University of Connecticut
OP-15: Campus Fleet

UConn’s motorized fleet is dedicated to becoming more “green.” Electric vehicles and hybrids make up a growing 22% of UConn’s light duty fleet, and the university has worked to reduce the oil dependency of its fleets through the installation of five electric vehicle charging stations at the main campus. 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. 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.

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 Fleet Fuel Standards: http://www.ecohusky.uconn.edu/transportation/fleet-fuel