Physical Place:

Transportation

START Metric #48:

Motorized Fleet

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Ideas & Resources

Transitioning to a sustainable motorized fleet is an impactful way for schools to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to cleaner air. This START metric focuses on adopting vehicles that use alternative fuels and power technologies, such as plug-in hybrids, fully electric vehicles (EVs), or vehicles fueled by hydrogen or compressed natural gas (CNG). By upgrading to cleaner vehicle options, schools can significantly decrease greenhouse gas emissions, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and demonstrate leadership in environmental responsibility.

Transportation accounts for 14% of global greenhouse gas emissions (IPCC), and school vehicles like buses and maintenance fleets contribute to this total. Switching to alternative fuel vehicles not only benefits the environment but also provides cost savings over time through reduced fuel and maintenance expenses. Schools that embrace this shift pave the way for a cleaner, healthier future while educating their communities about the importance of sustainable transportation.

Strategies for Transitioning to a Sustainable Motorized Fleet

NOTE: This is not a prescriptive list; it just offers ideas to inspire action and can be tailored to fit the unique needs of each school.

  • Conduct a Fleet Assessment

    • Evaluate the current fleet to identify vehicles that can be replaced with alternative fuel or power technology.

    • Prioritize high-mileage or older vehicles for replacement to maximize emissions reductions.

  • Adopt Electric Vehicles (EVs)

    • Transition to electric school buses, staff vehicles, or maintenance equipment.

    • Install on-campus charging stations to support EV use and expand the fleet over time.

  • Incorporate Plug-In Hybrids

    • Use plug-in hybrid vehicles for longer routes or mixed-use applications to reduce fuel consumption.

    • Take advantage of government incentives for purchasing hybrid vehicles.

  • Explore Hydrogen or Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Vehicles

    • Replace large, high-mileage vehicles like buses or delivery trucks with those powered by hydrogen or CNG.

    • Partner with local fuel providers to ensure access to necessary fueling infrastructure.

  • Apply for Grants and Incentives

    • Seek funding opportunities from federal, state, or local programs that support the adoption of clean vehicle technology.

    • Leverage tax incentives or subsidies for the purchase of alternative fuel vehicles and charging infrastructure.

  • Implement Telematics and Fleet Management Systems

    • Use technology to monitor fleet performance and optimize routes for fuel efficiency.

    • Analyze data to identify areas for further emissions reductions.

  • Engage with Vendors Specializing in Green Fleet Solutions

    • Partner with suppliers who offer competitive pricing and maintenance services for alternative fuel vehicles.

    • Request lifecycle emissions analyses for potential vehicle options to inform decision-making.

  • Set Fleet Transition Goals

    • Establish measurable goals, such as converting 50% of the fleet to alternative fuel vehicles within five years.

    • Align these goals with broader sustainability initiatives at the school.

  • Train Drivers and Staff

    • Provide training on operating and maintaining alternative fuel vehicles.

    • Educate staff on eco-driving techniques to improve fuel efficiency across the fleet.

  • Combine Fleet Changes with Sustainable Transportation Initiatives

    • Pair fleet upgrades with programs like carpooling or bike share systems to further reduce emissions.

    • Encourage reduced vehicle use through remote meetings or efficient scheduling.

  • Monitor and Report Progress

    • Track fuel consumption, emissions reductions, and cost savings resulting from fleet upgrades.

    • Share updates with the school community to build support and celebrate milestones.

  • Pilot New Technologies

    • Test cutting-edge vehicle technologies, such as solar-powered charging systems or autonomous EVs.

    • Use pilot programs to assess feasibility and scalability before full implementation.

‘How To’ Guides

  • How to Plan for Electric School Bus Deployment

    From the Electric School Bus Initiative, a resource to help school districts prepare for and engage in discussions with electric utilities about the electrification of school bus fleets.

Additional Resources

  • Overview: Free Technical Assistance for School Districts

    The World Resources Institute’s Electric School Bus Initiative provides school districts with free technical assistance, tools, and resources to accelerate the electrification of school bus fleets.

  • Buyer's Guide: U.S. Market Study for Electric School Buses

    From the World Resources Institute, electric school bus basics and a summary of available electric buses in the US.

  • Types of Electric School Bus

    A 2017 overview of bus-types and specs, including charging system requirements.

  • The Case for Electric School Buses

    An overview of the benefits of electric schools buses and steps to getting started.

  • School Transport Toolkit

    From the Aspen Institute, a 2020 report on electric school bus lifetime savings, partnership opportunities, & state policies.

Schools hold the key to a healthy, sustainable and regenerative future.

They are role-models and incubators that that nurture, educate and prepare each generation for adult life.

Schools have a unique opportunity and profound responsibility to become part the transition to a sustainable, regenerative future in which people and planet can thrive.

But how do we get there?

START: Sustainability Tracking, Analytics & Roadmap Tool was created by schools, for schools, to help them develop comprehensive programs for step-by-step progress towards sustainability, regenerative practice, and student empowerment.

START provides a Roadmap for School Sustainability:

It breaks down school sustainability into clear actions (‘metrics’), such as Minimizing Waste, Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions, and supporting Sustainable Transportation options.

However, research shows it’s not enough for a school to simply reduce its environmental impact.

Students and staff also need to learn about sustainability, and practice it in day-to-day activities, because this impacts their attitudes and behaviors when they leave school. That’s why START includes metrics like Sustainability Events for Students, Sustainability Course Content, and Sustainable Purchasing Practices.

How sustainable is our school now?

Schools use START to measure how sustainable they are now. A school’s START team investigates how their school currently operates to find their ‘sustainability baseline’ for each metric. For example, is our school a beginner, intermediate or advanced in sustainable water use? START enables schools to benchmark, track and visualize their current sustainability levels, as well as hard data around their waste, water, energy and greenhouse gas emissions.

Where should we go next, and do we collaborate for success? 

What do we need to do to ‘level up’ in each metric?  Once schools have their baselines, START helps them to set goals and plan for progress. START provides a central hub for school members to collaborate, document, and plan their school’s sustainability journey.

START is a subscription-based Whole School Sustainability dashboard.

It requires at least one adult school member to create a school’s START account, but it will need a team (students, teachers and staff) to grow a Whole School Sustainability program.

Interested schools can sign up for a demo or apply to set up an account.

Learn more about START here, and consider sharing the brochure with your school.

Let’s create a better future, one school at a time.

Contact us at guides@greenschoolsalliance.org if you have a free resource to contribute or recommend that can help schools take action around this specific sustainability metric.