Public Works: Going green can save you money

By Ian A. Sansoni, Special to the News & Messenger
Published: May 19, 2008

Editor’s Note: This is the third of seven articles celebrating Public Works Week. Articles focus on reducing waste, protecting water quality, dealing with problem pests, historic preservation, improving neighborhoods, steps the county is taking to conserve fuel and tips for the community to save gas, building in Prince William with a bit about going green.

Individuals, governments and corporations alike are feeling the pinch as the cost of crude oil continues to set record prices. In answer to these rising prices, the Prince William County Department of Public Works is leading the charge to implement fuel consumption reduction ideas and policies.

Although we cannot control the price of fuel, we can reduce and control fuel consumption, as well as explore new sources for fuel. Here are a few measures you can take in the work place and personally to reduce your fuel consumption. These steps will help cut costs and have a positive impact on the environment.

• Drive at a conservative speed on the highway. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, most automobiles get about 20 percent more miles per gallon on the highway at 55 mph than they do at 70 mph.

• Make a list of all errands and stops before you start out on your trip. This will allow you to stop at the locations in order without the need to backtrack.

• Drive at a steady pace. Try to avoid unnecessary and repetitious speeding up and slowing down. Erratic driving uses more gasoline.

• Warm up a vehicle for no more than one minute. The gasoline consumed in warming up a vehicle is not offset by any improvement in engine performance.

• Reduce the amount of unnecessary vehicle idling time. Turn off your engine if you stop for more than one minute. Restarting the automobile will use less gasoline than idling for more than one minute.

• Run your automobile air conditioner only when necessary. Alternatively, use the economy vent. Running the air conditioner results in more fuel consumption and fewer miles per gallon of gasoline.

• Remove unnecessary weight from your automobile. Generally, the lighter the vehicle, the less gasoline it will use. An extra 100 pounds decreases fuel economy about 1 percent for the average car, and 1.25 percent for a small car. Do not store, haul or tow unnecessary weight in your vehicle.

• Car pool when ever possible. Car pool lanes are more efficient. Drivers achieve better gas mileage when traveling in car pool lanes as opposed to idling in stop and go traffic.

• Try and schedule meetings on location and via teleconferencing. Consider whether you can perform your task or meeting with a phone call or e-mail instead of driving.

• Check air pressure in vehicles. Tires that are under inflated by five pounds will cause a 3 percent loss in fuel efficiency. Under inflated tires cause rolling resistance and can lead to a decrease in fuel efficiency.

• Drive smaller fuel efficient vehicles rather than larger SUVs or trucks when feasible.

• Perform scheduled maintenance on your vehicle to ensure the vehicle is performing properly, which leads to increased power and fuel efficiency.

• When purchasing new vehicles, consider buying a fuel efficient, hybrid or alternative fuel vehicle (i.e. E-85 capable).

Ian A. Sansoni works for the fleet management division of the Prince William Department of Public Works.