University of South Carolina
Tier2-11: Prohibiting Idling

The University has adopted internal policy concerning the idling of fleet vehicles. The idling policy was developed based on local conditions as well as national standards.

Anti-Idling Policy
Rules and regulations of Vehicle Engine Use when no Longer in Transit
Policy Statement:

It is the policy of the University of South Carolina to avoid and prevent unnecessary idling of vehicles on campus.

Idling vehicles waste fuel, wear out equipment, produce pollution and contribute to green house gas emissions. On average unnecessary idling accounts for 17% of all fuel consumption. For the Columbia campus this equates to over 33,000 gallons of gasoline and over 8,000 gallons of diesel potentially going to waste each year. Unnecessary idling potentially costs the campus over $120,000 each year. Additionally, idling accounts for over 430 tons of CO2 being released by campus fleet vehicles into the atmosphere annually.

The University of South Carolina has committed to become a carbon neutral campus, prevent air pollution and practice good stewardship with our resources and funding. The Anti-Idling Policy has been developed to ensure campus fleet vehicle operators understand and work to meet the commitments of the campus.

The University of South Carolina requires all staff, faculty and students utilizing University vehicles to avoid unnecessary idling of vehicles. No University vehicle or piece of equipment shall be allowed to idle for more than five minutes. Vehicle operators are required to turn-off the vehicle or piece of equipment prior to the five minute mark.

Commercial vehicles and buses visiting the campus will be encouraged to comply with this policy. The University will encourage cooperation through the implementation of signage in heavy use areas.

It is understood that some vehicles and situations require the idling of a vehicle beyond the five minute limit. Therefore several exceptions have been identified as acceptable:
o Vehicles at job sites requiring the use of emergency lights, PTOs, and/or other powered accessories to accomplish their assignment;
o Vehicles which idling may be necessary such as emergency vehicles, patrol cars;
o Vehicles that are designed for and require an extended idling period prior to usage;
o Inclement weather situations where use of the vehicle/equipment heater-defroster is required for operation below freezing.

Additional clarifications of this policy:
 At no time are vehicles allowed to be left unattended.
 Maximum idling time to operate air conditioning systems to cool vehicles is limited to five minutes.