A Driving Force Wraps Up
Published on March 4, 2011
Cornwall, ON - A Driving Force, a project of the Cornwall Carbon Reduction Initiative (CCRI), officially wrapped up February 1, 2011 after seven months of working with local automobile shops and the community. A Driving Force was launched at an event at Notman Chrysler Dodge Jeep on August 4, 2011. The project focused on buying, maintaining, and driving our vehicles in the most fuel efficient and environmentally friendly manner.
In June, A Driving Force received funding from the Ontario Ministry of the Environment's Community Go Green Fund. The project includes the production of a series of educational videos, hands-on workshops, and the distribution of the "Green Check" package of services throughout the region.
A Driving Force was a project that provided outreach and education to vehicle owners in Cornwall and the surrounding region about vehicle maintenance and driving techniques that will result in lower fuel consumption and GHG emissions.
With the assistance of local businesses, five free workshops were held between in Cornwall and Lancaster, August to November 2010. From hybrid information to beginner car care tips, the intimate hands-on workshops provided important facts and advice to assist with the understanding of techniques that will result in lower fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
The workshops included:
1. Women's Car Care Clinic
Presented by Seaway Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC Ltd.
2. Sensible Driving to Increase Fuel Efficiency
Presented by Young Drivers of Canada, Cornwall location
3. Is a Hybrid Right for Me?
Presented by Cornwall Toyota
4. Basic Automobile Maintenance for Fuel Efficiency
Presented by Pat St. Pierre Autopro
5. Do It Yourself Tires
Presented by Pat St. Pierre Autopro
In addition to the workshops, "Green Check" maintenance packages were available at more than a dozen participating auto service providers, including:
• Active Green and Ross
• Brookdale Speedy Lube & Auto
• Cornwall Toyota
• Direct Muffler Brake & Auto Service
• Dynamic Auto Service & Maintenance
• Fairview Garage (Mercedes Only)
• McConnell Automotive & Tire Centre
• Miller Hughes Ford Lincoln
• Notman Chrysler Dodge Jeep
• Seaway Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC
• South Branch Garage
• Winter Lester Mechanics
The total Green Check packages sold between the twelve automobile shops was 1903. An online vehicular footprint calculator update was launched and tracking of registrants' baseline and new behaviours in June 2010. As of February 1, 2011 the total measurable GHG emission reduction from the actions undertaken by participants in the Project was: 1178.5 tonnes of CO2-equivalent emissions.
Note: The involvement of the abovementioned automobile service providers does not indicate endorsement by the CCRI or that of any sponsors or funding supporters of A Driving Force.
Founded in 2006, the Cornwall Carbon Reduction Initiative is a grassroots organization which is dedicated to providing outreach and education activities about climate change and greenhouse gas reduction.
The Community Go Green Fund is a program of the Ontario Ministry of the Environment. Announced in 2007, this four-year program comes under Ontario's Climate Change Action Plan. To date, the Community Go Green Fund has provided more than $6M in funding to more than 90 community groups.
