Sustainability Efforts

The LCPS Transportation Division Central Garage proudly supports sustainability efforts. We have always recycled waste oil as well as cardboard products. Last year, we implemented an “idle shutdown” feature on school buses reducing how long a bus engine can idle while the bus is parked. The idle reduction reduces harmful emissions and maintenance costs while improving fuel economy. We recently upgraded to LED lighting in the shop and garage office areas. The LED lighting provides better illumination while using less electricity. Mark Maggitti, Fleet Manager

 

Our Fleet of Electric Vehicles Continues to Grow

LCPS has had five (5) electric school buses in operation since May of 2021 in the Sterling area of Loudoun County as part of the first phase of our electric school bus pilot program.  We are excited to expand this pilot program with 16 additional electric buses, six (6) of which will be beginning service in the Aldie area and the remaining 10 will be delivered in October, 2023, five of which will operate in Purcellville.

smart vehicle - white in color

The Transportation fleet also includes six (6) electric Chevy Bolts.  The first two have already been placed into operation at Woodgrove High School supporting the Behind the Wheel driver training program with the remaining four (4) ready to be placed at Tuscarora and Heritage High Schools.

E-Cycling is Our Common Practice

Properly recycling electronics conserves natural resources, ensures appropriate handling of toxic materials, provides a more sustainable source of precious metals, and protects human health and the environment.  Source: Department of Energy & Environment

Transportation does its part to properly recycle electronics.  Working closely with internal LCPS staff, we e-cycle things like outdated bus tablets, wiring and other non-working electronics.  We are proud to do our part to protect the environment, human and wildlife health.

Bottle Filling Stations

Throughout the Transportation offices and maintenance facilities are multiple bottle-filling stations providing employees with the means to refill drinking devices and avoid disposable water bottles that often end up discarded rather than recycled.  The bottle-filling stations offer filtered and refrigerated water and can accommodate a wide variety of types or size of drinking devices. 

As of 6/26/2023, a single station in our Transportation building has “saved” 7696 plastic bottles from potentially being improperly discarded and negatively affecting our environment.

water bottle filling station

Sustainability in Loudoun County Public Schools

Loudoun County Public Schools has implemented sustainability initiatives for many years.