that’s expected to save the company as much as 35 per cent in fuel costs and reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by more than 20 tonnes per year. The BC Government is supporting Green Fleets BC, a key component of the Provincial Government’s Air Action Plan, with $330,000 for the Fraser Basin Council’s hybrid truck incentive programs. The program covers the difference between a hybrid truck and a conventional truck, for up to $20,000 per vehicle. R&B’s Class 7 2009 Freightliner M2e® 106 hybrid truck (33,000 GVW) is the first of its kind in North America. Among its many features is a fuel-efficient diesel electric hybrid engine that is about the same size as one in a pickup truck. It also has an electric refrigeration unit powered by the hybrid system eliminating the need for a second diesel engine. The truck converts energy lost during braking into electricity that is then re-routed back to power the refrigeration unit. This Freightliner truck, featuring a 2007 engine, significantly reduces NOx and carbon emissions. In combination with the electric refrigeration system, it is the cleanest refrigerated urban delivery vehicle currently in operation. For more information, see news release.
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UPPER FRASER SUSTAINABILITY SNAPSHOT: A PICTURE OF OUR REGION
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Released in November, 2008, the Upper Fraser Sustainability Snapshot: A Picture of Our Region examines data and tells stories of sustainability in the communities of the Robson Valley, Prince George area and Stuart/Nechako. If you've every wondered, "How well are we doing?" when it comes to sustainability, this report is a must-read. For a copy of the report, visit our indicators reports page. And see the November 18 news release for highlights. |
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BC’s first enviroTrucks have rolled onto the streets, a milestone in the Fraser Basin Council’s bid to green up fleets across the province, in partnership with the Province of BC and the BC Trucking Association.
The enviroTruck is a Class 7 or 8 heavy duty vehicle featuring a newer model diesel engine that reduces particulate matter by 90% and smog-forming nitrous oxide particles by 45%. Unique add-on features on an enviroTruck are expected to save fuel and drive down emissions even further. These features may include:
- An auxiliary power unit that reduces idling time and is expected to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 13.5 tonnes per truck per year;
- Speed limiters to prevent the truck from going over a pre-set speed limit thereby decreasing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions; and
- Aerodynamic improvements expected to result in an annual per truck and trailer reduction of 17.5 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.
The Green Fleets BC program is helping several BC companies transition a number of their vehicles to enviroTrucks. Glenncoe Transport from Kelowna, a division of Bison Transport, and Nanaimo-based Paradise Island Foods are now testing these technologies and tracking cost savings that are linked to fuel efficiencies and the environmental benefits of moving to greener vehicles. The results of the enviroTruck project are expected to help the industry make choices on technologies and will be available at greenfleetsbc.com.
Over the next two years, Green Fleets BC initiatives are available and expected to help the transportation sector cut over 900 tonnes of smog-causing emissions and 200,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.
For more information on the enviroTruck and participation in the program, contact Program Managers Terry Robert at 604 488-5360 (trobert@fraserbasin.bc.ca) or Jim Vanderwal at 604 488-5359 (jvanderwal@fraserbasin.bc.ca).
For more information see the media release and backgrounders.
ENBRIDGE GAS DISTRIBUTION EARNS GOLD RATING FOR FLEET EXCELLENCE
UNDER E3 FLEET PROGRAM
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The Fraser Basin Council has awarded Canada’s Enbridge Gas Distribution a Gold Rating for excellence in environmentally friendly fleet management. Enbridge’s Ontario fleet is the first commercial fleet to be rated under the Council’s E3 Fleet program, and the first fleet ever to be rated Gold. The Fraser Basin Council made the announcement Monday at the Canadian Utility Fleet Forum in Richmond, BC.
Enbridge Gas Distribution was recognized for developing a comprehensive approach to fleet management. Its key accomplishments in earning the E3 Fleet Gold Rating for its Ontario fleet include:
- Developing “green” purchasing strategies designed to incorporate low emission vehicles;
- Conducting driver training programs to encourage environmentally sound practices to reduce engine idling time and more efficient fuel use;
- Implementing vehicle emission testing and maintaining the right data to allow for prompt resolution of problems;
- Using route and trip planning to minimize the number and length of trips; and
- Improving fuel efficiency and reduced greenhouse gases in several categories of vehicles within its fleet.
“We’re impressed that a company the size of Enbridge Gas Distribution has been able to develop and implement such a comprehensive and remarkable fleet management approach to earn the Gold Rating,” said David Marshall, Executive Director, Fraser Basin Council, the non-profit BC-based organization that oversees the E3 Fleet Program. “With the transportation industry’s commitment to green policies, it’s only a matter of time before we celebrate the next fleet to demonstrate leadership by achieving an E3 Fleet Rating.”
“Enbridge Gas Distribution is extremely pleased to receive this award,” said Evelyn Thompson, Manager of Fleet and Equipment. “We have been very proactive in developing and implementing our green practices such as converting our light duty fleet to low-carbon natural gas. Although it’s exciting to see we’ve hit the mark, we must remain vigilant and continue to press ahead looking for more ways to lessen our impact on the environment.”
