EEBA Vehicle Use

 
 
VEHICLE USE 

 
Purpose: To inform all town employees using town owned vehicles of the requirements to use energy and other resources efficiently in order to minimize the cost of operations and to protect and preserve the natural environment. This policy also addresses criteria for vehicle replacement and acquisition. 
 
Policy: It is the policy of Hamilton/ Wenham to continually improve the cost effectiveness and energy efficiency of all town owned vehicles. 
 
Responsibility: It shall be the responsibility of each town's Facilities and Public Works Managers and the HWRSD Facilities Manager to follow this policy and shall be enforced by the Chief Administrative Officer of each entity and /or their designee. 
 
Regarding: 
 
Vehicle Purchases: In accordance with the Green Communities Act, all non-exempt vehicles shall be replaced with vehicles that meet the fuel efficiency ratings* below and as updated by Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources Green Communities Program. The towns will purchase only fuel -efficient vehicles for municipal /school use whenever such vehicles are commercially available and practicable. 

 

 
* Fuel efficiency ratings are derived from a combination of 43% city and 57% highway miles calculated in accordance with the Green Communities Guidance Policy. 
 
Additionally, a cost /benefit analysis will be required before the purchase of all vehicles to include "right sizing", operational needs assessment, cost effectiveness, highest possible fuel efficiency, and a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA.), which will help minimize life cycle costs. A LCA is an investigation and evaluation of the environmental impacts of a given product or service caused or necessitated by its existence. 
 
Vehicle Idling: Town vehicles shall not be left idling when parked or standing unless the engine is required to run power auxiliary functions or as required for proper and efficient use. All areas around school entrances have been designated as Idle Free Zones. No vehicle, city owned or otherwise, may idle in these areas. 
 

Hamilton/Wenham will reinforce operator awareness to reduce idling time and to adopt conservation driving habits, when feasible, such as gradual acceleration and strict adherence to speed limits. 

 

Maintenance: Preventative maintenance shall be performed as scheduled and on time to ensure optimal vehicle operation. All vehicles will be inspected monthly to insure proper tire pressure, and oil and coolant levels. The town will purchase ecological products for all vehicles when available and cost efficient. All hazardous materials such as waste oil, lubricants, antifreeze and batteries safely through environmentally responsible practices. 

 

Annual Vehicle Inventory, Monitoring and Verification: The Town Administrator/ Manager shall annually provide the Boards of Selectmen and the CMC with a complete inventory of vehicles, fuel usages, fuel efficiency savings and purchasing plans for the next year. The goal is to reduce energy use /cost by 10% for the next two years and 5% for the following three years. 

 

Employee Programs: Employees will be encouraged to utilize carpools, bicycling, walking, telecommuting and other commuting alternatives whenever possible. The towns will provide necessary means for securing bicycles and preferred parking for carpools and vehicles utilizing hybrid or renewable energy technology. 

 

Employees Suggestions Program: In recognition that each employee is knowledgeable about his or her particular job and is in the best position to make valuable suggestions toward our objective of energy efficiency, employee suggestions concerning energy efficiency will be welcomed and given serious consideration. 

 

 

Adopted: 5/19/2021