Solutionsenvision a cleaner world

In 2004 Georgia EPD started looking for ways to reduce emissions from our legacy diesel fleet. Alternative fuels had been tried by some fleets in the 1990s, but the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) still had a ways to go in offering affordable and reliable alternative fuel vehicles and the fueling infrastructure was not widely available. Many ideas were kicked around, and with the help of some forward thinking industry partners, EPD decided on retrofitting.  At the time it was the most cost effective way to reduce emissions from the legacy diesel fleet.   

As time has passed the Georgia the Georgia Adopt a School Bus program became the Georgia Retrofit Program and eventually the GaDER program. This occurred as the spectrum of projects EPD and our partners worked on broadened outside of school bus initiatives.  It was decided that a “big picture” approach to reducing emissions was needed. With a portfolio of possible emissions reduction solutions available, as no one solution is right for every fleet.

It was decided that a “big picture” approach to reducing emissions was needed – one that had a portfolio of possible emissions reduction solutions available, as no one solution is right for every fleet.

GaDER

Emission control devices are still a valuable tool for Georgia. However, whether a vehicle operate on these devices is very duty cycle dependent. It also requires the technology to be verified by either CARB or EPA for the engine model the fleet is installing it on.

Alternative fuels are also a good way to reduce emissions. Alternative fuels include hybrid electric, plug-in electric, propane and natural gas. Alternative fuels typically require infrastructure for fueling, which is currently being built by private industry. The OEMS have started to offer alternative fueled vehicles in many of their models. The return on investment (ROI) on alternative fuels has made this a valid option for some fleets.

Efficiencies in fleet operations and vehicle design are also an easy way to reduce emissions. For example, driver training can result in fuel efficiency improvements and thus lower the amount of diesel burned. Reduced idling and route coordination can also reduce fuel use and maintenance, thus saving the fleet money as well as reducing emissions.

All of these solutions used in any combination can help reduce diesel emissions from fleets. Let GaDER help you find your solutions for a cleaner Georgia!