Village of Downers Grove Recognized for 'Green Fleet'

The village of Downers Grove has been recognized for its commitment to environmental sustainability.

Each year the Clean Cities Coalition, operated by the U.S. Department of Energy, recognizes the top 100 fleets in North America with the Government Green Fleet Award. Agencies are selected for their dedicated use of alternative fuel and hybrid vehicles.

Downers Grove ranked 14th on this year's list, and was the only community recognized in the Chicagoland area.

Of the 176 units within the village's fleet, including on-and off-road vehicles and equipment, 83 percent utilize some form of alternative fuel, according to village officials. These alternatives include Biodiesel (B-20), E-85 (Ethanol), Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), propane, solar power, and hybrid combinations. 

The Village uses CNG fuel to power a wide range of vehicles including Honda Civics, pick-up trucks, cargo vans, police patrol vehicles and five-ton trucks. The Village's five-ton trucks were the first in the midwest to be powered by CNG.   

"The implementation of green initiatives like the use of cleaner, more efficient alternative fuels achieves the village's Strategic Plan goal of being a 'steward of financial and environmental sustainability,'" village officials said. 

The Village's fleet operations were also recognized for:

• Using solar power and used motor oil to heat the garage facility;
• Retrofitting the entire fleet facility with energy-efficient fluorescent lighting;
• Using nitrogen tire fills on all Village vehicles for improved gas mileage and longer tire life;
• Adopting a Village anti-idling policy; and
• Using in-cab warmers to reduce idling.

"Being selected as the 14th Government Green Fleet in North America is a great accomplishment for Fleet Manager Larry Humphries and the entire sustainability team at Village Hall," officials said. 

Past awards include selection as an Illinois Green Fleet by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA)and the Clean Fuels Champion Award from the Chicago Area Clean Cities Coalition.