Transportation

Myth:

Frequent restarting has little impact on engine components like the battery and the starter motor. Component wear caused by restarting the engine is estimated to add $10 per year to the cost of driving, money that will likely be recovered several times over in fuel savings from reduced idling. The bottom line is that more than ten seconds of idling uses more fuel than restarting the engine. (Source: City of Mississauga Anti-Idling Campaign)

Here’s what you can do to earn points in the Individual weight category:

15pts Reduce vehicle idling year round, don’t idle at all in the summer
15pts Reduce your average vehicle speed by 5 km to 10 km/hour
15pts Walk part way or all the way instead of driving to work and school
15pts Drive 25% less by carpooling or drive at off peak times by working flex time
15pts Don’t drive at least one day a week - telecommute (work at home)
15pts Plan for fewer trips with more stops instead of several individual trips
5pts Check your vehicle tire pressure monthly to ensure tires are inflated
20pts Commute by public transportation or ride your bike on bike routes/trails
5pts Participate in Canada’s national June Commuter Challenge week
35pts Buy a hybrid vehicle or choose a very fuel efficient vehicle
20pts Work to establish a community Anti-Idling vehicle policy with your Council
25pts Purchase carbon offsets - i.e., renewable energy to reduce your travel footprint
200pts Total

In the Municipal category, points can be earned for the following actions:

20pts Improve public transportation through discussion with the province
20pts Increase biking and walking trails/routes for local use
5pts Promote Canada’s Commuter Challenge to staff and community
20pts Promote carpooling/flex hours/telecommuting to staff and community
25pts Purchase hybrid and biodiesel vehicles for municipal fleets
10pts Create a municipal Anti-Idling community vehicle policy or idle-free zones at local schools – check in with the Ministry of the Environment
20pts Arrange carbon offsets for municipal staff travel
5pts Participate in the Fraser Basin Council’s E3 fleet program
125pts Total