Work with energy plants
Redbud Energy and OG&E use treated wastewater – or effluent water – instead of treated tap water in their operations. This saves energy spent on pumping. The effluent is already at the wastewater treatment plant and is pumped directly to the energy plants via their own distribution lines. Normally, raw water for drinking is pumped a long way from the lakes to the treatment plant, then pumped through the distribution pipelines to homes and businesses. Using effluent water also conserves water in the supply lakes and treated tap water.

Reduce vehicle Idling
Idling unnecessarily contributes to poor air quality and wastes energy. Employees have been asked not to needlessly idle City vehicles. However, public safety vehicles must sometimes idle so that they can operate emergency response equipment. Most new marked police vehicles are equipped with a system to monitor idling. Transit has also implemented a policy to limit idling in the maintenance yard.

Synchronize traffic lights
The City’s traffic engineers and Information Technology Department teamed up to implement a traffic light synchronization program across the City. This synchronization effort helps drivers get to their destination more efficiently while reducing idle time and emissions.

Route planning
The Solid Waste Division implemented new routes in October 2008. The new routes save the City time, fuel and operating costs. Other departments like Parks and Neighborhood Services have devoted more attention to route planning when possible.

Develop cycling lanes
The City’s Bicycle Transportation Plan focuses on establishing a strong network of bicycle routes, wide curb lanes and signed shared roadways in Oklahoma City. The emphasis of this plan is on transportation rather than recreation. See the plan.

Compressed Natural Gas fueling station
A CNG fueling station will be installed at Will Rogers World Airport in 2009 for parking shuttles to help reduce emissions around the airport. The station will also be available to the public and all City employees for fueling City vehicles.

Preventive maintenance
Timely preventive maintenance of all City vehicles has been encouraged for some time in order to lengthen the useful life of the entire City fleet. New emphasis is being placed on maintenance, especially tire pressure checks, to optimize fuel efficiency.

Equipment replacement
Fuel efficiency is a consideration when vehicle replacement decisions are made. An evaluation is made as to the proper size of the vehicle compared to the work to be performed. Additional consideration is given to alternative fuel vehicles when the fleet is prioritized for replacement.