At the beginning of 2009, the City of Seattle set a goal of reducing fuel consumption in its fleets by 3 percent from 2008 levels. In just the first half of 2009, the City has already reduced its overall fuel consumption by 2.7 percent, or 32,777 gallons, compared to the same period last year.

The fuel reductions made by all departments have saved the City more than $75,000, as well as:

–  Eliminated 476 tons of carbon dioxide emissions
–  Eliminated the need to import more than 900 barrels of oil
–  Eliminated the equivalent annual emissions from 80 passenger vehicles
–  Eliminated the equivalent annual emissions from the use of electricity in 60 homes

This fuel reduction effort is one aspect of the City’s Green Fleet Action Plan, which sets targets for adding green vehicles to the City’s fleet as well as reducing the amount of petroleum fuel used by City vehicles.

The goals of the Green Fleet Action Plan coincide with those of the City’s broad-reaching Climate Protection Initiative, which ensures that Seattle reduces greenhouse gas emissions, encourages compact communities, promotes clean energy and conservation, and inspires others to take environmental action.