Blog Corner Image

Electric buses new trend for this decade

Electric buses new trend for this decade

The World Resource Institute is launching an electric school bus campaign with funding from the Bezos Earth Fund.

Electrify the entire fleet of U.S. school buses by 2030

The Electric School Bus Initiative at WRI was formed in late 2020, with the support of the Bezos Earth Fund. Through partnerships with a diverse group of stakeholders, the Initiative aims to build unstoppable momentum toward electrifying the entire fleet of U.S. school buses by 2030.

Electric school buses are a win for kids’ health and for climate action

Electric school buses are a good way to achieve lower to net-zero carbon emissions. And there are energy savings as well as better health for those spared of the harmful effects of diesel emissions. Members of WRI’s advisory panel on the campaign had this to say: “These benefits are especially relevant in low-income and rural communities, where young people face long school bus commutes and exposure to air pollution. Children and their developing lungs are particularly vulnerable to the harmful impacts of toxic diesel pollution.”

On the topic of electric busses, The Hill writes, “Electric school buses are a proven technology, and are already on the road in school districts across the country, but they still make up less than 1 percent of the U.S. fleet, with a majority of those in suburban communities. The primary thing preventing them from achieving widespread adoption is funding.”

The yellow school bus is a symbol. With 480,000 school buses, nationally, transporting our children in them could be a positive way for Americans to experience an effective, efficient, and safe electric vehicle.

The Hill goes on to say, “By ramping up production of electric school buses, technologies and charging infrastructure, the U.S. can drive growth in the domestic electric vehicle value chain beyond just school buses.”

Locally, WTA just purchased two new electric buses

Whatcom Transit Authority just debuted two new electric buses. This Salish Current article makes a good point about our transportation sector’s contribution to greenhouse gas emissions which constitute about 45% of Washington’s GHG emissions. The Northwest Clean Air Agency provided a letter of support when WTA sought grant funding for its electric buses – the first of their kind within Whatcom, Skagit and Island counties. 

At $1 million dollars apiece, an electric bus does costs about twice as much as a diesel bus. However, their maintenance over the life of the bus is less. Oil changes are eliminated, maintenance is less, and brakes last four times as long. Also, electricity is expected to be cheaper than diesel. WTA noted that “based on the demand fee charged and the kilowatt usage per mile during driver training, he expects to see the first two electric buses operate at between 40 and 50 cents per mile once in service. Diesel buses are currently using 50 cents worth of fuel per mile.”

New electric bus manufacturer to locate in Whatcom County

In June of 2021, a new electric bus assembly facility was announced to be located in Ferndale, WA. VMC got a grant to build the facility as well. The Washington State Department of Commerce awarded the Regional Economic Partnership at the Port of Bellingham a $300,000 economic development strategic reserve fund grant for the project. VMC’s electric buses can be purchased by state transit agencies. Whatcom News reports that, “Purchased vehicles would then be produced from the planned “Buy American Act” compliant assembly facility in Ferndale that will be capable of producing 1,000 electric, CNG, gas and clean-diesel units annually.”

RELEASE: New Expert Council to Advise WRI Electric School Bus Initiative on Top Priorities | WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities (wrirosscities.org)

Sustainability Spotlight: Bellingham Public Schools Tackles Sustainability

Sustainability Spotlight: Bellingham Public Schools Tackles Sustainability

School districts have a compelling reason to reach for sustainability in their operations and curriculum. The energy their buildings and buses use, the food they serve, the water they consume, and the waste they generate puts schools at the fulcrum of what sustainability entails – reducing their environmental footprint and conserving resources. Additionally, their job…

Climate Change Impacts Seaports

Climate Change Impacts Seaports

Seaports are a vital part of the shipping industry, and they are already feeling the effects of climate change. The concern over climate change must be transformed into action. Climate planning should be budgeted for all ports and should include adaptation and mitigation. Climate change is here. Time is of the essence.

The win-win in agrivoltaics

The win-win in agrivoltaics

Image credit: Agrivoltaics: How Solar and Farmland can Fight Climate Change (solarreviews.com) Produce electricity and grow crops Did you know that there is a way to produce electricity and grow crops at the same time? It’s called agrivoltaics, and it can help farmers reduce their energy costs while still producing food. Check out this blog…

Sustainability Spotlight: Tony’s Coffee

Sustainability Spotlight: Tony’s Coffee

How did sustainability start for Tony’s? Our sustainability journey can be traced back to 2002, when we began sourcing Organic, Fair Trade, Shade Grown coffee. Since then, we moved to 100% green power, doubled our roasting efficiency, offset our roastery’s carbon footprint, and continue to support causes that we care about. Our commitment to sourcing…

Sustainability Spotlight: Aslan Brewing Company

Sustainability Spotlight: Aslan Brewing Company

Aslan Brewing Company, a member of Sustainable Connections, is based in Bellingham, WA and was founded in 2012. From the beginning, every decision the Aslan founders made was through the lens of sustainability. When Aslan opened its brewpub doors in May of 2014, team members focused on crafting world-class beer with local ingredients and low-impact…

Get started

How ready is your organization for climate change and sustainability? Get your questions answered. Peak can help you move to a strategy-driven roadmap.