ReFUEL November 2012 | Wisconsin Clean Cities - Southeast Area | Monthly Newsletter
Ferrellgas and Go Riteway Transportation Group Selected As Sustainability All-Stars
Kwik Trip and Paper Transport Recognized for Outstanding Achievement
Leading National Retailer Chooses Propane Autogas to Fuel Service Fleet
Also In This Issue:
Welcome New and Returning Members Question of the Month: Strategies for reducing vehicle miles traveled Fleets Across the U.S.: Seattle Baking Company Using Biodiesel Eye on Wisconsin Clean Cities Events, Resources, and More...
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ReFUEL is Wisconsin Clean Cities Southeast Area’s (WCC-SEA) monthly coalition newsletter. WCC-SEA is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3), organization, and is one of nearly 100 Clean Cities coalitions across the U.S. WCC-SEA works to reduce emissions, encourage the use of alternative fuels and alternative fuel vehicles, and develop the refueling infrastructure necessary to sustain the industry.
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In This Issue: Page 4
Page 5
Page 6
Question of the Month
Strategies for reducing vehicle miles traveled
Welcome New and Returning Members Mark Your Calendars
A full listing of upcoming events Wisconsin Clean Cities is hosting or attending
Features: Pages 7-10
Leading National Retailer Chooses Propane Autogas to Fuel Service Fleet Ferrellgas and Go Riteway Transportation Group Selected As Sustainability All-Stars Kwik Trip and Paper Transport Recognized for Outstanding Achievement
Page 11
Page 12
Fleets Across The U.S.
Seattle Baking Company Finds Success with Biodiesel
Eye On Clean Cities
November ReFUEL | 2
Are you a member yet? Sta r t mak in g a n i m pa c t by j oi n i n g Wi s con s i n Cle a n Cities to day ! W CC - S E A re l ie s o n su ppo r t f ro m o u r mem b er s. D ues and cor p orate me m be rs h ip s e n abl e WCC- SEA to h o l d meet ings, sp onsor ed uc at ional wor k sh o p s, an d prov i de v i ta l o u trea ch mater ials.
Wh at c an WCC- S E A do for you ?
• Net wor k i n g o ppo r tu nities w it h fl eets & in dus tr y pa r tn er s • Te ch n i cal t ra ining, wo r k sho ps, a n d webin a r s • I nfo r mat i o n reso u rces o n a l ter n ative fuel s, a dva n ced veh ic l es, idl e redu c t i o n , an d o t her tec hno l o gies th at reduce petro l eum us e • I ndi v i d u al co nsu l t at io n a nd tec h n ic a l a s s is ta n ce • Fun d i n g o p p o r tu nities f ro m th e U.S . D epa r tm ent o f E n ergy, s tate and loc al g ove r n m ent a g enc ies, non pro fits, a n d fo un datio n s • Pub l i c re cognitio n fo r pro gress in reduc in g petro l eum co n s um ption • As s i s t an ce w ith m edia o u trea ch
J oin to d ay!
Vis i t w w w. wi clea nc ities. o rg / j o in. ph p, em a il in fo @ w ic l ea n c ities.o rg, o r c all 4 14- 221- 4 9 5 8 .
Join the ranks with these notable supporters:
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Question of the Month “What strategies are used to reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and improve overall transportation system efficiency?”
VMT is a measure used to report the number of miles that motor vehicles are driven on the road. It is a representation of how much fuel a transportation system uses, the resources necessary to build and maintain that system, and the amount of time the regions’ inhabitants are spending on the road.
Many Clean Cities coalitions work in their communities to reduce VMT and improve overall transportation system efficiency. Increasing efficiency through transportation demand management can help achieve local and nationwide goals for transportation (reduced congestion), energy (decreased petroleum use), and the environment (reduced emissions). Fleets can also benefit from strategies to reduce VMT through cost and time savings. Strategies for reducing VMT include: • Ridesharing: Encourage people to share vehicles and commute together through employee rideshare, ridematching systems, and car sharing programs. • Mass Transit: Develop, improve, or increase ridership on buses, bus rapid transit, trolleys, rail, and ferry systems. • Active Transit: Eliminate vehicle use by supporting strategies that encourage biking and walking, including infrastructure development (e.g., bike lanes, sidewalks) and bike share programs. • Multi-Modal Transportation: Develop resources and infrastructure to enable commuters to split up their trip into multiple modes, including ridesharing, mass transit, and active transit (e.g., online trip planners, park-and ride lots). • Telework: Implement flexible work arrangements where employees can work from home (telecommute) or attend meetings from their computer (teleconference). • Route-Planning Software: Utilize tools that allow fleets, particularly delivery and pick-up services, to plan and follow the most direct route. For more information on these strategies, visit the Alternative Fuels Data Center’s Transportation System Efficiency page (www.afdc.energy.gov/conserve/system_efficiency.html). In addition, the following resources may be of assistance: • U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Transit Administration: www.fta.dot.gov/ • Partnership for Sustainable Communities: www.sustainablecommunities.gov/ • DOT, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Active Transportation and Demand Management (ATDM): ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/fhwahop12032/index.htm • Transportation Research Board (TRB): www.trb.org/ • American Public Transportation Association (APTA): www.publictransportation.org/ November ReFUEL | 4
Welcome and
new
returning
Members Dynamic Recycling Go Riteway Transportation Group Paper Transport, Inc. Barnes, Inc.
