Denver launches Driving Change initiative

Driving Change, the world’s first vehicular greenhouse gas (GHG) management and reduction pilot program, launched March 12 at an event led by Denver Mayor John W. Hickenlooper and Driving Change developers, stakeholders, and participants. In an effort to identify new ways for drivers to address GHG emissions stemming from vehicles, Driving Change measures the environmental impact of driving behavior.

Motor vehicles are the fastest growing source of CO2 (carbon dioxide) production, according to the United States Environment Protection Agency (EPA). Through the installation of accelerometers that connect to internal vehicle systems and the use of an Internet-based GHG management system, the Driving Change initiative allows for the real-time measurement of a number of driving behaviors, including idling, speeding, fast stops and hard braking, which have a direct impact on fuel consumption. Performance reports, viewable via the Internet, help to educate drivers on how their driving patterns can potentially impact their individual carbon footprint.

"Driving Change can help City employees and Denver residents reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions simply by changing the way we drive," Hickenlooper said. "We’re excited that Denver has been selected as the pilot community nationally for this program. It blends innovation and personal responsibility, making it an excellent fit with our Greenprint Denver agenda for proactively reducing our impact on the environment."

More information on the Driving Change pilot program is available at www.drivingchange.org.