The Ohio State University

In This Issue...
Idling Guidelines | Vehicle Aquisition & Use Policy | Driver Qualifications | Alternative Fuels

Download Winter 2007 Issue (pdf)

Idling Guidelines for University Vehicles

University employees have the opportunity to help minimize air pollution and maximize fuel efficiency by operating University vehicles and equipment in an environmentally and economically responsible manner.

It is known that:

• One hour of idling consumes approximately one gallon of fuel.
• Idling for one hour equates to approximately 33 miles of engine wear on a standard automobile.
• Idling causes premature engine wear. An idling engine creates minimal oil pressure resulting in insufficient engine lubrication.
• Diesel engines actually cool-down when idling during the wintertime, causing cab-heat loss.
• Drivers are exposed to elevated levels of exhaust while a vehicle is idling due to the lack of air circulation that typically occurs while the vehicle is in motion.
• Franklin County does not meet the Federal standards for ozone and particulate pollution. Idling contributes to poor air quality that may result in cost mandated controls.

For the above reasons, as of March 1, 2007, operators of University owned or operated vehicles are asked to:

• Not allow University vehicles and equipment to idle for any length of time unless idling the vehicle is necessary to accomplish work related tasks.
• Minimize idling and conserve fuel whenever possible.
• Ensure an assigned vehicle is properly maintained.
• Ensure tires are properly inflated. Under inflation decreases fuel economy and cuts short the life of the tire.
• Plan and map out trips to minimize distances traveled.
• Avoid ‘jackrabbit” starts by accelerating gradually and anticipating stops to avoid sudden breaking.
• Obey posted speed limits. Excessive speed reduces fuel economy, increases air pollution, creates hazardous driving conditions, and is unlawful.
• Car-pool whenever possible or practical.
• Schedule meetings wisely, especially if travel is required. Meeting times and locations should be selected so as to minimize the travel of the majority of the participants.
• Reduce the amount of vehicle warm-up time. Consult vehicle manual to determine the manufacturer’s recommendations for guidance on idling in extreme weather conditions.
• Eliminate unnecessary weight in the vehicle.
• Ensure that vehicle emission controls, systems, and components, are not altered or disconnected unless approved by the Director of Transportation and Parking Services.

These guidelines mirror the City of Columbus’ Executive Order on idling.

Out with the old vehicle policy and in with the new Vehicle Acquisition and Use Policy - WHY?

Recent legislation passed by the State of Ohio now requires all State institutions of higher education to report to the Department of Administrative Services on an annual with information about fleet composition, use, utilization and costs. By not complying with the requirements, the University would be jeopardizing State funding, and could possibly lose control of its vehicles. As a result, it was necessary for the University to review the policy regulating vehicles and form a new policy that would meet the needs of the State of Ohio as well as reduce the amount of unnecessary vehicles and costs. To help familiarize everyone with the new policies and procedures, Transportation will be highlighting one section in the new policy in each issue of the Fleet Newsletter. If you have a particular question about the new policy, please email it to John Marlow at marlow.25@osu.edu. We will select a question each issue and provide feedback for everyone’s benefit.

In this issue we will cover why we need driver qualifications.

Why we need driver qualifications for the University?

One of the more common questions we receive is why do we need driver qualifications. The qualifications were developed to protect the University from liability that may result from drivers with lack of experience, drivers that are legal, drivers who have trained in countries that do not have the same laws and regulations that exist in the United States and Canada, and from drivers who are not affiliated with the University or working it is official capacity which may create a liability issue. After all, we do have a $10,000 dollar deductible per accident, which would deplete many departments operating budget quickly if there were one or more serious accidents in a given fiscal year. It is the departments responsibility to ensure each of it’s drivers are qualified to operate a University vehicle and may obtain an official copy of the driver’s record from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. For more information on how to obtain an official copy of a driving record, please contact John Marlow at marlow.25@osu.edu.

Buy Alternative Fuels

Recent legislation in the State of Ohio requires State Agencies to procure Flex Fuel Vehicles and B20 powered diesel vehicles as well as set requirements on using the fuels. While the university is exempt from the legislation, we have made a commitment to purchase more alternative fuel vehicles as well as increase our use of alternative fuels. Many of the University’s vehicles are capable of running on E85 (85% Ethanol and 15% Gasoline) and all of the University’s diesel vehicles are capable of running on B20 bio diesel. Transportation & Parking Services is currently exploring the possibility of offering E85 at our Columbus Campus fueling facility to the university as the procurement of Flex Fuel Vehicles increase. In the mean time, we encourage the use of alternative fuels whenever possible. To determine if your vehicle is capable of running on E85, consult your owner’s manual or contact Transportation & Parking Services at 614-292-9341 for more information. To find a fueling station in your area of travel, visit www.e85refueling.com.

If you have questions, concerns or need additional information, please refer to our Contact page or you can e-mail tpinfo@osu.edu