The University of Washington: Facilities Services

Governor's Award for Pollution Prevention and Sustainable Practices

Governor Gary Locke honored seven Washington facilities with the 2004 Governor's Award for Pollution Prevention and Sustainable Practices. The winners, among which was the University of Washington Motor Pool Operations, invested in innovative ways to offer their services and products while minimizing waste, and conserving energy, water and other vital resources. They reduced their material and disposal costs, increased their product quality, and improved worker health and safety.

The University of Washington Motor Pool was honored for the following achievements:

  • Nearly paperless vehicle reservation system
  • Utilization of soap and water instead of chemical solvent for parts cleaning resulting in 400 less gallons of solvent purchased each year
  • Utilization of re-refined motor oil (about 9,000 gallons each year)
  • Recycling of oil, lead-acid batteries, toner cartridges
  • Recycling of antifreeze resulting in the reduction of new antifreeze purchases by 300-600 gal/year
  • Purchase of more efficient buses for the Health Sciences Express resulting in the production of 60-80% fewer exhaust emissions, 20% less nitrogen dioxide (a greenhouse gas), and 30% fewer particulates
  • No idling policy for UW buses and diesel trucks operation on campus

Six other Washington state facilities were honored along with Motor Pool Operations, including:

  • Better Bricks Daylighting Lab
  • Columbia Plateau Producers
  • Corry's Fine Dry Cleaning (Mercer Island)
  • Fairchild Air Force Base
  • Granum, Inc. (Choice Organic Teas)
  • Seattle University

You can view the official press release and learn more about Motor Pool Operation's contributions as well as those of the other recipients. We are very honored to have received this award! Thank you to all of our clients and colleagues for their continued encouragement and support.