Following another year of reduced emissions and a smaller carbon footprint from the use of eco-friendly vehicles, the City of San Diego’s Fleet Operations Division was recently honored as the fleet with the “Best Policies and Procedures” by the National Association of Fleet Administrators (NAFA). This is the fifth consecutive year the City has been honored by NAFA, the world’s largest not-for-profit membership association for vehicular fleet administrators. 

NAFA holds the Green Fleet Awards every year. According to the association’s website, the awards recognize “peak-performing fleet sustainability efforts” and are intended to honor government and commercial fleets who have “enhanced practices to make a positive impact on the environment.” The 2023 awards marked the first year “Best Policies and Procedures” was added to the ticket. 

The Fleet Operations Division was selected for the award for its vital work to help make San Diego a more sustainable place to live, work and play. Some policies that highlight these efforts include the Climate Action Plan, Zero Emissions Municipal Buildings and Operations Policy, Motive Equipment Idling Reduction, Fleet Equipment Replacement, Acquisition, and Disposal, and Fuel Reduction and Transportation Efficiency.  

City procedures were also key in winning the award. Fleet Operations works with 19 City departments to ensure each vehicle fits their needs and is an efficient and cost-effective purchase. This effort underscores the critical role Fleet Operations plays in supporting City operations like street sweeping, public safety and trash pickup for the benefit of the City and all San Diego residents. 

“We are honored to once again be recognized by NAFA,” said Director of the General Services Department Musheerah Little. “It shows we’re on the right track, and we’ll continue to work toward a net-zero climate impact from our fleet.”  

The City of San Diego has been listed in NAFA’s top 50 greenest fleets every year since 2019. Guidelines for ranking the nation’s greenest fleets include fuel composition, alternative fuel use, environmental benefits and more. In addition to “Best Policies and Procedures,” the City was recognized as the 26th greenest fleet in the country, 12 spots higher than its 38th place ranking in 2021.