The transportation sector is one of the largest causes of air pollution in the world, responsible for the release of chemicals that contribute to smog, global warming, and a wide range of health effects from cancer to respiratory illnesses.

The best way to reduce these impacts is through clean and efficient transportation practices. More efficient transportation practices also means using less fuel, which can save your team money. Visit the ‘Transportation” section of this resource for more information on ways to reduce fuel consumption and enhance your team’s environmental performance.

A common source of harmful air pollution is exhaust from diesel and internal combustion engines. Exhaust is generated by concentrations of stationary or slow-moving vehicles, such as is found in loading zones, parking lots, and taxi and bus stops. Idling vehicles waste money and emit gasses and carcinogens that can harm people and the environment. To limit these impacts, consider issuing no-idling policies for vehicles on the stadium grounds and parking lots. The sample policy below, adapted from the EPA, provides a useful starting point for writing your own policy.

This policy applies to the operation of any facility vehicle operating on or off team property.

Exhaust from idling vehicles can accumulate and pose a health risk to fans (especially children), employees, drivers, and the community at large. Exposure to exhaust can cause lung damage and respiratory problems. Exhaust also exacerbates asthma and existing allergies, and long-term exposure is thought to increase the risk of lung cancer. Idling vehicles also waste fuel and financial resources, and contribute to global warming. Idling is bad for the environment and bad for the bottom line.

Minimize vehicle idling time.

1. When drivers arrive at loading or unloading areas to drop off or pick up supplies or passengers, they should turn off their vehicles as soon as possible to eliminate idling time and reduce harmful emissions. Vehicles should not be restarted until they are ready to depart and there is a clear path to exit the pick-up area. Exceptions include conditions that would compromise passenger safety, such as:
1. Extreme weather conditions
2. Idling in traffic
2. At bus and facility vehicle depots, limit the idling time during early morning warm-up to what is recommended by the manufacturer (generally 3-5 minutes) in all but the coldest weather.
3. Vehicles should not idle while waiting for employees or fans during events.
4. All service delivery vehicles should turn off their engines when making deliveries to the facility.
5. All drivers should receive a copy of this bulletin and review it with colleagues at the beginning of every year.

The transportation sector is one of the greatest single sources of pollution in the world. Cars, trucks, and busses emit a wide range of pollutants, including carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOX), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulate matter. Together, these pollutants are major sources of respiratory disease, cancer, smog, and global warming. By reducing unnecessary idling, your team can help to reduce these harmful impacts.

EPA – School Bus Idling
Canadian Office of Energy Efficiency