Fleet emissions

Information
2030 Objective: Reduce fleet vehicle carbon emissions 10 percent from fiscal year 2006-07 levels.
Status: achieved

The City of Portland reduced fleet emissions to 38% below FY 06-07 levels, exceeding the 2030 Environmental Performance Objective for FY 18-19. This decrease is primarily the result of increased use of low carbon fuels. New sources of biofuel have made this level of carbon reductions from fleet achievable.

The City continues to prioritize low-carbon fuels, electric vehicles, and high fuel-efficiency vehicles. CityFleet also works to right-size the vehicles/equipment to the required use to minimize emissions and fuel consumption. CityFleet has many projects and programs in place to help keep carbon emissions from City vehicles and equipment down.

Total vehicle carbon emissions

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Percent change in carbon emissions from FY 06-07

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The City achieved the 2030 Environmental Performance Objective for Fleet in FY 15-16, when 35 percent of fuel use came from renewable sources like biodiesel and ethanol.

The City is working to identify new low carbon fuels as part of the Oregon Low Carbon Fuel Standard adopted by the State. Lower carbon fuels do come with a cost premium and the City will have to carefully balance the environmental benefits with costs to bureau budgets.

Supporting projects

Fleet Electrification

Fleet electrification is expected to be a primary driver of carbon emissions reduction from City fleet vehicles. Of 125 City vehicles identified to convert to electric vehicles (EVs), 80 have already been purchased and are currently in service. The City has already met its 2020 goal of converting 20 percent of its eligible vehicles to EVs, and is well on its way towards reaching the goal of 30 percent by 2030.

Today, nearly 50 electric charge charging stations have been installed for Fleet use and the City is working to install more.  

Poop to Power

The Bureau of Environmental Services is spearheading a large, transformational project that uses the methane produced by decomposing sewage to generate compressed natural gas (CNG). Nicknamed “Poop to Power" the CNG produced will then be used to power some of the City’s vehicles.

Other Accomplishments

Award winning Green Fleet: The Office of Management and Finance's CityFleet won the National Green Fleet award in 2010. This maintenance shop takes measures to reduce environmental waste by:

  • Retreading tires annually to reduce landfill waste.
  • Reducing lead purchases.
  • Recycling vehicle wash water.
  • Using as much B20 (biodiesel) as currently feasible.
  • Track vehicle expenses from cradle to grave including fuel use and miles driven.

All new diesel vehicles have emission control devices installed from the factory.