The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) is taking steps toward resource conservation with their car fleets! The UMD Business Office and UMD Admissions Office each recently added a 2013 Ford Fusion hybrid to their collection.
The new hybrids get an EPA-estimated 47 miles per gallon (combined city/highway) and look good doing it (see photo to right). The EPA also awarded the new Fusion hybrid a full 10 points for environmental friendliness in regard to greenhouse gas emissions—the hybrids only emit 190 grams of carbon dioxide per mile. The cars also save roughly $5,850 over five years as compared to the average new vehicle in fuel costs.
Currently, all cars in the UMD rental fleet are either gasoline-electric hybrids or capable of running on E85 fuel. Due to their efforts, the UMD Fleet Service has been awarded the Green Star Award from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Other actions the University is taking include using battery-powered golf carts for grounds staff transportation and buying bicycles for grounds staff to use during the summer months.
