CHATTANOOGA, TN – Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield issued Executive Order No. 2012-01, mandating a 25% reduction in overall energy use that is estimated to save the City $2.85 million per year. Among other mandates, the executive order states that by 2015, at least 25% of new light-duty vehicles acquired by each City agency or entity must be alternative-fuel vehicles with the exception of specialty, police, or emergency vehicles. By 2020, 50% of new light-duty vehicles acquired will be alternative-fuel vehicles.

The City will do this by procuring “increasing percentages of alternative-fuel vehicles, including all-electric and hybrid-electric vehicles, as part of their annual vehicle acquisition plans,” the order stated.

Agencies and entities that operate medium- and heavy-duty vehicles “shall implement strategies to reduce petroleum consumption and emissions by using alternative fuels and improving vehicle fleet fuel efficiency,” according to the executive order.

Other mandates include reductions in energy, greenhouse gas emissions, water use, and waste produced. All new buildings must achieve a minimum certification level from the Leadership for Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System created by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) or similar green building rating system. The EO also calls for the creation of a Sustainability Task Force to coordinate implementation and assist departments and entities with fulfilling their responsibilities.

According to the EO, the City spends approximately $11.4 million per year. It purchases 130 new vehicles annually.