Leading By Example -

County Drives Clean, Green and Lean Machines

If you think environmental sustainability is something new for Pinellas County Fleet Management, think again. Fleet has a longstanding program of vehicle maintenance that improves mileage and reduced emissions by using off-the-shelf technology.

The cornerstone of this commitment to green is an extensive program of preventative maintenance. Each of the county’s nearly 2,000 vehicles is given a thorough work over when they are brought to the shop. From the mundane – such as checking tire pressure and air filters – to more advanced application such as throttle body cleanings, the goal is efficiency, reliability and prolonged vehicle life.

While checking what’s under the hood is the first step, what goes into the tank is just as critical. Pinellas County Fleet Management was one of the early adopters of biodiesel to power their large trucks. This product, made from vegetable oils, is an outstanding substitute for straight diesel fuel. This fuel keeps grease out of the waste stream and has significant advantages when it comes to environmental impact – a 30 percent reduction in hydrocarbons, 20 percent reduction in carbon monoxide and a 22 percent reduction in particulate matter – the stuff coming out of the tailpipe.

It’s not only clean and green, but lean as well. Fleet management has been moving toward smaller, more efficient vehicles to conduct county business. Sure, when the job calls for a large dump truck or other apparatus, departments can check them out from Fleet. But, for day-to-day operations, studies conducted by Fleet show that smaller trucks and cars can easily handle the load. This further increases fuel efficiency, and by purchasing more standardized equipment, it’s easier to keep necessary parts on hand for maintenance.

Simple steps for a greener future.

Since 2007. Pinellas County has been the first jurisdiction in the state to earn the Green Local Government designation. The Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) recognized the county’s environmental stewardship and its leadership in following sustainability practices. In order to obtain the Green Local Government designation, the coalition considered a comprehensive list of criteria, which included a myriad of local government department functions. For more information on this prestigious designation, visit www.floridagreenbuilding.org. Pinellas County continues its dedication to green living and working, considering the sustainability factor of projects, planning and employment – both on the road and in the office.