Idle Reduction & Fuel Economy
Idle reduction describes technologies and practices that reduce the amount of time drivers idle their engines. Reducing idling time has many benefits, including reduced fuel costs, emissions and noise.
Most idling is wasteful and can be avoided. Idling for up to one hour can use as much as a gallon of fuel. It also increases maintenance costs for general wear and tear of the vehicle. Read More
THANK YOU FOR NOT IDLING
- Idling for more than 10 seconds uses more fuel and emits more CO2 than engine restarting.
- Idling fuel usage varies from 0.2 to 0.5 gal/h for passenger vehicles across a range of sizes, and increases with idling speed.
- The vehicle warms up faster when driving than it does when idling.
- Emissions from restarting are larger, but at least an order of magnitude lower than those from starting a cold engine.
- For short stops, it makes sense to turn the vehicle off in order to minimize fuel use and CO2 emissions.
Member of the Month
As a Platinum Member of Drive Clean Indiana, PITT OHIO exemplifies a commitment to sustainability through its People, Planet, and Purpose strategy. This approach integrates environmental stewardship, employee engagement, and purposeful innovation into every facet of their business.
Sustainability is embedded in PITT OHIO's operations, from maintaining a modern, fuel-efficient fleet to adopting renewable energy solutions.
PITT OHIO Green Fleet operates a modern, well-maintained fleet of the latest model tractor-trailers, straight trucks, and sprinter vans. PITT OHIO works every day to reduce their Carbon Footprint by improving vehicle practices:
- Compressed Natural Gas Tractor Fleet (30 Units)
- Battery Electric forklifts at terminal buildings (89 total)
- Speed management – all equipment is subject to a 65 mph maximum speed
- Leverage on-board computers to measure MPG per truck, terminal and region
- No idling which eliminates excess waste and pollution
- Skirted trailers for improved aerodynamics
PITT OHIO’s forward-thinking sustainability practices make them a standout leader in their industry.
PITT OHIO Reaches 100,000 Electric Miles Milestone
Taki Darakos, Vice President of Vehicle Maintenance at PITT OHIO, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "Reaching 100,000 electric miles is a testament to our pursuit of eco-friendly solutions and our dedication to reducing our carbon footprint. This milestone demonstrates our leadership in the industry and our commitment to a sustainable future."
Patrick Linden, Sustainability Specialist at PITT OHIO, added, "Not many, if any, carriers in our region and of our size have reached this milestone. It is a significant achievement that highlights our innovative approach to sustainability and our continuous efforts to integrate electric vehicles into our fleet. Reaching 100,000 electric miles driven means we have avoided 112 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, which is equivalent to the annual emissions of around 28 average American households.”
Board Member Spotlight
Scott Nelson
Scott Nelson is the Vice President of Business Development for Telamon Energy. He is a father, husband, son, teacher, and student. He brings over three decades of leadership and business development experience to the energy field. Scott holds two patents, is a certified Six Sigma black belt, an accomplished musician, a visual artist, and an avid fisherman. Serving as the Chairman of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management Partners for Clean Air Steering Committee, Scott showcases a commitment to environmental stewardship. His work with the IDEM PCA Scholarship Committee has helped award over $35,000 to high school graduates with a commitment to impact air quality.
Welcome to the Drive Clean Indiana Board!
New Member Spotlight
Located minutes from the shores of Lake Michigan and just 25 miles from downtown Chicago, Gary/Chicago International Airport is a full-service airport, capable of serving general aviation, corporate, commercial, and cargo users. Situated in an ideal location close to Chicago yet away from the congestion of larger airports, GCIA offers excellent facilities and services for pilots and passengers alike. With two runways over 7,000 feet long, GCIA can accommodate aircraft of all sizes. Experience the convenience and service of Gary/Chicago International Airport for your travel needs.
We appreciate your support as a Drive Clean Indiana member!
On December 11, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced 70 tentatively selected applications to receive a total of approximately $735 million in Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles (CHDV) Grant Program funds under the Inflation Reduction Act.
Drive Clean Indiana and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) applied and were awarded funding for 32 alternative fuel school buses totaling $9,305,301.
Reserve your spot for the first Indiana CSB webinar of 2025 for the latest updates!
Upcoming Webinars
AFLEET: Updates Webinar
Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, 2–3 p.m. ET.
- Using the Alternative Fuel Life-Cycle Environmental and Economic Transportation (AFLEET) suite of tools, fleet managers and planners can estimate the environmental and economic costs and benefits of alternative fuels and infrastructure. Join Argonne National Laboratory principal environmental scientist Andy Burnham to learn about AFLEET and its important recent updates, including those related to off-road equipment. This webinar will cover AFLEET’s new features and how to navigate them.
Features, Capabilities, and Deployment of the Megawatt Charging System Standard
Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, 2–3 p.m. ET
- As commercial electric vehicles reach larger deployment levels each year, faster charging standards are keeping up with the need for shorter turnaround times when downtime needs to be minimal. The SAE J3271 Megawatt Charging System (MCS) Standard was published in 2024 to meet this need and is now being deployed in prototypes and pilot field trials.
Upcoming Events
Join us for the Drive Clean Indiana 2025 Stakeholder Breakfast!
- Engage with industry experts as we discuss how new state and national administrations are shaping the future of the clean energy and transportation sectors.
- Hear about advancements that support the Clean Cities and Communities mission.
- Build relationships by networking with colleagues.
- Learn about upcoming funding opportunities that support clean fuels and advanced mobility technologies.
Breakfast tickets are $30.
Drive Clean Indiana members receive complimentary admission.
*Although the event is complimentary for DCI members, registration is required.
Secure your spot at the center of innovation, and get your brand recognized. Become a sponsor today!
This event is during NTEA Work Truck Week 2025, Drive Clean Indiana Members receive COMPLIMENTARY showroom admission with code INDIANA25
- January 21, 2025
Indiana Clean School Bus Consortium Webinar
- January 21, 2025
Energy Independence Summit 2025
- February 10-13, 2025
Indiana Clean School Bus Consortium Webinar
- February 25, 2025
Indiana Sustainability & Resilience Conference
- February 28, 2025
- March 4-7, 2025
- JW Marriott - March 5, 2025
Purdue Road School Transportation Conference & Expo 2025
- March 18-19, 2025
EV Charging Summit & Expo 2025
- March 25-27, 2025
Credits:
Drive Clean Indiana