EN29 Significant Environmental Impacts of Transporting Products, Goods and Materials

Fiscal 2011 saw a reduction in Fleet emissions by approximately 4.6 per cent from fiscal 2010 values to 21,900 tonnes GHG.

In developing plans to take advantage of the opportunity to reduce fleet emissions, BC Hydro followed an approach of "avoid, minimize and offset". While balancing the need to ensure reliability and safety in the fleet, BC Hydro seeks to demonstrate leadership, understand and evaluate the operational characteristics of new vehicle technology, engage vehicle operators and reduce risk by choosing cost-effective options.

To avoid emissions, BC Hydro is providing idle-free and driver training programs to employees to encourage reduced vehicle idling time and promote eco-efficient driving techniques. These programs also include additional equipment such as cab-heaters and detailed vehicle performance data to support behaviour change. Use of the vehicles is being avoided through the implementation of initiatives such as teleconferencing, carpooling and route optimization.

To minimize emissions during required operations, fleet efficiency is being improved by the replacement of vehicles with newer, more efficient models and actively right-sizing wherever possible. As new technology becomes available BC Hydro's incorporates vehicles into the fleet that will help to reduce fuel consumption while ensuring service reliability. Our fleet now consists of approximately 130 hybrid vehicles, including two heavy duty aerial line trucks.

Additionally, BC Hydro continues to participate in pilot projects providing an opportunity to evaluate emerging technologies that can help us reduce greenhouse gas emissions. BC Hydro has recently partnered with the Electric Power Research Institute to participate in a demonstration project which will bring two Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) F550 trouble trucks with an aerial device into our fleet. BC Hydro has also been incorporating a five per cent blend of biodiesel (B5) into its fuel delivery service for several years. The next step will be to incorporate a higher blend in the next few years, up to B20 where manufacturer's warranties and weather conditions allow.

Lastly, BC Hydro will offset the remaining vehicle emissions through the purchase of high-quality made-in-B.C. carbon offsets from the Pacific Carbon Trust.