DuPage County recently launched its first smartphone application, the DuPage Green Grid, allowing users to conveniently locate alternative fuel stations and car share locations throughout the county.
 
Brian Krajewski, chairman of the Technology Committee, said the Green Grid is the county’s first mobile application.
 
“DuPage County strives to provide residents with useful information regarding county programs and services. We recognize that many residents use their smartphones to access this information so we chose to develop an application that will serve them,” said Krajewski. “Not only am I proud of the technology, but I’m also proud that we can direct residents to alternative fueling stations and LEED-certified buildings, bringing attention to the numerous sustainability projects in DuPage County.”

The GIS-based technology allows residents to find biodiesel, ethanol, liquefied petroleum gas, compressed natural gas and electric vehicle stations as well as car share locations and LEED-certified buildings through the Green Grid application.
 
The free application is compatible with Apple, Android and Windows devices and is also available online. To use or download the DuPage Green Grid visit dupageco.org/greengrid.

Green Fleet Award

DuPage County also was awarded the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s Green Fleet designation for its use of alternative fuel vehicles.

The Illinois Green Fleets program honors the use of clean alternative fuels, such as natural gas, biodiesel, ethanol, propane and electricity as well as retrofitting existing diesel trucks with clean technology options.

Transportation Committee Chairman Don Puchalski said he is proud of the recognition.

“We strive to be a leader in the use of alternative energy because it impacts the environment and our bottom line,” said Puchalski. “Switching to natural gas vehicles can reduce carbon monoxide output by up to 90 percent, and natural gas costs, on average, one-third less than conventional gasoline at the pump. I am honored that the county received this distinction and look forward to pursing more cost effective and environmentally friendly options in the future.”

In 2007, DuPage County began pursuing alternative fuel vehicles, amending the vehicle policy to ensure departments considered them during the purchasing process. Currently, 43 percent of the County’s vehicles use alternative fuel including 108 bio diesel, 80 E-85 flex fuel, 1 electric, 11 compressed natural gas, 4 bi-fuel and 12 hybrid vehicles.

For more information on DuPage County’s use of alternative fuels and other green programs visit dupageco.org/recycling.