For demonstrating environmental responsibility in fleet management, UCLA Transportation has received a 2020 Green Fleet Award. Winners were announced on the 100 Best Fleets website and recognized in a NAFA Fleet Management Association publication.
Government and commercial entities competed in the 13th Annual Green Fleet Awards contest. Judging criteria includes dedicated alternative fuel and hybrid vehicle composition, fuel usage, fuel savings, purchasing policy, long-range planning, and more.
UCLA Transportation was recognized with the award this year for excellence in reducing emissions from University fleet vehicles and supporting sustainability. Among its competitors, UCLA came in at No. 37 in the nation and No. 4 among university fleets in the U.S.
The current inventory of close to 1,100 vehicles, 62% of which are alternative-fueled, includes flex-fuel, biodiesel, battery-electric, and plug-in hybrid. UCLA Transportation requires the selection of battery electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles for all new University vehicle purchases if they are available in the classification needed by a campus user.
Since 2015 there has been a 50% conversion rate to alternative fuel vehicles in UCLA’s fleet. Switching to low- and zero-emission vehicles save nearly 5,000 gallons of fuel and an estimated 42.5 metric tons of CO2 each year.
This cleaner fuel fleet keeps expanding – two zero-emission shuttle buses for use by UCLA’s hospital in Westwood and Santa Monica are about to hit the road.
Other sustainable practices in fleet services by the department include the implementation of telematics. This technology guides fleet managers on proper usage of equipment by decreasing idling and reducing speed and excessive acceleration.
Efforts to cut down on traditional fuel consumption and decrease pollution and improve air quality are revving up, with UCLA Transportation currently on track to run a completely carbon neutral fleet by 2025.