See our press release and visit e3fleet.com for more information. [June 4, 2008]
COMMUNITY ACTION ON ENERGY AND EMISSIONS GRANTS:
The next deadline for applications is July 31, 2008
Local governments and First Nations are invited to submit proposals by July 31, 2008 for grants under the Community Action on Energy and Emissions (CAEE) program.
The objective of CAEE is to provide financial and technical support to local governments and First Nations to undertake community-level energy efficiency, energy conservation and emission reduction measures through innovative policy and planning initiatives.
Any BC local government and First Nation are eligible to apply, including previous recipients of CAEE funding.
To date 44 communities have participated in CAEE. Visit the BC Climate Exchange website for more details: www.bcclimateexchange.ca. [June 4, 2008]
HAMILTON'S PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT EARNS SILVER E3 FLEET PROGRAM RATING
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The City of Hamilton’s Public Works Department has been awarded a Silver Rating for excellence in “greening” its vehicle fleets under the E3 Fleet program. The Fraser Basin Council, which oversees the E3 Fleet program, made the announcement in May, 2007, and Ontario MPP for Hamilton East, Andrea Horwath, paid tribute to the City at a Green Fleet Expo in Hamilton.
Between 2005 and 2006, City of Hamilton fleets increased fuel efficiency by 5% for every kilometre travelled, and decreased Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by 2% per kilometre. The City’s E3 Fleet Silver Rating was based on these accomplishments and best management practices, such as the City adopting a green fleet plan, an idling reduction program, fuel data management and a green vehicle purchasing policy.
“The City of Hamilton can be proud of its fleets,” said Chair Charles Jago for the Fraser Basin Council, a non-profit organization in British Columbia that advances sustainability. “They have been quick out of the gate to meet E3 Fleet criteria and capture a silver rating. It’s an impressive accomplishment, and we expect other public and private sector fleets to step up to the challenge.”
"The Public Works Department is extremely pleased to receive this award," said Scott Stewart, General Manager of the City of Hamilton's Public Works Department. "We take our environmental responsibility very seriously and we hope that we can inspire other municipalities to transition their fleet to greener alternatives as well."
The E3 Fleet program offers a concrete way for owners and operators of public and private sector fleets to show they are committed to “Environment, Energy and Excellence.” Since transportation accounts for 40% of Greenhouse Gas emissions, the Fraser Basin Council decided it was timely to develop a review and rating program for this sector, similar to ratings that already exist for green buildings. E3 Fleet is a unique program in Canada, and a first in North America.
For more information on the program, see our press release and visit e3fleet.com. The site also features Canada’s Green Fuels Map showing where drivers can purchase biodiesel, propane, natural gas, hydrogen and ethanol.
"THINK SALMON" EVENT MARKS LAUNCH OF FRASER SALMON AND WATERSHEDS PROGRAM
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A new program is underway in the Fraser Basin to build a better future for fish and fisheries through inclusive, collabortive partnerships.
The Fraser Salmon and Watersheds Program (FSWP) is a multi-year effort to conserve and restore the diversity and abundance of salmon within the Fraser Basin. The overarching vision is to inspire changes in human behaviour for the benefit of salmon and the watersheds they depend on. The program has as its goals to foster effective communications and governance approaches, to protect and restore habitat and water and to support effective and responsive fisheries management.
The program began in 2007, with a contribution of $10 million over four years from the provincial Living Rivers Trust Fund and a further commitment of $10 million ($5 million in cash and $5 million in-kind, over five years) from Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
The program launch took place March 20 at the Rocky Mountaineer Vacations train station in Vancouver. The overarching theme for the event, and for the public outreach initiatives of the FSWP, is "Think Salmon." At the launch, Rocky Mountaineer announced a commitment of $400,000 to the program over eight years, and the Vancouver Port Authority announced $250,000 over five years for classroom educational resources.
The Fraser Salmon and Watersheds Program is jointly managed by the Fraser Basin Council (FBC) and the Pacific Salmon Foundation (PSF). A Steering Committee, with representatives from federal, provincial and Aboriginal governments, as well as the two co-managing organizations and others, provides oversight to the program. Funding is administered through the Pacific Salmon Foundation.
For more information on fish and fisheries, contact Coral deShield, Program Manager, at (604) 488-5361 or by email at cdeshield@fraserbasin.bc.ca, or Saul Milne, Program Coordinator, at (604) 488-5353 or by email at smilne@fraserbasin.bc.ca.
For a look at the public outreach component of the FSWP, visit www.thinksalmon.com. [March 22, 2007]
WORKSHOPS HELP WITH IDLING REDUCTION AND GREEN FLEETS
New IdleFree BC Workshops on March 22 (in Kamloops) and March 29 (in Squamish) feature sessions to help fleet managers and others who are interested in efficient vehicle performance learn more about idling reduction, use of alternative fuels and other steps toward greener fleets, including local initiatives. For details, visit www.idlefreebc.ca.
