Abbotsford Green Fleet Strategy, British Columbia, Canada

The City of Abbotsford was interested in doing a study that would help guide them in their fleet renewal and replacement plan and inform management on implementing green fleet technology in an effort to reach their greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets.

Location

British Columbia, Canada

Client

City of Abbotsford

Project Status

Completed : June 2017 to December 2017

Feasibility Study

The purpose of the feasibility study was to help align the City’s engineering department’s efforts with Abbotsford’s Official Community Plan (OCP) to achieve GHG reduction targets, improve community health and maintain the natural environment. The feasibility study will be part of a large context of conserving resources and reducing GHG emissions through more efficient, well-designed and cost-effective systems.

Client Brief/Project Challenges

The City of Abbotsford, British Columbia currently has a fleet of over 600 vehicles ranging from light to heavy duty which includes municipal, police and fire. Abbotsford’s OCP focused on a target of reducing GHG emissions 20% by 2025 and 40% by 2040.

Our Approach

WSP analyzed Abbotsford’s 396 fleet vehicles that contribute GHG emissions, such as class 1 to class 8 vehicles in operation, in order to determine current GHG emissions and develop a fleet replacement strategy.

WSP recommended alternative fuel vehicles following consultation with different vehicle user groups and benefit-cost analysis of different alternative fuel options. (A portion of the fleet was excluded due to those vehicles being off road, Class 0, or having a low annual usage.)

Outcome/Client Benefits

WSP determined Abbotsford’s current fleet replacement strategy is not adequate for reaching their 2025 and 2040 emission reduction targets. WSP determined the best strategy for the City of Abbotsford to meet their GHG reduction targets after considering five different green fleet options.

WSP performed the following: