News
Tue, Mar 24, 2009 - [CBA]

The Green Motorcoach Certification Program is a collaborative research project between the University of Vermont, ABA, and UMA. Over the next 18 months they will be conducting the first phase of this project and are inviting companies from throughout North America to participate in a field testing/pilot of the concept. Similarly to organic food certification labels, LEED certification for buildings, or even Energy Star labels placed on appliances, this program has been designed to provide recognition to companies providing environmentally friendly forms of transportation. The pilot Green Coach Certification program is based on the principles of transparency and voluntary participation. The program, as it moves forward, will be designed to evolve in sophistication over time. During the field testing period, operators are eligible for a pilot Green Coach Certification label/recognition for any motorcoach complying with at least one of the following:

 
  • Meeting or exceeding the industry average of 148 passenger miles per gallon.
  • Running an EPA 2007 compliant engine.
  • Running an EPA 2010 compliant engine.
  • Offsetting carbon emissions by 80 percent through an endorsed carbon-trading program.
  • Running on an alternative fuel such as a blend of Biodiesel.
  • Having a strict, documented, and verifiable energy conservation and recycling program.
  • Incorporating other emerging environmental technologies as prescribed by the GCC.
 
Over the past few months they have been signing up local, regional, and national operators for participation in the program, attending industry events to promote the project, and have placed announcements in a number of trade publications as well. Currently, they are finalizing the list of companies to participate in the program. They would like to make CBA members aware of the program and invite them to participate. 
 
The draft copy of the "Program Packet for Field Test Participants" will provide you with a good overview of the project, its time-line, rationale, process, etc. They will finalize their list of program participants at the end of this month (MARCH 31st ), use April to process paper-work, and release the recognition labels/logos to companies during the first week in May. If you would like to participate in the program or have any additional questions please contact David E. Kestenbaum via email or telephone.
 
David E. Kestenbaum
Outreach Professional Senior
University of Vermont Extension
106 High Point Center, Suite 300
Office Telephone:  (802) 656-9141
Mobile Telephone:  (802) 782-4753
Office Fax:  (802) 656-8874
California Bus Association
800.664.2877 (Toll Free)
831.633.1755 (Office)
831.633.1934 (Fax)
PO Box 1155
Castroville, CA 95012