Certification for Sustainable Transportation

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The CST logo CST Logo 2019.png
The CST logo

The Certification for Sustainable Transportation is a national program housed at the University of Vermont Extension that seeks to promote the practice of using energy efficient modes of transportation. [1] The CST work centers on its eRating vehicle certification program, which is an eco-label for passenger transportation vehicles. The eRating uses a sustainability index which includes factors such as green house gas emissions per passenger mile, emission levels of criteria pollutants, and in certain circumstances factors such as training for drivers and use of endorsed carbon offsets. [2] Once a certain threshold is met, vehicles may qualify for e1, e2, e3, or e4 levels in the certification program. [3]

Contents

Other key components of the CST's work are online and in person training programs. The CST offers training programs geared to help drivers and organizations eliminate all unnecessary idling and on eco-driving. These training programs are focused on helping reduce environmental impacts, save fuel, and save money.

The CST is now actively working with companies in 48 states and three Canadian provinces to prevent unnecessary emissions, reduce environmental impact, and decrease consumption of fossil fuels.

This program is not to be confused with the "E-Mark" vehicle equipment safety certification promulgated by the European Union since 2002 under EU Directive 72/245/EEC and amendments to the requirements of Directive 95/54/EC.

History

In 2007, the University of Vermont began the Green Coach Certification research project, which sought to investigate what efficiency standards would be best applied to motor coaches to promote greater energy sustainability. [4] Research was conducted on actual motor coach companies. [5] [6] It also researched whether a certification program could help reduce environmental impacts from the motor coach industry by educating operators and executives about the benefits, both financial and environmental, of adopting fuel saving strategies and switching to alternative sources of fuel. [7] Upon completion of this pilot program the Certification for Sustainable Transportation was founded as a way to expand the size and scope of the initial program. The CST now works well beyond the motor coach industry, deploying its driver training programs to taxi drivers and school bus operators, and offering its eRating certification to vehicle manufacturers, public transportation industries, and pedi-cab operators. [1]

Accomplishments

The CST has partnered with several leading motor coach companies, including Megabus [8] and Academy [9] The CST also works with the American Bus Association and the United Motorcoach Association to assist with each organization's Green Operator Awards. [10]

Certification

An individual or organization may submit an application to be certified by the CST. If the application meets the proper criteria, the vehicle being examined is given a score. If that score exceeds a certain threshold, an eRating is given. Areas that are rated include greenhouse gas emissions per passenger mile, the use of low emissions technology, the use of alternative fuels, purchase of carbon offset, participation in CST training programs, and the energy efficiency of other places associated with the company, such as the home office. [1]

The CST gives eRatings on a vehicle basis. There are four levels of certification ranging from e1 to e4. e1 is the lowest level of certification and means that the vehicle has met the requirements satisfactorily, whereas e4 certification means that the vehicle is at the highest level of energy efficiency. [1]

Training programs

The Certification for Sustainable Transportation offers two training programs to teach drivers how to be more fuel efficient. [11]

Idle Free

This course teaches drivers about the inefficiency of idling, leaving a bus running while it is not driving, and shows them when they should idle and when they should not. Completing this course gives a driver more points towards a higher eRating. The CST uses a unique approach in this training concentrating on helping dispel myths about idling and helping individual drivers find and identify reasons they personally would like to go idle free. The CST worked with drivers around the country to design this program with the intent of having it come across as drivers speaking to other drivers. [12]

Eco-Driving 101

This course teaches drivers techniques that they can use to cut their fuel consumption on the road, as well as operate their vehicles more safely. Completing this course also gives a driver more points towards a higher eRating. [12]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carpool</span> Sharing of car journeys so that more than one person travels in a car

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The California Air Resources Board is the "clean air agency" of the government of California. Established in 1967 when then-governor Ronald Reagan signed the Mulford-Carrell Act, combining the Bureau of Air Sanitation and the Motor Vehicle Pollution Control Board, CARB is a department within the cabinet-level California Environmental Protection Agency.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alternative fuel</span> Non-conventional yet reasonably viable fuels

Alternative fuel, known as non-conventional and advanced fuels, are any materials or substances that can be used as fuels, other than conventional fuels like; fossil fuels, as well as nuclear materials such as uranium and thorium, as well as artificial radioisotope fuels that are made in nuclear reactors.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Exhaust gas</span> Gases emitted as a result of fuel reactions in combustion engines

Exhaust gas or flue gas is emitted as a result of the combustion of fuels such as natural gas, gasoline (petrol), diesel fuel, fuel oil, biodiesel blends, or coal. According to the type of engine, it is discharged into the atmosphere through an exhaust pipe, flue gas stack, or propelling nozzle. It often disperses downwind in a pattern called an exhaust plume.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Intercity bus service</span> Public transport service using coaches to carry passengers significant distances between locations

