DriveWiser Active Communities

DriveWiser Active Communities helps municipalities across Nova Scotia acheive their sustainability goals. By participating in at least two of DriveWiser's initiatives, the municipality helps spread awareness in their community and offers solutions to excessive fuel usage and its impact on the environment.

These initiatives include:

Implementing an idle-free policy for municipal properties

This policy would be passed by council, then implemented into all municipal divisions including schools, public offices, public works, arenas, parks, exhibition grounds etc. A media release would be drafted to highlight the municipality's new policy for the public's attention.

Displaying idle-free signs on each municipal building

The new policy will be brought to staff's attention and each location would have idle-free sign(s) and literature for staff, clients, customers, and citizens of the town. We encourage that the new policy be monitored and enforced if necessary.

Facilitating a carpool program for municipal employees

This option helps develop the planning and infrastructure needed for such a program and helps to get people thinking about the option of carpooling. We can help set up a central sign up list (electronic or hardcopy) or an email tree/list. Most successful carpooling programs offer a drive home to those who participate should an unforseen circumstance arise (if an employee suddenly becomes ill). This gives peace of mind to those who participate because they are guaranteed a ride home.

Staff mileage competition for personal/fleet vehicles

This is a fun initiative that can encourage friendly competition and awareness about fuel efficiency. After receiving a DriveWiser presentation, the staff can use what they learned to help them acheive the best fuel efficiency for their personal vehicle. We would record the make/model/year of each participant's vehicle and they would begin to track their fuel efficiency and keep their receipts each time they fill their tank. The individual who comes closest to the Energuide fuel efficiency rating of their vehicle wins a prize. This is also an option for fleet vehicles as well, with the underlining benefit of money savings in gas for the municipality.

DriveWiser presentation for municipal staff

The free DriveWiser presentation examines in detail three main issues surrounding fuel consumption and offers solutions for the audience. This presentation is open to the public.

Local business/community group hosting DriveWiser display

DriveWiser has a free standing interactive display which highlights some facts about fuel efficiency specifically relating to Nova Scotians and Canadians. The display is the the shape of the rear of the car, and features movable parts that reveal answers to the questions posed. The display can also hold DriveWiser pamplets for more information. Any business/community group would be welcome to host the display, and it could be shuffled around to include multiple locations.

Once at least two of these initiatives have been implemented, the municipality then becomes a `DriveWiser Active Community`. This recognition helps the municipality position itself to be among the first in the province to do its part for sustainability and the environment.