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Transforming Toronto's Fleet: A Bold Step towards Sustainability

Toronto recently showcased an innovative procurement model at the inaugural Toronto Climate Week (TOCW), co-hosted with the University of Toronto. This initiative, in collaboration with MaRS Discovery District and Martinrea International Inc., aims to revolutionize the city’s heavy-duty vehicle fleet by implementing clean and sustainable solutions.

The city’s focus on sustainability stems from the TransformTO strategy, which targets achieving net-zero emissions by 2040. The procurement model introduced during TOCW is part of a broader movement that emphasizes outcomes-based procurement, allowing for timely and efficient acquisition of technologies that can drastically reduce emissions from city-operated vehicles.

In 2021, the Toronto City Council passed a motion aimed at accelerating procurement for innovative projects under the Mission from MaRS program. This paved the way for the collaboration with Effenco, a Canadian clean-technology firm that specializes in hybrid compressed natural gas (CNG) systems. This collaboration was crucial, leading to Martinrea’s acquisition of Effenco, which enables the retrofit of the city’s municipal fleet with advanced clean technology.

The partnership not only connects municipal buyers with innovative local solutions but also highlights the capability of Canadian companies to provide sustainable technologies. As Bruce Johnson, executive vice president at Martinrea, pointed out, having MaRS assist in navigating procurement challenges marks a major advancement for municipalities looking to embrace eco-friendly alternatives.

Abi Thomas, general manager of the City of Toronto’s fleet services division, emphasized the significance of this initiative, indicating that Effenco's hybrid-CNG system has proved effective in minimizing emissions while offering notable operational cost savings. The Effenco technology, particularly engineered for city applications, successfully decreases engine hours, fuel consumption, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Notably, medium- and heavy-duty trucks are significant contributors to pollution, with such vehicles responsible for 35% of emissions in the transportation sector, making efforts to reduce their ecological impact all the more imperative.

Following successful demonstrations in 2024, the city has begun incorporating Effenco-equipped vehicles into its fleet. The initial deployment included eight freight vehicles using this clean energy technology, with plans to retrofit a total of 58 vehicles by 2027. Exploring the numbers reveals that the Effenco systems are impressive:

• - Emissions: A 30% reduction compared to traditional CNG vehicles.
• - Fuel Costs: About 20% savings on fuel expenses compared to standard systems.
• - Maintenance Costs: Maintenance expenses are lowered by nearly 15%.
• - Social Impact Savings: The systems contribute an annual social impact saving of $7,219 per vehicle, factoring in reduced noise pollution and enhanced air quality.

Tyler Hamilton, senior director of climate at MaRS, highlights that outcomes-based procurement encourages the adoption of innovative solutions instead of adhering to outdated methods. This new procurement pathway demonstrates the potential for collaboration between the City of Toronto and Martinrea International to realize local solutions that can be replicated in other municipalities across Canada.

The collaboration showcased at Toronto Climate Week represents Canada’s commitment to facing climate challenges head-on. Becky Park-Romanovsky, founder and executive director of Toronto Climate Week, stated that with Canada striving to build a more sustainable and resilient economy, such partnerships are crucial for cities as they work towards ambitious climate goals.

MaRS Discovery District, as North America’s largest urban innovation hub, serves as a facilitator for these kinds of partnerships, supporting Canadian technology firms striving to address significant societal challenges. Since its inception, MaRS has been instrumental in aiding innovation, generating significant revenue and creating thousands of jobs across the country.

Toronto Climate Week not only serves as a platform for solutions but also fosters collaboration among various stakeholders, including startups, industry leaders, and policymakers. This initiative underscores the collective responsibility to advance towards a sustainable future through innovative and impactful technologies. With collaboration, creativity, and commitment, Toronto is setting an example for cities worldwide wishing to contribute to the fight against climate change.