June 2009, Work Truck - Feature
Greening Fleets in a Down Economy
As companies struggle to justify the costs of environmental operations, the 2009 Green Fleet Conference, presenting all things green for fleets, will "show you where to find the money," say organizers.
By Cindy Brauer
In a tight economy, how can fleets justify the costs of implementing green initiatives? This year's Green Fleet Conference promises to present solutions and resources to help companies continue environmentally responsible investments.
"We will show you where to find the money," say organizers of the Bobit Business Media (BBM) event, scheduled Oct. 19-20 at the Chicago Hyatt Regency.
Green Cost Sustainability Emphasized
A focus of the conference, and the title of one panel discussion, is "How to Make Your Green Program Pay for Itself." The panel will feature fleet managers sharing green fleet programs for which implementation costs were offset by program cost savings.
The conference mission is "to help public and commercial fleet professionals find truly green, truly practical, and truly affordable solutions," says Bob Brown, BBM associate publisher.
"For work truck fleets, which are more impacted by fuel costs and under governmental mandates to clean up their emissions, the Green Fleet Conference is a particularly relevant resource," says Brown.
In addition to exhibit space featuring products and services to help fleets green their vehicles and operations, the conference will provide networking opportunities with industry peers and experts.
Session Topics Cover Wide Range
Other planned session topics include:
■ "Green" in a down economy.
■ Step-by-step instructions to create a green fleet policy.
■ Customized improvements to fleet environmental and operational performances.
■ Cap and trade program impacts on the fleet industry.
■ Strategies and sources to obtain grant funding.
■ Real-world driver behavior modifications to meet green fleet goals.
■ How to become a green model shop.
■ How to become a carbon-neutral corporatio.n
Several fleet case studies will also be presented, including Wal-Mart; Hillsborough County, Fla.; Inglewood, Calif.; City of Austin, Texas; and City of Seattle.
A subject-expert panel discussion will explore use of alt-fuels, including CNG, propane, ethanol, and electricity.
Green Fleet Conference registration information, including an early bird discount, is available at www.greenconference.com or by calling (800) 576-8788. WT