Green Fleets - British Columbia

Langley, BC, September 29, 2008: The Fraser Basin Council has awarded the Township of Langley a Silver Rating under the E3 Green Fleet Program for excellence in “greening” its vehicle fleets, making it the first municipality in British Columbia to be recognized for sustainable fleet management.

David Marshall, Executive Director for the Fraser Basin Council, which delivers the E3 Program, will appear before Township Council this evening to formally recognize Langley’s Silver Rating.

“The Township of Langley can be proud of its fleets,” said Marshall. “We are honoured to award a Silver Rating and to offer the Township our congratulations. This is the first time we’ve granted this rating in British Columbia, and it’s a reflection of Langley’s leadership in fleet excellence.”

“Langley’s Sustainability Charter will guide the Township towards an environmentally, economically, and socially balanced future, and E3 is an excellent program to help us reach those goals,” said Mayor Kurt Alberts. “Being named B.C.’s first Green Rated Fleet is not just an honour, it is proof that we are on the right track as we continue to reduce our carbon footprint and provide a better quality of life for our residents.”

Langley became a charter organization in the E3 Green Fleet Program in November of 2006. Committing to E3 complemented the municipality’s partnership in the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Partners for Climate Protection Program, and its dedication to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 10% below year 2000 levels by the year 2010.

 “Last November, I announced that the B.C. Government was investing $500,000 into the Green Fleets B.C. partnership, and for good reason,” said Environment Minster Barry Penner. “We are working hard to improve air quality and to reduce pollution that contributes to climate change. I applaud the Township of Langley because over three years, Green Fleets B.C. will remove 200,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases from our air, which is equivalent to taking 50,000 light-duty vehicles off the road.”

Langley’s key accomplishments in earning a Silver Rating under the E3 Fleet program include reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 14% between 2006 and 2007 and implementing new practices:
•    Training staff and raising awareness for employees about green practices
•    Changing vehicle purchasing, operations and maintenance programs
•    Introducing biodiesel to the fleet
•    Replacing larger vehicles with Smart Cars and hybrids
•    Installing GPS tracking systems to increase route efficiency

Two other Canadian fleets have received ratings under the program to date: the City of Hamilton, Ontario  and Enbridge Gas Distribution’s fleet in Ontario.