The County of Santa Clara Moves Toward a Cleaner, Greener Future with Zero Emission Vehicles
The County is transitioning its entire fleet to zero and lower carbon emission vehicles, with a goal to reach carbon neutrality by 2030
Santa Clara County, Ca – As emerging science continues to show the devastating impact of greenhouse gas emissions, it is more urgent than ever to find more sustainable and environmentally friendly ways to maintain the transportation sector. The County of Santa Clara’s Facilities and Fleet (FAF) Department is addressing this challenge by moving away from combustible engines to green vehicles.
The County has vowed to reach carbon neutrality with its fleet by 2030. Since 1998, the County’s 2,000 vehicles have traveled more than 27.2 million miles, which is equivalent to 57 trips to the moon and back. The County also owns and operates around 400 pieces of gas-powered equipment that will also be transitioned to zero and lower carbon versions.
Greg Beverlin, Program Manager with Facilities and Fleet, helps implement charging infrastructure and closely analyzes current emissions to find ways to incorporate greener technologies.
“We track our greenhouse gas emissions for all sectors with County operations and the transportation sector currently represents 60% of our emissions,” he said. “So, focusing on electrifying our fleet vehicles, providing charging station infrastructure for our employees and the public, can go a long way in reducing our impact on the planet and also reduce local greenhouse gas and air pollution.”
The County has plans to acquire more electric, hybrid, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Each has a varying level of benefit to the environment, but a specific purpose for powering that type of vehicle.
Even vehicles as large as the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office prisoner transport buses can be powered by hydrogen fuel cell engines. These have the largest and most notable impact on reducing carbon outputs in the environment, according to David Worthington, Facilities and Fleet Manager.
Worthington praised the FAF team for the initiative they have taken to learn how to work on the vehicles safely and effectively in preparation to meet the County’s Board of Supervisors goal of carbon neutrality by 2030.
“They can accomplish anything – the team is very strong,” he said. “We want to leave this world in a better place than we inherited it. Our team is inspired to do this important work today for the future.”
In 2022, the County’s FAF team was recognized as the 12th leading fleet in the nation by the American Public Works Association (APWA) Fleet Management Division. One year later, in 2023, the team moved up to 6th in the country.
Edward Guillen, automotive mechanic with the Facilities and Fleet Department, shared his excitement over the green initiatives. “It makes me proud to work with the County. The things we are doing here will have so many positive impacts on the community and the environment.”