User:Jheinric/ERating

eRating

The eRating certification system is a system used by the Certification for Sustainable Transportation that rates vehicles based on criteria such as greenhouse gas emissions per passenger mile, emissions, alternative fuels, purchase of carbon offsets, and any training programs that the driver has undergone that may help with energy efficient driving. If enough standards are met, the vehicle is given an eRating certification. There are four levels of certification, whith e1 representing entry level certification and e4 representing the highest levels of energy efficiency.

Criteria
Various features of the vehicle being considered for certification are examined. Points are given for more efficient features and attributes of the vehicle, with 100 being required for entry level, or e1, certification.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions per Passenger Mile
Points are earned if the vehicle's greenhouse gas emission levels are at least 50% below the U.S. average for 2000-2009 (.274 kg per passenger mile). Higher levels of efficiency earn more points.

Criteria Pollutant Emissions
Points are awarded for the use of technologies that reduce emissions such as carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxide. Many such pollutant producing vehicles are automatically disqualified for certification, such as those with leaky exhaust systems or that produce excessive amounts of smoke.

Alternative Fuels
The use of alternative fuels besides gasoline or diesel earns a vehicle points towards certification, with fuels such as propane earning 5 points and fuels such as electricity earning up to 35. Vehicles powered by human activity (such as bicycles) automatically earn 100 points.

Greenhouse Gas Offsets
Points can also be earned by purchasing greenhouse gas offsets from certain. Generally, 1 point is awarded for every 5% of emissions offset.

Training Programs and Idle Policy
The Certification for Sustainable Transportation offers two driver training programs meant to help drivers become more fuel efficient. Completing these courses can earn a driver points towards their certification.

Idle Free
This course teaches drivers about the health, environmental, and financial impacts of idling a vehicle. A health expert, manufacturers, and vehicle operators all give their testimony about the advantages of idle-free driving. Upon completion of the course, drivers are then able to take an "idle-free pledge", in which they promise to follow the idling guidelines set forth in the course. Completion of this course earns 20 points towards eRating certification.

Eco-Driving 101
This course teaches drivers about eco-driving. It first explains the science behind eco-driving, as well as the environmental and mechanical benefits of doing so. It then teaches drivers techniques that they can use in their everyday driving in order to cut back on fuel consumption. Completing this course earns 20 points towards eRating certification.

Benefits
Being eRating certified conveys several benefits. A vehicle that has been certified can display an eRating certification label, which has the purpose of helping customers identify which vehicle will be the most sustainable. Vehicles that have met the criteria for certification also tend to be more efficient to operate than those that have not.