Transforming the transportation system requires bringing research from the laboratory out onto the road. Sustainability managers, such as those in local and state governments, private companies, and non-profit organizations, are essential to this effort. The Vehicle Technologies Office supports programs that empower sustainability managers to reduce the use of petroleum in transportation. For sustainability managers who work with fleets, the tools available on the Fleet Managers page may also be useful.
Tools for Sustainability Managers
- Clean Cities provides information about funding sources for alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) and fueling / charging infrastructure projects.
- The Guide to Federal Funding, Financing, and Technical Assistance for Plug-in Electric Vehicles (PEVs) and Charging Stations provides a description of opportunities and points of contact to assist those interested in advancing PEV technology.
- The Alternative Fuels Data Center has overviews of all of the major alternative fuels, as well as more than 15 interactive tools to help expand the use of AFVs.
- The Local Laws and Incentives listing complements the federal and national laws and incentives database by providing a sampling of municipal and regional policies.
- The Plug-in Electric Vehicle (PEV) Readiness Scorecard helps communities assess and improve their readiness for PEVs and charging equipment. Based on the Scorecard’s recommendations, community managers can look to the Clean Cities community readiness plans and Guide to Lessons Learned for best practices. The Electric Vehicle Community Readiness Updates mailing list announces new reports, webinars, and tools related to PEV readiness.
- The Advanced Vehicle Testing Activity has gathered data on driving and charging habits of thousands of PEV drivers, as well as best practices on planning for PEVs that may be useful to community planners.
- The Idle Reduction Network Newsletter provides information on limiting vehicle idling to improve energy and environmental sustainability, including near schools and residential areas.
Initiatives for Sustainability Managers
- The Workplace Charging Challenge aims to achieve a tenfold increase in the number of employers offering charging at their facilities in the next five years. The Challenge offers employers interested in installing PEV charging at their facilities a variety of resources to help them carry out their individual goals.
- Clean Cities supports local actions to reduce petroleum consumption in transportation, including working with local governments around the country to deploy alternative and renewable fuels, idle reduction measures, and fuel economy improvements. Find your coalition on our interactive map.
Beyond the Department of Energy, other areas of the federal government offer resources to community planners and sustainability managers in transportation. The Environmental Protection Agency offers state-specific resources and grant programs to reduce diesel emissions. The Department of Transportation provides information on improving bicycling and pedestrian facilities and transit systems.