And a range of other green upfitting solutions.
Creighton also works with ARI overseas partners to stay ahead of the curve.
“Our scope extends outside North America,” he said. “For instance, in Europe, carbon emission limits are already mandatory, and while they are currently voluntary here, it’s only a matter of time until they’re law.”
Creighton emphasizes that working closely with ARI’s global partners is essential to incorporating services into one package. He asks questions such as, “How do they monitor and track? How are they handling products and services and the environmental impact?”
Also critical to the program’s success is collaboration with professional and governmental organizations, such as the Clean Cities Coalition, EPA’s SmartWay Transport Partnership, and the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Institute (AFVi).
“We reach out to these organizations because they help us stay current on trends, legislation, and technology,” Creighton said.
EnviroFleet Seminars Provide Insights
ARI conducted an EnviroFleet seminar in San Diego in October for fleet managers and decision-makers. The seminar featured presentations by Leo Thomason, AFVi cofounder and training director. Thomason addressed the use of alternative fuel vehicles as an important part of a green fleet strategy.
In addition, Creighton and Jeff Robley, ARI’s national truck sales manager, educated attendees on the advantages of utilizing hybrid vehicles in their fleets. Creighton and Robley addressed federal incentives offered today to companies taking advantage of alternative-fuel and hybrid vehicles for business use, regenerative braking, significant fuel savings opportunities, and reductions in idle time.
“People love to hear reality rather than only hearing about the theory,” Creighton said. “So we also presented case studies during the seminar.”
One case study discussed at the seminar involved a real estate management company that operates 1,000 vehicles, primarily compact SUVs and small pickups. The fleet’s main concerns were becoming more environmentally conscious, operating safely and in all climates, garnering potential marketing as a “green” company, and meeting local emission standards.
Consulting with the company, ARI defined its current baseline, determined what currently worked for the company, what drivers required to do their jobs and what they would like to see changed, and improvement possibilities.
ARI determined the fleet was a perfect fit for hybrid operation. Not only would hybrid use lower harmful emissions and fuel costs, but the company would enhance its corporate image, lower maintenance expense, and lengthen brake life.
The seminar was one of several ARI holds across the U.S. to help educate companies on the benefits of EnviroFleet and other green measures.
Other ARI education efforts include Webinars, white papers, case histories, vehicle-specific alternate-fuel training, the EnviroFleet newsletter, and a detailed reference library that includes manufacturers’ hybrids, government ratings, and alternate fuels; information on industry trends, regulatory, and other relevant issues; and client initiatives and industrywide best practices.
