Corporate Idling Reduction Strategy

Delta's Fleet Goes Idle Free

Consider this...every time you start your vehicle, it produces pollutants that contribute to climate change, smog and acid rain. In fact, for every litre of gasoline used, the average car produces 2.4 kg of carbon dioxide, the principal greenhouse gas contributing to climate change. It is easy to see that changing the way we drive, even just a little, can have an  enormous impact on our environment, both globally and locally. That is why Delta's vehicle fleet has gone idle free.

As of March 1st, 2008, corporate vehicles will no longer be permitted to idle for more than one minute. Limiting the amount of idling to a one minute standard will drastically reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced by Delta's vehicle fleet. It will also reduce fuel costs and extend vehicle engine life. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving the overall efficiency of Delta's corporate fleet is a major component of our Green Fleet Management Plan.

The only vehicles exempt from the anti-idling standard will be vehicles responding to an emergency and vehicles that have equipment (amber warning lights or computers) which require power from the main engine battery. In an effort to further reduce idling, we have started moving staff who respond to emergencies, or who need to keep their lights on, into newer vehicles that are outfitted with energy efficient LED strobe lights. LED lights do not draw heavily on the vehicle's battery and will no longer need to idle.

All of Delta's operational staff have been educated about the impact that their idling vehicles have on the community, both environmentally and visually. They have been taught that they are to set an example for all community members and businesses to follow.

The Green Fleet team encourages you and your family to go idle free - together our efforts to reduce the impact we make on the environment will result in a cleaner, greener municipality.

• See the February 29, 2008 Council Report: Delta's Corporate Idling Strategy

For more information, contact the Engineering Department at (604) 946-3260.