Sacramento County
Idle-Free Schools

Sacramento County Idle-Free Schools, an Idle-Free California Inc. funded project, was implemented by Idle-Free California during the 2017-18 school year. Following recruitment of interested science, math, social science, social studies, STEM, and environmental studies teachers — with approval of school administrations — two middle schools within the Unified School Districts of Sacramento County participated in long-term, student-led studies/campaigns that addressed the health, climate, and energy impacts of vehicle idling on school grounds. Idling “hot spots” are a common occurrence at many schools, for instance when parents sit in their vehicles with engines running while waiting for students during afternoon pick up.1

These studies/campaigns promote science, mathematics, and project based learning by engaging students in a before and after study of idling vehicles; they further provide students with the opportunity to learn how to run a public service campaign and empower them to make a positive difference in the school community.

These campaigns are modeled on the excellent EPA Region 8 Idle Free Schools Toolkit.

Note: Participating school parents, PTOs or school parent clubs are also encouraged to participate!

1These campaigns do not address idling of school buses as California already regulates the idling of school buses and other heavy-duty vehicles.

Why an idle-free schools project?

• The U.S. EPA states: "Idling vehicles contribute to air pollution and emit air toxins, which are pollutants known or suspected to cause cancer or other serious health effects. Monitoring at schools has shown elevated levels of benzene, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and other air toxics during the afternoon hour coinciding with parents picking up their children. Children’s lungs are still developing, and when they are exposed to elevated levels of these pollutants, children have an increased risk of developing asthma, respiratory problems and other adverse health effects. Limiting a vehicle’s idling time can dramatically reduce these pollutants and children’s exposure to them."

• The California legislature, in 2016, adopted ACR 160, a resolution that addresses the issue of vehicular air pollution. Specifically, it encourages motorists to not idle their motor vehicles near places where children congregate. This resolution lists many compelling reasons to avoid idling at schools or just about anywhere.

• In addition to the benefits in idling reduction these efforts provide, (1) students learn organizational, analytical and communication skills as they perform data analysis, are empowered by showing drivers the significant benefits in shutting off engines when parked, and take pride in making a positive difference in their school community, and (2) motorists learning of the benefits potentially apply them beyond schools.

Idle-Free California, previously Idle-Free Vermont, has successfully implemented idle-free schools campaigns in Vermont for several years. In the 2015-2016 school year, participation yielded a 41% reduction in idling.

Details here.

Teacher commendations.

Shelburne Community School campaign.

How do our Idle-Free Schools campaigns work? Visit the California Idle-Free Schools page for complete details!

KATHERINE L. ALBIANI MIDDLE SCHOOL

Elk Grove

Elk Grove Unified School District

Leaders/teachers: Katena Sanford and

Korena Hendryx, 8th grade science

Step 1: introductory session conducted

Nov. 9th (two classes)

Step 2: initial data collection conducted

for three days at school afternoon

dismissal on 11/13, 11/14, 11/15

Average temperature: 64 degrees

Total vehicles observed: 126; total

vehicles idling: 65 (51%); total minutes of

idling: 975 = 16.25 hours

Amount of fuel consumed*: 11.29 gal/

three days / 3.76 gal/per day average

Amount of fuel consumed annually (est.) -

based on 175 day school year: 658 gal

Amount of CO2 emissions annually (est.) -

based on 175 day school year: 13,160

lbs**

Step 3: school supports idle-free

campaign: SCHOOL WEBSITE  NO IDLE

SIGN

Step 4: driver contact event conducted

2/20 & 2/21 (photos of event not

allowed)

Step 5: final data collection conducted for

three days at school afternoon dismissal

on 4/30, 5/1, 5/2

Average temperature: 71 degrees

Total vehicles observed: 79; total vehicles

idling: __ ; total minutes of idling: ___ =

__ hours

Amount of fuel consumed*: ____ gal/three

days / ____ gal/per day average

Amount of fuel consumed annually (est.) -

based on 175 day school year: ___ gal

Amount of CO2 emissions annually (est.) -

based on 175 day school year: ______

lbs**

DATA INCOMPLETE. Explanation from

school: Students not given permission to

be dismissed early to observe

vehicles waiting prior to dismissal.

Students could only observe vehicles from

the time of dismissal when vehicles in

line slowly move forward to school

entrance.

To address this issue, participating

schools in future efforts must agree to

allow students to conduct observations at

least 15 minutes prior to dismissal.

*Amount of fuel consumed based on passenger vehicle — car/SUV/pickup truck — idling consumption of 0.43 gal/hr.

**Amount of CO2 emitted based on one gallon of fuel consumed equaling 20 pounds of CO2 emitted (gasoline - 19.64 pounds; diesel - 22.38 pounds)

For full Campaign Resources: see

the California Idle-Free Schools page