Green Calgary

Participate as a Workplace

Having an Idle Free policy at a workplace makes sense. Not only do businesses reduce their impact on the environment, they can save a significant amount of money from operational costs as well! Idle Free BC estimates that idling accounts for up to 20% of annual fuel budgets. Put your company at a competitive advantage by eliminating this unnecessary expense! Molson Canada reduced their idling as a part of the Repair Our Air Fleet Challenge, and estimates that they save $250,000 annually. For more information visit our links page

Going Idle Free means making a commitment to reduce idling in company and/or fleet vehicles. It also means asking visitors and delivery personnel to avoid idling when visiting your workplace.

Steps to writing and implementing an idle free policy

An Idle Free policy works best when it is worded definitively, but also makes accommodations for situations where idling may be necessary. View the City of Calgary's "Vehicle Idling Reduction Policy" (the first in North America to be adopted by a city for its corporate fleet) as an example of what your Idle Free policy may look like.

If you are interested in making your company Idle Free, here are five simple steps to follow:

  1. Talk about going Idle Free with management. Come armed with a plan to show how easy this will be and the potential to save money.
  2. Educate everyone involved or effected. If possible, do this at a staff meeting. In five minutes tell them why you are going Idle Free and what they can do to help. You could also invite Green Calgary to give a Getting There Green workshop.
  3. Create and Adopt an Idle Free policy
  4. Advertise the Idle Free policy. Put decals on your vehicles and signs in areas where idling may occur.
  5. Celebrate the fact that you are Idle Free. Congratulate employees who are participating. This can only improve moral and increase buy-in.


If you want to become an Idle Free Workplace, let us help! Sign up, get decals for your fleet, and we will recognize your workplace on our webpage. If you need assistance or advice, don't hesitate to call, email or drop by our EcoStore:

Green Calgary EcoStore
809 4th Avenue SW
[403] 230 1443 ext 222
idlefree@greencalgary.org