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WIH Resource Group (WIH) received a Business Achievement Award from the Environmental Business Journal (EBJ) in the Project Merit Category of Energy & Infrastructure for the firm’s recent project work for the City of Boise, Idaho.  WIH Resource Group was retained by the City of Boise to conduct research and develop recommendations relative to converting the City’s 20 subcontracted solid waste and recycling collection vehicles (garbage trucks) from diesel to compressed natural gas (CNG).  Senior Management of Allied Waste, now Republic Services, nominated WIH Resource Group for the EBJ Business Achievement Award.  WIH Staff appreciates the nomination by Republic Services, formerly Allied Waste and EBJ for the award.

 

ABOUT THE PROJECT / STUDY

WIH Resource Group conducted research and detailed the benefits that the City of Boise would enjoy by implementing a plan to require waste and recyclables collection vehicles in the city be switched to compressed natural gas (CNG) as an alternative to diesel fuel.   According to the study, Boise's waste management operations will stand to save money by switching to CNG fuel.  Not only has the price of natural gas been significantly lower than that of diesel fuel for many years— approximately $0.50 per diesel gallon equivalent (DGE) or cheaper— but an excise tax credit available under the Energy Policy Act of 2005 has made this fuel an even better bargain.  Estimated savings for converting to 20 new compressed natural gas trucks may produce fuel savings of more than $157,894 per year over diesel fuel and will assist the City in reducing its carbon footprint.  Based on the WIH Resource Group study's findings, the City of Boise has ordered, for a June 2009 delivery, 12 CNG powered garbage trucks. Clean Energy was awarded a contract for building the CNG fueling station which will be operational by June 1st, 2009.

 

ABOUT THE EBJ BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

In October-December of 2008, EBJ solicited the environmental industry via email, website and word-of-mouth for nominations for the EBJ Business Achievement Awards. Nominations were accepted in 200-word essays in either specific or unspecified categories.  Final awards were determined by a committee of EBJ staff and EBJ editorial advisory board members.  Each recipient merits recognition for performance in what has emerged as challenging times for the environmental industry.