Environmental Initiative’s Project Green Fleet (PGF) is a voluntary program that provides emission-reduction equipment for school buses and other diesel vehicles at low or no cost to fleets. Technologies are available that reduce emissions by reducing idling, treating exhaust, or replacing entire engines with newer, cleaner substitutes.
Federal, state, and private funds allow us to provide most equipment to fleets at no cost. Replacement or repowering of engines requires some cost sharing from fleets. This voluntary, partnership-based program has reduced emissions from several thousands of vehicles in a variety of sectors. Environmental Initiative staff recruit fleets to participate, coordinate installation of equipment, quantify diesel emissions reduced and administer large scale grant funding.
Cleaner Air Through Partnership
In 2003, Environmental Initiative was asked coordinate a voluntary partnership with leaders from business, government and environmental organizations to develop a set of strategies to clean up the air. This group of leaders works to keep Minnesota’s air clean through proactive, voluntary approaches. Installing pollution control equipment on diesel vehicles was one idea the stakeholders agreed would make a big impact. Learn more about Environmental Initiative’s Clean Air Minnesota project »
A small-scale pilot project financed by Flint Hills Resources in 2005 provided a model for what would turn into Project Green Fleet. Environmental Initiative staff have improved and grown Project Green Fleet over the years, expanding emission reduction efforts on school buses to other diesel fleets.
Accomplishments
Retrofitted over 2,200 school buses in 165 fleets
Improved the air quality for the estimated 230,000 daily bus riders
Retrofitted or replaced 400 other off-road diesel engines
Prevented 1.9 tons of particulate matter yearly from entering atmosphere
Will prevent approximately 25 tons of particulate matter from entering atmosphere over the life of the participating vehicles
Awards
Environmental Initiative’s Project Green Fleet is an award-winning effort. To date we’ve received the following awards and recognition:
2008 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Clean Air Excellence Award, one of only two winners nationally in the community action category.
2009 Midwest Clean Diesel Initiative Leadership Award, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region V for significant, measurable improvements in air quality through the development and implementation of clean diesel actions.
2009 Minnesota Governor’s Award for Pollution Prevention, recognizing superior environmental achievement by Minnesota’s businesses, nonprofits, government and institutions.
2011 Finalist, Best Green Campaign, Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce and Minnesota Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Sustainability Award
Environmental Initiative’s Project Green Fleet (PGF) is a voluntary program that provides emission-reduction equipment for school buses and other diesel vehicles at low or no cost to fleets. Technologies are available that reduce emissions by reducing idling, treating exhaust, or replacing entire engines with newer, cleaner substitutes.