PCC gets 'lean and green' with new hybrids | Environment

Pima Community College is going ‘lean and green’ with the purchase of three new Toyota Prius hybrids.

PCC bought the new hybrids under their fleet lifecycle-replacement program, and only after an exhaustive research session on other hybrid options out there.  Other hybrids that did not quite make the mark were - Chevy Volt, Nissan Leaf, and Ford Fusion. 

“We see the purchase of these hybrid vehicles, which get an EPA combined-cycle of 50 miles per gallon, as another way to become leaner and more efficient with our fuel budget,” said William Ward, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Facilities. “Ultimately, they will help us save taxpayer dollars while doing something good for the environment.” Ward also explained why the College chose the Prius, as opposed to the others, for its long range, reliability and ease of operation, as well as its relatively inexpensive price tag.  The Prius is only $27,000 (each).

These three new hybrids will enter PCC’s 109-vehicle fleet, to be used by employees who need to travel as part of their jobs. 

But these new cars are not the only way PCC is going green, the college is also replacing many of its full-size V8 work trucks with smaller four-or six cylinder trucks and will be tracking with GPS to optimize efficiency. 

“We reject the idea that it’s not easy being green,” Ward said. “For us, being green has a direct impact on the operational costs of a College that has six campuses and numerous learning centers throughout Tucson.”

Other efforts at conservation include an ongoing project to upgrade and modernize College restrooms with automatic sinks, low-flow toilets and waterless urinals.

Earlier this year, PCC became only the third community college in the country to win an Award of Excellence from the Association of Physical Plant Administrators for overall excellence in management of education facilities.