s: ies Member it C n a le C Wisconsin Have your organization, an article, or an ad featured in the Wisconsin Clean Cities monthly newsletter free. It’s your chance to tell others what your company is doing to promote petroleum reduction and other green initiatives, or tell them about a great deal.
All articles or ads must be submitted by the 20th of each month to be featured. For more detail or to submit an article or ad, contact Heather Goetsch at (414) 221-4487 or email heather.goetsch@wicleancities.org. Not a member of Wisconsin Clean Cities? Join today! Gain recognition for the great work your company is doing. View details listed on page 3 or visit http://www.wicleancities.org/join.php.
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Mark Your Calendars!
Join Wisconsin Clean Cities at these great events!
2012
2013
November 8, 2012
March 6-7, 2013
Kwik Trip CNG Station Grand Opening 10:00 - 11:00 AM 2400 S. Washburn St., Oshkosh, WI 54904
December 6, 2012
Wisconsin Clean Cites Annual Stakeholder Meeting & Holiday Reception 2:00 - 4:30 PM We Energies (Auditorium) 231 W. Michigan St., Milwaukee, WI 53203 Members: Free Non-Members: $25.00 RSVP: 414-221-4958 or info@wicleancities.org
10th Annual Sustainability Summit & Expo Frontier Airlines Center 400 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53203 www.greenenergysummit.us
April 26, 2013
10th Annual Green Vehicle Workshop MATC - Downtown Campus 700 W. State St., Milwaukee, WI 53233
For more event information, visit www.wicleancities.org. For sponsorship opportunities, email info@wicleancities.org or call (414) 221-4958. November ReFUEL | 6
LEADING NATIONAL RETAILER CHOOSES PROPANE AUTOGAS TO FUEL SERVICE FLEET Submitted by: ROUSH CleanTech
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ears Holdings began converting its fleet of service vans to propane autogas last month, starting with 27 new ROUSH CleanTech Ford E-250 cargo vans being used in the Seattle area for Sears Home Services. This deployment has the potential to significantly multiply the number of propane autogas fleet vehicles Sears adopts, contributing to a significant reduction in the company’s carbon footprint in the future. “Propane autogas has proven safe, reliable and environmentally friendly, and we look forward to putting this fuel to work in our fleet,” said Stu Reed, Sears Holdings senior vice president and president of Sears Home Services. “The conversion of 27 of Sears Home Service in Seattle runs 27 ROUSH CleanTech Ford E-series vans fueled by propane autogas, a clean-burning alternative to gasoline. our product repair vans to propane autogas is one of several initiatives we have underway to improve the efficiency of our fleet of 10,000 Home Services vans. If we get the type of efficiencies we expect by converting these vans to ROUSH CleanTech propane autogas, we could scale this to all 10,000 service vans.” Fueling with propane autogas leads to significant reductions in exhaust emissions with up to 25 percent less greenhouse gases, 20 percent less nitrogen oxide and up to 60 percent less carbon monoxide than gasoline-powered vehicles. Historically, propane autogas costs 30 to 40 percent less per gallon than gasoline and up to 50 percent less than diesel, and vehicles fueled with propane autogas also offer reduced maintenance costs and the potential for extended engine life. To assist Sears in refueling efficiently, Ferrellgas installed three 1,000-gallon refueling stations at two Sears full-line store parking lots and at one parts and repair facility at no cost. “The ROUSH and Sears brands are synonymous with quality,” said Todd Mouw, vice president of sales and marketing for ROUSH CleanTech. “We are thrilled to forge a partnership with a national retailer renowned for their dedication to their customers, the environment and the products they sell. At ROUSH CleanTech, we hold these ideals in high esteem, and are committed to creating a superior ownership experience for Sears.”
