You’ve Heard of a 'Fleet,' But is a Sustainable Fleet Real? (And is it Costly?)

What is a Fleet?

A fleet consists of a group of vehicles owned or leased by an organization—such as a business, government agency, or nonprofit—standardized for employee use and customized to meet specific operational needs (Nissan).

Developing a dedicated fleet offers significant advantages over relying on personal vehicles. Key benefits include:

• Customization: Organizations can modify vehicles with specialized equipment storage or branded exterior designs.

• Flexibility: Purpose-built vehicles ensure the right tool is always available for the job.

• Operational Control: Fleet management allows entities to oversee maintenance, safety, and efficiency directly.

  
  

Modern fleet management is increasingly focused on environmental impact. Many organizations are transitioning to alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) to reduce costs, enhance productivity, and meet ambitious emissions goals(Michelin). 

Local Success: Heiberg Garbage & Recycling

A prime example of this transition is Heiberg Garbage & Recycling (HGR), a Portland-based company and Columbia Willamette Clean Cities (CWCC) member. To serve the Portland area’s refuse and recycling needs, HGR operates a fleet of 11 renewable natural gas (RNG) trucks.

Bonus: Fueling and maintaining a fleet with RNG is significantly more cost-effective than using traditional petroleum.

How CWCC Can Help

If your Oregon-based organization is interested in joining the transition to low-emission fuels, CWCC is here to help.

We provide technical support and guidance on securing financial aid to make your fleet more sustainable. Become a member today.

Sources: 

Heiberg Garbage & Recycling 

Michelin 

Nissan