GreenTraks Reveals Significant CO2 Reductions at the City of Sacramento

Marysville, CA, September 7, 2016 (Newswire.com) - ​GreenTraks presented its results to the City of Sacramento in mid-July after a one-year pilot program, and will present its findings again on September 20th at 10 a.m. PT in a webinar hosted by the Sustainability Management Association and featuring the Butte County Air Quality Management District.

GreenTraks provided energy-management services for the City of Sacramento’s fleet of vehicles, and reported project performance on three of the City’s energy-efficiency projects, including a diesel fleet conversion and two large LED (light-emitting diode) lighting projects. GreenTraks introduced a project-portfolio methodology to showcase City energy-efficiency projects, under the GreenTraks Climate Action Partners Program (CAPP) initiative for cities, counties, and utilities. The pilot program also provided the City with the basis of regular internal reporting of the City’s total actual energy and greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) for its properties and fleets.

According to Mark Stevens, Fleet Manager for the City of Sacramento, “The GreenTraks’ platform allowed us to view fuel consumption together with GHG emissions across our entire fleet of vehicles, including our diesel, gasoline, and alternative-fueled vehicles. We could clearly see the impacts of our alternative-fuel decisions and formulate plans for the future.”  

The energy-efficiency project results were as follows:

Renewable Natural Gas Project for Sacramento Refuse Vehicles – Over 100 refuse trucks were converted from diesel to liquefied natural gas (LNG) prior to 2014, which consisted of a majority of its Side Loader and Rear Loader refuse trucks. Total reductions of GHG were 3,232 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) and avoided costs were over $815,000 (2013 and 2014). In 2015, the City began purchasing 100% renewable LNG (RNG), estimated to more than double its reduction of GHG on a per gallon basis. The City also converted approximately 14 Rear Loader refuse trucks to compressed natural gas (CNG) in 2014. Compared with diesel fuel, the City reduced GHG by 98 metric tons of CO2 and avoided costs of $24,260 (2014).

Downtown Plaza West and Memorial Garage Lighting Projects – In addition to several other City garages, complete retrofits of the Downtown Plaza West Garage and Memorial Garage lighting systems were performed in 2010 and 2011 which included replacing existing High Intensity Discharge (HID) parking garage light fixtures with new LED light fixtures. Most of the new LED light fixtures have motion response, so they use a low mode when there is no activity (movement). The existing pole mounted HID fixtures on the roof were also replaced with LED's and stairwell fluorescent fixtures were replaced with new energy efficient fluorescent fixtures; and, Exit signs were also replaced with new LED Exit signs. Downtown Plaza West total reductions of GHG were 1,175 metric tons of CO2 and avoided costs were over $480,000 (2011 and 2013). Memorial Garage total reductions of GHG were 436 metric tons of CO2 and avoided costs were over $180,000 (2012 and 2014).

According to Kevin Cochran, GreenTraks COO, “We were very pleased to provide GreenTraks services for the City of Sacramento – and under Mayor Kevin Johnson’s Cities 3.0 initiative – especially since the City has been recognized as one of the top government fleets and sustainable cities in the country.” Kevin added, “In addition to the City of Sacramento, GreenTraks has helped other cities uncover opportunities and eliminate risks with its energy-efficiency tracking services and public private partnership programs that engage the community to take action, save money, and reduce carbon emissions.” GreenTraks provides energy-efficiency programs and tracking services to other cities, such as the City of Benicia, the City of Palo Alto, and the City of Pittsburg.

About GreenTraks, Inc.

Based in California, privately held GreenTraks emerged from a fuel and petroleum distribution company tracking energy usage of commercial fleets and bulk fuel. GreenTraks cloud-based energy-efficiency management and reporting suite of subscription-based services includes Energy Tracking, Sustainability Marketing and Advanced Reporting which can be used to track any type of energy source including electricity, natural gas, water, waste or other customer specific commodities. Through a trusted network of strategic partners, industry vendors and suppliers, GreenTraks guides organizations toward saving money, and growing their business through positive behavior change, promotion of sustainability accomplishments and a commitment toward environmental stewardship. Visit www.greentraks.com for more information.

About Sustainability Project Management Workshop Series

Meet your organization’s strategic goals with clear target goals and key performance indicators by attending the Sustainability Project Management Workshop Series. The Sustainability Management Association invites you, your front line management team, and staff to attend free workshops to learn how to manage for sustainability. Your team will learn how to assess risks and threats and successfully plan new opportunities that are achievable and attainable.

For more information about SMA's Transforming Leadership Webinar – Sustainability Project Management Workshop Series, visit: http://www.sustainabilityma.org/2016/03/sustainability-project-management-workshop-webinar-series/

Source: GreenTraks