COST-BENEFIT STUDY SHOWS VALUE OF FRASER RIVER DEBRIS TRAP
The Fraser River Debris Trap Operating Committee (FRDTOC) has released an independent cost-benefit study that shows the Fraser River debris trap — which captures natural woody debris such as snags, rootballs and branches that would otherwise travel downriver during spring high waters — pays for itself 12 times over. The trap is a waterborne facility near Hope. It helps keep the lower stretches of the Fraser River clear for navigation, enhances public safety and helps avoid at least $8 million in costs of clean-up and repairing damage to vessels, foreshore infrastructure and habitat.
The FRDTOC has called on the federal and provincial governments, the Greater Vancouver Regional District and Fraser Valley Regional District to come together on a multi-year funding agreement for the trap. The Province of BC recently committed to fund one-third of the estimated operating and contingency costs on a five-year, renewable term. Without long-term commitments from other levels of government, the FRDTOC may have to shut the trap down early in 2007. The Fraser Basin Council serves as secretariat for the Fraser River Debris Trap Operating Committee.
For information, see:
Report: The Fraser River Debris Trap: A Cost Benefit Analysis [January 16, 2007: PDF]
News Release: Fraser River debris trap well worth the cost, study finds [January 16, 2007: PDF]
Backgrounder: The Fraser River Debris Trap [January 16, 2007: PDF]
"COMMUNICATING SUSTAINABILITY": PRESENTATION NOTES FROM THE 2006 STATE OF THE FRASER BASIN CONFERENCE
Among the highlights of the 2006 State of the Fraser Basin Conference was "Communicating Sustainability," a thought-provoking presentation by James Hoggan on what Canadians think about sustainability, and what that means for the future. The FBC thanks James Hoggan for allowing us to make the key points of his presentation available online. Download a copy [PDF] . [December 1, 2006; Reposted January 11, 2007]
SUSTAINABILITY SNAPSHOT 3: THE LATEST ON SUSTAINABILITY INDICATORS AND TRENDS
The Fraser Basin Council has released its much-anticipated Sustainability Snapshot 3 report during the 2006 State of the Fraser Basin Conference taking place November 16 & 17 in Vancouver. Download your copy. [November 16, 2006]
FBC RELEASES RESULTS OF FRASER RIVER FLOOD STUDY
The Fraser Basin Council has released results of a new Fraser River flood study: see News Release/Backgrounder and Summary of Results. [November 15, 2006]
For background, see our Basin-Wide programs.
NEW E3 FLEET PROGRAM HELPS FLEET VEHICLES ACROSS CANADA GO GREEN
Canadian private and public sector fleet managers looking to reduce costs, reduce their impact on the environment, adopt new technologies, and benchmark their operation against others will now have the tools they need, thanks to a new Fraser Basin Council (FBC) E3 Fleet program that includes the first green rating system for vehicle fleets in North America: see News Release. [November 15, 2006]
NOW ONLINE — SOUTH CARIBOO BUSINESS DIRECTORY
If you have a business in the South Cariboo, or if you would like to connect with businesses offering goods and services across the region, please visit a new online business directory at http://southcariboo.biz/BusinessResourceDirectory/index.php .
The Fraser Basin Council (Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Office) is pleased to initiate the directory as part of its Strengthening Communities program, and applauds the people across the region who helped get this project off the ground. Now it is time to expand the listings. If you would like the name of your business to be added to the directory, please contact:
Gail Wallin, Regional Coordinator
Tel.: 250 392-1400
Email: gwalllin@fraserbasin.bc.caMaureen LeBourdais
Tel: 250 620-3505
Email: lebourdais@xplorenet.com
FBC SUSTAINABILITY LEADERS
The
Fraser Basin Council Sustainability Leaders list serve is designed to provide
a space for youth leaders and community organizations to discuss social,
economic and environmental issues/solutions.
Learn more...
AIR QUALITY WORKSHOPS
The Fraser Basin Council and BC Lung Association were pleased to work together
with the financial assistance of the BC Ministry of Environment and Health
Canada. The BC Lung Association hosted
the 3rd Annual Air Quality and Health Workshop on March 29, 2006, which
focused on Air Quality and Health and the issue of diesel emissions and
health. The Fraser Basin Council hosted the second annual BC Clean Air Forum
on March 30, 2006, with a focus on how communities and businesses can get
engaged in clean air solutions related to wood smoke and transportation.
Learn more...
SUSTAINABILITY PURCHASING NETWORK INITIATIVE
The Sustainability Purchasing Network represents a consortium of BC-based
sustainability purchasing practitioners, primarily located in Greater
Vancouver, whose purpose is to help organizations move along the
path from inception to advanced sustainability purchasing practice.
The Network ultimately promotes the growth of sustainability purchasing
in B.C. while supporting the growth of the sustainable enterprise
sector. Learn more...
NEWS RELEASES
To keep our supporters up to date on Fraser Basin Council activities, we periodically issue news releases. If you would like to receive these updates and are not already on our Fraser Basin Council Mailing List, please fill out the Subscribe form or call our office: 604-488-5350.
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FRASER BASIN COUNCIL IN THE NEWS
In case you missed them, we will be posting PDFs of important newspaper articles on the Fraser Basin and the Fraser Basin Council. These can be viewed with Adobe Acrobat.
Fraser Basin Council in the News