Eco-driver training within the City of Calgary’s municipal fleet: Monitoring the impact

• Results from eco-driver training are positive.
• Study sample decreased average daily idling between 4% and 10% per day.
• Study sample decreased average daily CO2 by 1.7 kg.
• Hybrid drivers emitted 10,000 kg less of CO2 emissions and saved over 4000 L in fuel.

This article highlights eco-driving as an available policy option to reduce climate altering GHG emissions. Recognizing the need to reduce the environmental impact of its fleet operations, the City of Calgary is a leader in developing programs and policies that aim to reduce GHG emissions and associated pollutants resulting from the use of fossil fuels. Among local action taken against climate change, the City sought to quantify CO2 emissions reductions from their municipal fleet as a result of eco-driver training, with a specific focus on engine idling. Fifteen drivers from the Development & Building Approvals Business Unit had in-vehicle monitoring technology (CarChips®) installed into their vehicles as part of a three-phase research process. The results show that gasoline and hybrid vehicles decreased average idling between 4% and 10% per vehicle per day, leading to an average emissions decrease of 1.7 kg of CO2 per vehicle per day.