One of the most important things to remember when developing an idling reductions strategy is to account for local conditions. Factors that affect idling include:

• Traffic
• Temperature
• Railway stops

You may find that drivers are protective of their right to idle in order to keep their cars or trucks warm. There are strategies and equipment that can be used to overcome this issue and every fleet strategy will deal with it differently. Idle Free BC [1] is a particularly strong resource when developing these strategies and can provide awareness, training, and communications materials.

The first step is to get a sense of how much idling occurs and determine conditions when it could be acceptable. During this process, identify the following:

• When idling occurs.
• Drivers, vehicles, and departments with more idling than “average”.
• How much idling can be avoided.
• The difference between avoidable and unavoidable idling. 

In developing the strategy, seek commitment from senior managers to ensure that decision makers understand the importance of the strategy and follow through with it.

The remaining steps to developing and managing an idling reduction strategy include the following:

• Develop a business case for reduced idling.
• Track vehicle operating hours.
• Create an idling reduction team to help raise awareness.
• Provide idling awareness and training sessions.
• Investigate technology options, specifically targeting root causes of idling.
• Investigate and carry out pilot projects and incentive programs / competitions.
• Conduct idling measuring and reporting.
• Communicate success.

Idling reduction is often one of the first ways a local government fleet attempts to extend GHG reductions into the community. Remember to do so through awareness and understanding before bylaws in order to build buy-in rather than instigate frustration in the community.

Developing an Idling Awareness Program

As with other training and awareness programs, the costs and benefits of undertaking an idling awareness program need to be evaluated before proceeding. Idle Free BC [1] can provide effective communication tools to help you raise awareness among your employees.

Related Success Story

Idling Reduction in the City of Williams Lake [2]

Clean Fleet Collaboration: Central Kootenay and Nelson [3]