From Sept. 20 to 23 the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) hosted a series of fuel-smart driving training programs for employees presented by Green Workplace.
The fuel-smart driving program is designed to demonstrate the difference that organizations can make in reducing fuel and maintenance costs, reducing their carbon footprint, and reducing air pollution that contributes to asthma.
The 60 SCRD staff who participated, received a combination of in-class theory, in-car driving skills training with follow-up online training modules.
"This is part of an organizational wide initiative to reduce energy use and fuel costs in our operations," said SCRD community energy manager Johan Stroman. "Providing training and enhanced awareness to reduce our fuel consumption and transportation emissions through proven driving techniques makes good environmental and business sense."
The program is one of several that the SCRD is implementing to reduce transportation costs and green house gas emissions. After SCRD's buildings, transportation is the next largest contributor to energy costs and emissions that cause climate change.
"The idea behind the program is simple," added Stroman. "By learning and practicing a handful of new driving habits, we can measurably reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. This is one of the steps that will help us achieve our 444 to 372 tonnes reduction targets by 2018."
The University of British Columbia recently completed training of 50 employees with FuelSmart and forecasts a 7,000-litre fuel savings and a 16-tonne emission reduction annually. SCRD staff are interested in finding ways to reduce their own driving related emissions as well -a staff inspired ride-share program named "It's-On-My-Way" started this spring.
"The fuel-smart program was designed to demonstrate the difference that we can make by reducing our fuel costs, reducing our carbon footprint, and protecting our environment through reduced air pollution," said SCRD board chair Garry Nohr. "I think this program fits neatly with our mission to create a sustainable way of life here on the Sunshine Coast. Money not spent on fuel can be better allocated to enhance services. We recommend that businesses with fleets on the Coast who are seeking ways to cut costs and enhance safety try one of these programs."
Businesses can contact the SCRD for more information at 604-885-6800.
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