FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 30, 2020
Media Contact: Adam Snider, Electrification Coalition
Climate Mayors EV Purchasing Collaborative Announces Partnership with Second Nature, Expands to Include Higher Education Institutions
Initial group of 11 universities and colleges increases total electric vehicle commitments by 225 fleets to almost 3,800 EVs—the first step in an expansion to include higher education
WASHINGTON, DC – The Climate Mayors Electric Vehicle Purchasing Collaborative (the Collaborative) is excited to announce a partnership with Second Nature to accelerate electric vehicle (EV) deployment at colleges and universities around the country. Second Nature, a Boston-based non-governmental organization (NGO), has more than 450 colleges and universities in their network, greatly expanding the Collaborative’s reach.
The Collaborative was launched two years ago as a partnership between Climate Mayors, the Electrification Coalition, and Sourcewell. The program, which started with just a handful of cities and counties, is focused on reducing upfront costs and EV procurement barriers. It has since grown to 225 fleets committed to purchase nearly 3,800 EVs by the end of 2021.
This expansion of the Collaborative to higher education institutions kicked off with 11 universities and colleges in ten states committing to purchase EVs. The Collaborative’s growth shows the importance of local action and communities working together to cut greenhouse gas emissions, improve inequitable public health outcomes directly linked to proximity to poor air quality, and reduce our nation’s dependence on oil through transportation electrification. These 11 university and college fleets are just the beginning—the Collaborative continues to expand, and this partnership will allow for additional higher education fleet engagement in 2020 and beyond.
The EV fleet commitments through the Collaborative:
- Save nearly 28 million tons of CO2emissions annually;
- Avoid 1.7 million gallons of gas per year; and
- Represent a total investment of $123.5 million in EVs.
“We’re thrilled to help bring higher education into the Collaborative as electrifying campus fleets is an essential part of the goals of Climate Leadership Network signatories,” said Tim Carter, President, Second Nature. “Signatory schools have been, and continue to be, on the vanguard when it comes to not only committing to ambitious goals like the Presidents’ Climate Leadership Commitments, but also following through on implementing decarbonization projects. Congratulations to all 11 schools for making the switch over to electric vehicles and we look forward to bringing more institutions into the Collaborative!”
“Universities and colleges help develop the future leaders of tomorrow. They are always at the forefront of creating ambitious climate and sustainability goals; it only makes sense that they become a part of the Collaborative and the transportation electrification future,” said Ben Prochazka, National Director of the Electrification Coalition.
“Combating the climate crisis requires a conglomeration of efforts across every level, which is why Climate Mayors is excited to announce the inclusion of universities and colleges in the Collaborative. These institutions are an important part of a city’s community and economy, and by expanding partnerships and leadership on the local level, we can address the threat of climate change and simultaneously create healthier cities with a stronger, more equitable, economic future,” said James Ritchotte, Director of Climate Mayors.
Committed Universities and Colleges (thus far)
| University of California, Los Angeles | University of Texas at San Antonio |
| University of Central Florida | University of Miami |
| Iowa State University | Lehigh University |
| University of North Carolina at Charlotte | University of Massachusetts Dartmouth |
| Milwaukee Area Technical College | University of Tennessee |
| University at Albany – State University of New York |
In committing to purchase electric vehicles as a part of the Collaborative, public agencies, colleges, and universities gain access to competitively solicited EVs and charging infrastructure, as well as innovative leasing options that allow fleets to reduce EV costs by accessing federal tax credits. The Collaborative also provides support with technical analysis and best practices for fleet electrification as fleets consider switching to electric.
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About Climate Mayors
Representing over 74 million Americans from 48 states, Climate Mayors is a diverse network of 466 U.S. city mayors who have committed to fighting climate change. Originally founded in 2014, the network’s ranks swelled to almost 400 mayors in response to the Trump administration’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. Climate Mayors commit to taking ambitious action to meet each of their cities’ current climate goals, while working together towards achieving our national Paris targets. Climate Mayors is founded and Chaired by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, and Co-Chaired by Mayors Sylvester Turner (Houston) and Martin J. Walsh (Boston).
About the Electrification Coalition
The Electrification Coalition (EC) is a non-partisan, not-for-profit group committed to promoting policies and actions that facilitate the deployment of plug-in electric vehicles on a mass scale in order to combat the economic, public health, and national security dangers caused by America’s dependence on oil. The EC works with a variety of stakeholders that represent the entire electrified transportation value chain, positioning the organization as a dedicated rallying point for an array of electrification allies.
About Sourcewell
Sourcewell is a self-supporting government organization, partnering with education and government agencies throughout North America. They offer a cooperative purchasing program with over 300 awarded vendors on contract. On behalf of their 50,000 members, Sourcewell conducts competitive solicitations, awarding to the most responsive and responsible vendors. The result of this cooperative effort is a high-quality selection of nationally leveraged, competitively solicited contract solutions to help create efficiencies and meet the ever-challenging needs of current and future member agencies.
About Second Nature
Second Nature is committed to accelerating climate action in, and through, higher education. This is accomplished by mobilizing a diverse array of higher education institutions to act on bold climate commitments, to scale campus climate initiatives, and to create innovative climate solutions. Second Nature aims to align, amplify, and bridge the sector’s efforts with other global leaders to advance urgent climate priorities.