ROUSH® CLEANTECH • 800.59.ROUSH • ROUSHCLEANTECH.COM 7 | November ReFUEL
Ferrellgas & Go Riteway Transportation Group Sustainability All-Stars
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he second annual Sustainability All-Star award recipients were recognized October 3, at the Green Fleet Conference in Schaumburg, Ill. Awardees were nominated based on professional longevity, sustainability achievements, innovative ways individuals have contributed to reducing emissions and fuel consumption, and overall industry involvement. Green Fleet recognized 40 individuals, including commercial and public sector fleet managers as well as vendors/suppliers for their outstanding achievements in green fleet sustainability in 2012. Among the awardees were Wisconsin Clean Cities members: Mike Abrams, Fleet Director for Ferrellgas, and Ronald Bast, President, Go Riteway Transportation Group. Ferrellgas Ferrellgas’ Fleet Director, Mike Abrams, develops, plans, and executes strategy for the nation’s 35th largest green fleet and 246th largest commercial fleet. A 15-year propane industry veteran, Abrams authored the company’s Green Fleet Policy, which has identified nearly a half million dollars in annual fuel savings while simultaneously reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions in every community Ferrellgas services. He helped establish MidAmerica Green Fleets, is a former member of the Propane Education & Research Council’s Engine Fuel Advisory Committee, and has served on panels at the Green Fleet Conference and Alternative Fuel Vehicle Institute. Go Riteway Transportation Group Since 2009 Ronald Bast has received awards and recognitions for going the extra mile toward fleet sustainability. His Wisconsin airport transportation company, GO Riteway, operates 65 percent of its airport shuttle fleet (8 percent of overall fleet) on alternative fuels. Currently running 27 propane autogas and electric hybrid vehicles, GO Riteway has an additional 30 vehicles on order for use by year-end. The company is acquiring 75-passenger buses to run on Eaton hybrid systems and converting shuttle vans and school buses, including a paratransit-capable 21-passenger bus, to clean-burning ROUSH CleanTech liquid propane autogas technology. Other green initiatives include regenerative breaking, a fleet wide anti-idling policy and a fuel conservation program. They also operate EPA-compliant engines in motor coaches. All this is closely monitored to ensure and encourage drivers to comply with corporate policies. Bast’s green policies extend to buildings and employees, who hold manager meetings via Skype to reduce their own fuel consumption and emissions. Their newest building uses energy efficient lights and plumbing to cut down on energy consumption.
Learn more about Ferrellgas’ green initiatives: http://www.ferrellgas.com/Our-Company/Environmental-Commitment Learn more about Go Riteway Transportation Group’s green initiatives: http://www.goriteway.com/going-green/ November ReFUEL | 8
YOU’RE INVITED! Wisconsin Clean Cities
Annual Stakeholder Meeting & Holiday Reception December 6, 2012 2:00 - 4:30 PM We Energies 231 W. Michigan St. Milwaukee, WI 53203 • Meet Wisconsin Clean Cities Board of Directors • Learn How the Coalition Did in 2012 • Network with Other Clean Cities Stakeholders • Enjoy Delicious Appetizers and Desserts
RSVP: (414) 221-4958 or info@wicleancities.org Sponsorship Opportunities Available! Please consider supporting for $200, $300, or $500. 9 | November ReFUEL
Kwik Trip & Paper Transport Recognized for Outstanding Achievement
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GVAmerica and the Clean Vehicle Education Foundation (CVEF), two organizations dedicated to increasing the use of natural gas-powered vehicles to improve air quality, lessen dependence on foreign oil and reduce fleet operator costs in the USA, announced ten 2012 winners of the prestigious NGV Achievement Award in addition to one NGV Lifetime Achievement Award. The awards were given to persons and organizations in recognition of their outstanding contributions in leadership, vision and innovation to the advancement of natural gas as a vehicular fuel. Paper Transport, Inc. “Outstanding NGV 3PL Industry Leadership” Paper Transport, Inc. (PTI) has 20 compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks on the road and 15 on order scheduled for delivery in November. To date, PTI has logged over 2.4 million miles with natural gas powered trucks, and has formed a joint venture to build public-access CNG fueling stations throughout the regions in which they operate. The first station opened in Green Bay this January and two have been added since with two more planned for early 2013. In promoting the natural gas industry, PTI advocates natural gas as a transportation fuel to their competitors, sharing technical expertise with other carriers looking to explore CNG as an alternative fuel source. Additionally, PTI has lent itself to test prototype compressed natural gas products, putting into service a Kenworth and a Freightliner tractor powered by the CWI ISX-12G CNG engine. They have also been instrumental in working with and testing APG dual-fuel technology. PTI has been and continues to be a leader and pioneer in the natural gas truck market. PTI is a member of Wisconsin Clean Cities, and Jeff Shefchik, President of PTI, serves on the board of directors. Kwik Trip, Inc. “Outstanding NGV Market Development Leadership” Kwik Trip built the nation’s first truly alternative fuels station in La Crosse, WI – a personal investment of $3 million dollars. The design of the station itself incorporates 10 transportation fuels, including CNG and liquefied natural gas (LNG), under a single canopy to achieve a one-stop fueling experience for the general public. Kwik Trip currently has four locations offering CNG – which sells for between $1.59 and $1.79 per gasoline gallon equivalent (GGE) in Wisconsin, and plans to open two more stations this year. An additional 10 stations are slated to open in 2013 within their territory (Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin). Kwik Trip’s own natural gas vehicle (NGV) fleet will serve as part of the anchor load. Kwik Trip maintains a fleet of about 400 vehicles which travel over 18 million miles annually. They have just begun to transform their fleet and currently operate over 20 NGVs ranging from light-duty vehicles to Class 8 trucks. Kwik Trip is an activist for the natural gas industry and strongly advocates the nationwide adoption of natural gas to be a standard fuel instead of an alternative fuel. Kwik Trip is also a member of Wisconsin Clean Cities.
