The City of Roswell is making great strides in its efforts to “go green” by changing its vehicle policy to include the purchase of hybrid vehicles. Roswell Mayor and Council approved the update to the policy during their July 21 meeting.
Under the new policy, when a vehicle is ready to be replaced a hybrid vehicle will be purchased when it meets the following criteria:
A hybrid vehicle will not diminish the specific function or intended use of the vehicle. For example the City would not use hybrid vehicles for our sanitation trucks, police pursuit vehicles or trucks that must haul heavy equipment.
The total life-cycle cost of the hybrid vehicle does not exceed the total expense of the least expensive alternative by more than 10 percent.
"It's important for Roswell to set an example by using new green technology and in moving toward more sustainable operations,” explains Councilman Kent Igleheart. “As gas prices continue to increase the payback periods on these vehicles will be even shorter and we should see not only environmental benefits but also economic returns.”
The City is currently reviewing sustainability efforts including an energy audit on facilities, buying more environmentally friendly paper products and increasing recycling services.
“This is another step in our continuing work to make Roswell one of the greenest cities in the country,” Igleheart continues. “We are also working on energy and water conservation measures throughout city operations and we are implementing those over time."
The City expects to purchase the first hybrid vehicle some time in the new fiscal year.
Labels: City of Roswell, hybrid, hybrid vehicles, Roswell
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Brian Vanderhoff @ 9:38 AM
