Greening the Fleet

The Parks Department takes being green very seriously. So seriously that 74 percent of its 2,228-vehicle-strong fleet, ranging from garbage trucks to lawn mowers to vans, runs on alternative energy such as compressed natural gas (CNG), biodiesel fuel made from soy beans, and solar power. The Parks vehicles that use gasoline are certified Low Emissions Vehicles (LEV) or better. More than 500 vehicles use hybrid or electric power.

As “New York City’s Greenest,” Parks was the City’s first agency to pilot CNG vehicles and to use biodiesel (B20) for all diesel vehicles. With B20, a blend of 20% biodiesel made from soybeans and 80% ultra low sulfur diesel, Parks’ vehicles emit less greenhouse gas, reducing our carbon footprint.

In 2008, Parks’ vehicle team was recognized as the most environmentally-friendly in the country by the National Association of Fleet Administrators (NAFA). The Parks Fleet has also been featured in Government Fleet magazine and the national Parks & Recreation magazine.

For the past 20 years, Parks has hosted more than 120 vendors in its annual spring fleet show. Featuring alternative fuel and low-emissions vehicles and equipment, the May event offers a glimpse of what’s on the horizon for environmentally-friendly vehicles!