An intercity bus service or intercity coach service, also called a long-distance, express, over-the-road, commercial, long-haul, or highway bus or coach service, is a public transport service using coaches to carry passengers significant distances between different cities, towns, or other populated areas. Unlike a transit bus service, which has frequent stops throughout a city or town, an intercity bus service generally has a single stop at one location in or near a city, and travels long distances without stopping at all. Intercity bus services may be operated by government agencies or private industry, for profit and not for profit. Intercity coach travel can serve areas or countries with no train services, or may be set up to compete with trains by providing a more flexible or cheaper alternative.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fuel economy in automobiles</span> Distance traveled by a vehicle compared to volume of fuel consumed

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle inspection</span> Testing for compliance with regulations

Vehicle inspection is a procedure mandated by national or subnational governments in many countries, in which a vehicle is inspected to ensure that it conforms to regulations governing safety, emissions, or both. Inspection can be required at various times, e.g., periodically or on transfer of title to a vehicle. If required periodically, it is often termed periodic motor vehicle inspection; typical intervals are every two years and every year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chevrolet Volt</span> Range extended electric automobile

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Energy efficiency in transport</span> Discussing what form of transport is the most fuel efficient and economical.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Idle reduction</span>

Idle reduction describes technologies and practices that minimize the amount of time drivers idle their engines. Avoiding idling time has a multitude of benefits including: savings in fuel and maintenance costs, extending vehicle life, and reducing damaging emissions. An idling engine consumes only enough power to keep itself and its accessories running, therefore, producing no usable power to the drive train.

United States vehicle emission standards are set through a combination of legislative mandates enacted by Congress through Clean Air Act (CAA) amendments from 1970 onwards, and executive regulations managed nationally by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and more recently along with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These standard cover common motor vehicle air pollution, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate emissions, and newer versions have incorporated fuel economy standards.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Trucking industry in the United States</span> American industry

The trucking industry serves the American economy by transporting large quantities of raw materials, works in process, and finished goods over land—typically from manufacturing plants to retail distribution centers. Trucks are also used in the construction industry, two of which require dump trucks and portable concrete mixers to move the large amounts of rocks, dirt, concrete, and other building materials used in construction. Trucks in America are responsible for the majority of freight movement over land and are tools in the manufacturing, transportation, and warehousing industries.

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MTR Western is an American motorcoach operator active in the western United States and Canada.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Idle (engine)</span>

Idling refers to running a vehicle's engine when the vehicle is not in motion. This commonly occurs when drivers are stopped at a red light, waiting while parked outside a business or residence, or otherwise stationary with the engine running. When idling, the engine runs without any loads except the engine accessories.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sustainability at American Colleges and Universities</span>

"Sustainability," was defined as “development which implies meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”as defined by the 1983 Brundtland Commission. As sustainability gains support and momentum worldwide, universities across the United States have expanded initiatives towards more sustainable campuses, commitments, academic offerings, and student engagement.

eRating Program for passenger vehicles

eRating is a certification, education, and labeling program for passenger vehicles in the United States. It was developed by Certification for Sustainable Transport (CST) at the University of Vermont.

David Evan Kestenbaum is an instructor at the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources at the University of Vermont and the Director of the Certification for Sustainable Transportation (CST) at the University of Vermont. He is known for his work in the field of Eco-tourism and Sustainable Transportation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MCI D-Series</span> American motorcoach bus type

The MCI D-Series is a model of motorcoach bus produced by Motor Coach Industries (MCI). The bus is primarily used by private companies operating scheduled service or commuter buses, government agencies for the transport of prisoners, and in more recent years, public transit agencies who use them on express routes. It is sold alongside the MCI J-Series bus, primarily used by tour and charter operators.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "University of Vermont Extension Certification for Sustainable Transportation" (PDF). Retrieved 2019-05-17.
  2. "Certification for Sustainable Transportation: Benefits and Opportunities for Operators and Consumers | Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference". Archived from the original on 2013-03-08. Retrieved 2013-03-21.
  3. "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-06-10. Retrieved 2013-01-28.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  4. "University Communications : University of Vermont". Archived from the original on 2014-03-20. Retrieved 2013-02-05.
  5. "The Best of BUSRide Green Awards | BUSRide Digital". Archived from the original on 2014-01-21. Retrieved 2013-02-04.
  6. "Megabus.com Participates in Green Coach Certification Program -- CHICAGO, Dec. 2 /PRNewswire/ --". Archived from the original on 2013-07-26. Retrieved 2013-02-05.
  7. Anderson, L., Chase, L., Kestenbaum, D., & Mastrangelo, C. (2011). Ecolabels for passenger transportation: Understanding motorcoach company receptiveness to a pilot green certification program. Journal of Sustainable Transportation, doi: 10.1080/15568318.2011.626889.
  8. megabus.com. "GreenRoad Driver Program | megabus". Us.megabus.com. Archived from the original on 2013-11-12. Retrieved 2019-05-17.
  9. "Blue notes" (PDF). www.erating.org. 2010. Retrieved 2019-05-17.
  10. "MTN | Aba". Archived from the original on 2013-03-24. Retrieved 2013-02-04.
  11. "Certification for Sustainable Transportation Program Launches; Origins at Univ. Of Vermont | Team Trailways". Archived from the original on 2012-12-31. Retrieved 2013-01-28.
  12. 1 2 "Training Programs". www.erating.org.