The University of Washington: Facilities Services

Sustainability at the Motor Pool

    Motor Pool Operations is committed to establishing and maintaining sustainable business practices. We recognize that as a leader in the automotive industry, we have a responsibility to maintain a clean shop and overall operation. David Carr, Motor Pool Operations Manager is currently working on a Green Fleet Initiative. Motor Pools Green Fleet Initiative

    To this end, we have established the following programs:

    • Mercury Switch Removal: In order to prevent mercury found in motor vehicles from reaching ground water sources, King County Metro and Motor Pool Operations have partnered in a program to remove mercury switches from all Motor Pool vehicles as they are readied for surplus. Mercury can come into contact with ground water sources when vehicles are salvaged and crushed for recycling.
    • Sensible Vehicle Purchases: Many of the vehicles currently in our vehicle fleet are "flex fuel" vehicles or "hybrid" vehicles. The flex fuel vehicles are capable of using E85, meaning the vehicle can use either ethanol or gasoline for fuel. Vehicles in our fleet with this capability include the Ford Taurus,Dodge Caravan, Chevrolet Sonoma Pickup Truck, Ford Ranger Pickup Truck, 2004 Chevrolet Suburbans, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Chevrolet Silverado Pickup Truck.

      In addition to flex fuel vehicles, we also offer the Toyota Prius hybrid vehicle for rent as a compact car. We also just added the new Totota Camry Hybrid in January of 2007. The Camry won the 2007 Green Car of the Year Award!

    • Routine Solid Waste Recycling: One of the easiest and most effective ways Motor Pool meets its challenge of building a sustainable operation is our recycling program, we:
      • Make double-sided copies
      • Communicate electronically
      • Reuse office supples such as file folders/envelopes
      • Get off unwanted mailing lists
      • Repair vs. replace equipment
      • Use rechargeable batteries
      • Provide recycling containers such as glass, aluminum, plastic, cardboard
      • Purchase recycled products
      • Set up materials reuse/exchange station
      • Do not allow vehicle washwater with soaps or detergents to enter a storm drain

    • Biofuel- In the fall of 2006,Motor Pool installed a diesel blend at our fuel pumps that includes 5% biodiesel, with the aim to increase this to 20% after the trial period.
    • Look for these Biodiesel stickers on UW Buses and Trucks!

    Environmental Recognition


  • Motor Pool In Government Fleet Magazine for our Green Fleet Initiative
  • Governor's Award for Pollution Prevention and Sustainable Practices
  • Washington State Recycling Association "Recycler of the Year" (2004)
  • EnviroStars 5-Star Rating
  • EnviroStars 4-Star Rating