Published May 7 2015
Two organizations recently recognized the City of Bellevue for the quality of service on its fleet of vehicles, and for encouraging the use of alternative fuels.
Using biodiesel to reduce pollution
Western Washington Clean Cities, a program of the U.S. Department of Energy dedicated to expanding the use of alternative fuels, recognized Bellevue this week for "demonstrating progressive leadership in investing in biodiesel."
In recognizing the city, Clean Cities noted the commitment of Bellevue's Fleet Services Division to biodiesel as a cost-effective strategy for reducing its greenhouse gas emissions.
In 2014, the city more than doubled its use of biodiesel, an alternative fuel typically made from vegetable oil or used cooking oil and mixed with standard diesel fuel. The ratio of that mixture was raised from 5 to 10 percent in many of the city's 240 vehicles that use biodiesel, to a total of 13,900 gallons. This year, the city will boost the biodiesel ratio to 20 percent.
Also, in a related action to reduce emissions, Fleet Services adopted a "green fuel" surcharge on every gallon of fossil fuel dispensed by city pumps. Proceeds from the internal surcharge will be used for technologies intended to increase fuel efficiency.
The increasing use of biodiesel is consistent with the city's Environmental Stewardship Initiative, which seeks to facilitate better environmental citizenship by the City of Bellevue, as well as by residents and businesses.
100 Best Fleets in North America
For the fifth year in a row, American City & County Magazine has named the Bellevue's Fleet Services Division as one of "The 100 Best Fleets in North America." This year, Bellevue ranked No. 38. The city maintains a fleet of more than 900 cars, trucks and other vehicles. More than 40,000 government fleets are eligible for the honor.
Industry experts evaluated applicants on criteria such as competitive pricing, resource stewardship, turnaround times, maintenance quality, technology implementation, accountability, collaboration, creativity, staff development and organizational culture.