University of Connecticut
OP-18: Campus Fleet

UConn’s motorized fleet is dedicated to becoming more “green.” Recently, the university’s Transportation Services qualified for a grant of $260,000 from the Connecticut Clean Fuel program that will help to cover the cost difference to replace several old vehicles with newer clean-fueled vehicles, rather than with traditional gasoline-powered cars. With this grant money, UConn will be replacing more than 50 gasoline- or diesel-fueled passenger cars and trucks - with ultra-low emissions and zero emissions,, hybrid and electric vehicles. Approximately 15% of the current light-duty fleet is low emission, and that is expected to increase by at least an additional 5% in the coming years. There are plans to have 25% of the light-duty fleet be low-emissions by the year 2025, however this proposal is still in theworks. We arecurrently committed to 20% by 2020. It is important to note that Department of Energy reporting standards place public safety vehicles in a different category. (http://today.uconn.edu/blog/2013/09/uconn-getting-green-for-going-green/) UConn has also worked to reduce the oil dependency of its fleets through the installation of an electric vehicle charging station at the university’s Motor Pool Lot, where the school charges its heavy-duty electric vehicle van. This station has positive implications for the environment since the fleet’s van, which charges there overnight, has no CO2, NOX, or particulate emissions. The van is used for all campus deliveries, replacing a diesel truck formerly used. (http://www.ecohusky.uconn.edu/transportation/electric-vehicles.html) Adding onto UConn’s EV friendliness, this past year the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) agreed to fund the installation of two more electric vehicle charging stations on campus. The two additional charging stations are to be installed in both of the parking garages – one in North Parking Garage and another in South Parking Garage – and will be free of charge for all users. http://uconnoep.wordpress.com/2013/11/06/ev-charging-station/ In addition, UConn continues its efforts to support alternative fuel and power technology in its motorized fleet by encouraging all departments to choose from the preferred vehicle list whenever they are purchasing or leasing University vehicles (http://ecohusky.uconn.edu/transportation/2008-preferred-purchases.html). The vehicles listed are based off of ranking estimates of EPA fuel economy (city mpg) and emission standards, and aim to reduce emissions of climate-changing greenhouse gases. http://today.uconn.edu/blog/2013/09/uconn-getting-green-for-going-green/

The University does have additional plated vehicles that were not counted above because they are farm equipment (including tractors, horse trailers, etc.), not passenger vehicles. There are approximately 120 farm vehicles used by the University. Additionally, the University maintains fleet fuel standards in compliance with CT Public Act 2007-242, which requires all vehicles purchased to be in the top third fuel efficiency of their class. Finally, the University discontinued its longstanding production of ASTM-certified biodiesel made from waste cooking oil collected from the University’s dining facilities. The biodiesel was produced using a continuous flow reactor in a Chemical Engineering professor’s lab. This practice had previously resulted in a <5% biodiesel blend used at all times throughout UConn’s diesel fleet. Unfortunately, after a spill in the lab, the production was discontinued for safety reasons. UConn is evaluating the feasibility of purchasing a commercial biodiesel blend (B20) for use full-time in its diesel fleet and certain emergency generators. Electric vehicles information: http://www.ecohusky.uconn.edu/transportation/electric-vehicles.html Fleet Fuel Standards: http://www.ecohusky.uconn.edu/transportation/fleet-fuel.html