Green Shuttles at American University

The American University, with regards to its efforts to become a greener institution and lessen its environmental impact, has begun to address the needs of its shuttle program. Shuttles typically run upwards of 17 hours per day, and multiple shuttles may run at a time. While these buses travel efficient routes and generally move many passengers at once, they do burn a lot of fuel over time.

According to the on-campus newspaper, The Eagle, the University has been exploring the option of biodiesel. Purchasing the shuttles, while an issue of funding, that would have been the main issue should the University have adopted this route, but rather it is the fuel. Because of the demand for the biodeisel fuel, a special, on-campus facility (i.e. a tank) would need to be built especially for shuttle use. Apparently some sort of liability would have been formed, had this facility been created. When people think biodiesel, I think many stereotypically think 'gasoline mixed with vegetable oil.' In a sense, this isn't too far off, however this particular concoction would have been 20% soy, 80% diesel.

So, while the biodiesel option is out, hybrid is not. The University, in fact, recently explored a hybrid shuttle option. A typical AU shuttle costs $320,000, while a new, hybrid shuttle would cost about $500,000. Obviously the extra cost would need to be recouped by savings in fuel costs or an extension in the usable life of the shuttle. A hybrid shuttle boasts the ability to save up to 40% in fuel costs. The University will explore this option, and hopefully they will adopt it as a good first start toward going greener. What's more, the hybrid shuttles can also run biodiesel fuel! So biodiesel is still a viable option, should the University ever choose to revert back to it, or adopt it in tandem with the hybrid format.

I applaud American University's efforts and initiative in going green. Sustainability is what the University promotes, and sustainability it continues to practice. High-five.