Green Means Go
By Steve Porter

There is no question that Aeronautics is definitely going green. But this isn't something new. For the past several years, Aeronautics has focused on ways to make its operations more environmentally friendly. And from increased recycling, to energy conservation, to the reduction of carbon emissions – Aeronautics is going green.

In fact, in 2006, Aeronautics received $5.4 million to outfit the three main sites with green vehicles. Through a companywide needs analysis, the Transportation department selected a variety of vehicles to help reduce our impact on the environment. Across Fort Worth, Marietta and Palmdale, nearly 75 percent of Transportation's vehicles are now electric- or propane-powered.

The initiative to reduce the use of gas-powered vehicles is proving its worth, as tasks are being performed with significantly less pollution and greater reliance on clean energy.

Aeronautics Environment, Safety & Health team members (from left to right) Sarah Hall, Christy Yorek, Marion Henderson, Kate Young and Allison Wagner demonstrate the size of the new energy-efficient electric vans. This van is one of four electric road vehicles purchased in the electric fleet revamp. Photo by Tom Arbogast.

Since 2007, more than 100 electric scooters have been brought into the fleet as well as several vans, sedans and pickup trucks. The new electric scooters operate at 19 mph and can carry loads up to 3,000 pounds.

With the use of the electric vehicles, more than 100 gas-powered vehicles were discontinued. Replacement of just the gas scooters is saving more than $50,000 per year, while eliminating 380,240 pounds of CO2. That's more than the weight of four C-130Js!

The health advantages of working in a cleaner environment go without saying – and the efficiency speaks for itself.

A 50-mile charge for electric vehicles costs about 18 cents, while fuel costs for gas vehicles are $7 for every 50 miles. Over the course of a year, the total cost for a truck running on electricity is $186, whereas a gas-powered truck's cost is approximately $1,100.

Clearly, going green takes us to a better world. That's why 2009 ended with more than half of all on-site vehicles being exchanged for electric power.

< Back to News List | Next News Article >

Back to Top