Proposed procurement goals:
- 100% of purchased wheel weights are lead-free
- 100% of purchased antifreeze is recycled and, where possible, products are made of propylene glycol
- 100% of purchased oils are re-refined
- 100% of purchased coolants are recycled coolants
- 100% of purchased tires are retread tires or low-rolling resistance tires
- 100% of purchased brake pads are copper-free
- 100% of of purchased replacement lights are mercury-free
Case studies
- Minneapolis, MN’s Green Fleet Policy Covers Vehicle Maintenance Products: Purchasing preferences for environmentally friendly vehicle maintenance products. Examples include re-refined oils, recycled coolants, retread tires, and equipment that eliminates lead, mercury and other persistent bioaccumulative toxic chemicals. RPN
- Washington, DC developed an Environmental Specification Guidance for Automotive Products for use by City purchasing agents. Below is some recommended guidance on specific green fleet maintenance products. Antifreeze: Look for recycled antifreeze and, where possible, products made of propylene glycol, which is less toxic than ethylene glycol. Brake Pads: Look for brake pads that are copper-free. Lights Look for mercury-free lights in your vehicles. Tires: Look for retread and low-rolling resistance options. Retread Tires: Cost 30-50% less than new tires, prevent tire waste, use only 7 gallons of oil to manufacture compared to 22 gal. for new tires. Low Rolling Resistance Tires reduce fuel consumption of trucks by 3-5%. Wheel Weights Wheel weights, which are used to balance tires during tire rotation, are usually made from lead. This can contaminate the environment along roadways with lead pollution if they fall off, and when vehicles are recycled if they are not removed. Look for lead-free options. RPN