A more sustainable municipal fleet for County of Kings

The Municipality of the County of Kings will complete a feasibility study to review its fleet needs and look for ways to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions. This study will look at the technical and financial feasibility of alternate fuel options, such as bio-diesel and fuel cell, and alternate vehicle options, such as electric, hybrid and mini cube vans. The study will also look at operational aspects of fleet management that optimize environmental benefits, such as reviewing the size of the fleet, opportunities to improve driving patterns, driver training, operation and maintenance practices, and other opportunities that the consultant may identify. With a population of about 60,000, County of Kings has a municipal fleet of one vacuum truck, two heavy-duty pickup trucks, two tractors, 14 light pickup trucks and five SUVs. These vehicles are spread across three departments: Engineering and Public Work, Building Inspection and Community Development, and Recreation. With the municipal depot located up to 50 kilometres away from some municipal infrastructure, the fleet’s daily travels can be significant. County of Kings wishes to confirm that its initiative can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 50%, from using less fossil fuel through alternate energy sources and fewer kilometres travelled. Additionally, air quality would be improved from fewer pollutants being emitted by the fleet. The study will use life cycle and triple bottom line analysis to assess the most suitable option. County of Kings also plans to engage internal municipal stakeholders throughout the study. This study aligns with four of the municipality’s strategies and plans that prioritize sustainable energy and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions: the 2018–2021 Strategic Plan; Asset Management Policy; Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (ICSP); and the Kings 2050 Municipal Climate Change Action Plan (MCCAP). Innovative aspect(s): County of Kings owns two tractors as part of its Engineering and Public Work fleet. Including them in the study could yield findings that may be of interest to other rural municipalities or to the agricultural sector. Replicability: County of Kings has a medium-size population spread over a large area, requiring extensive travel to provide municipal services. Any municipality with a similar setting could learn from this study. (Project description from original funding application)