Beaverton Police Look to Save Energy by Installing Anti-Idle Systems

The Beaverton Police Department is trying to turn the blue line green. The department is installing energy-saving anti-idle systems in 16 of its vehicles.

The goal is to save money on fuel costs as well as prevent carbon dioxide emissions.

The system allows officers to shut off and lock police cars when arriving at an accident or incident - even while the emergency lights and radio are in use. The system monitors battery level and internal temperature and will restart the vehicle if the heat or air conditioning is needed.

This is of particular importance to officers with K9 partners, says the department.

The department says that for a police car that idled for an average of seven hours a day for an entire year, the anti-idle system could save $2,555 in fuel costs and prevent 48,545 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions.

The 16 anti-idle systems were purchased through an internal city sustainability grant program that allows employees to propose innovative and progressive sustainability projects. Previous projects have included rain gardens on Hart Road to improve conditions for stormwater management, a public bike repair station at the Beaverton City Library, volunteer events to plant trees for Arbor Day, and a pilot program in which employees can check out bicycles for work or personal errands instead of driving.