Learn more about Paper Transport, Inc.: http://www.papertransport.com/ Learn more about Kwik Trip: http://www.kwiktrip.com/AboutUs/fuel/Alternative/
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FLEETS ACROSS THE U.S.: How Other Fleets Are Using Alternative Fuels And Vehicles
Seattle Baking Company Finds Success with Biodiesel
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or nearly five years, the Essential Baking Company has delivered its certified organic baked goods to grocers, cafes, restaurants, schools, and hospitals in the Seattle area with a fleet of cargo vans that run on biodiesel. Through close partnerships and agreements with its fuel provider and leasing company, Essential Baking has overcome technical obstacles and successfully reduced its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions In 2006, Essential Baking considered several options for alternative fuels, with the goal of reducing emissions and extending their corporate commitment to sustainability into fleet operations. Biodiesel emerged as the best option because it is a locally produced renewable fuel. In addition, the company found it could use a blend of 99% biodiesel and 1% petroleum diesel (B99) in most of its leased diesel vans without compromising the warranties or modifying the vehicles. Furthermore, if the cost of One of eleven Essential Baking Company’s delivery vans that biodiesel became prohibitive, the vans could easily runs on various biodiesel blends. switch back to using conventional diesel or a lower biodiesel blend until the price came down. Upon further investigation, Essential Baking discovered that biodiesel was already used widely in the Seattle area, so fueling infrastructure and service technicians familiar with the fuel were readily available. As of June 2012, the company ran 11 long-term lease cargo vans—nine 2005 Dodge Sprinters and two 2008 Sprinters—on various biodiesel blends. All of the 2005 models fuel with B99, except between December and March, when Propel prepares a B75 blend to avoid fuel gelling in cold temperatures. Essential Baking temporarily transitions to B20 in these vehicles during times when the price difference between diesel fuel and biodiesel is too significant to justify a high-level blend. The two remaining vans have advanced exhaust control systems, so they operate on B20 at all times to avoid warranty issues. (The potential impacts of higher-level blends on these systems has yet to be fully studied.)
Learn more about the Essential Baking Company: http://essentialbaking.com/ http://www.afdc.energy.gov/case/1204 11 | November ReFUEL
Eye on Wisconsin Clean Cities
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ctober was a month long celebration of alternative fuels through the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium’s Odyssey Day. Events were held in Monona (10/4), La Crosse (10/11), Kimberly (10/18), Milwaukee (10/25), and Oconomowoc (10/25). The 3rd Natural Gas for Transportation Roundtable was also held in October, on the 23rd in Milwaukee. More than 100 people attended to hear from individual consumers that have purchased natural gas vehicles and learn about modifications for maintenance shops.
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Odyssey Day in Monona, WI focused on efforts made by Wisconsin-based fleets. 1) Vehicles on display from Honda Motorwerks, Madison Truck Equipment, Badger Cab, and Jefferson County Sheriff ’s Office. 2) Badger Cab company has been using bi-fuel propane vehicles for decades. Bob Frick from Badger Cab talked about the history of the company, their decision to use propane, and the benefits they have experienced.
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Odyssey Day in Kimberly, WI focused on natural gas as a vehicle fuel and was fully sponsored by GAIN Clean Fuel. 3) Jay Bowers talks about the vehicle options available through Wisconsin Kenworth. 4) Several heavy-duty natural gas trucks on display from Veriha Trucking, Wisconsin Kenworth, U.S. Venture, and Paper Transport.
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Odyssey Day in Milwaukee, WI was an alternative fuel tour. 5) First stop was Mitchell International Airport, where Greg Failey talked about the fuels they have adopted, including compressed natural gas. 6) The fourth stop was a tour of Fusion Renewables biodiesel facility on Jones Island.
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