North Penn School District in PA Receives Energy for Everyone Hero Award for Propane School Bus Initiative

Located just 20 miles north of Philadelphia, the North Penn School District’s dedication to its students has garnered national recognition through the recent presentation of the Energy for Everyone Hero Award by the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC). This esteemed accolade from the non-profit organization championing clean energy endeavors acknowledges the district’s profound commitment to student well-being and environmental preservation. The district’s achievement lies in operating a propane school bus fleet with near-zero emissions.

Dennis Ryan, the transportation coordinator at North Penn, accepted the award amidst a celebratory event held within the district. The distinction arises from the realization that propane-fueled school buses are instrumental in significantly reducing harmful pollutants by up to 94% compared to diesel alternatives. This reduction in pollutants contributes to improved air quality and safeguards the health of young students, whose developing lungs are particularly vulnerable.

Furthermore, adopting propane buses aligns with North Penn’s dedication to minimizing its carbon footprint. These buses serve as a low-carbon transportation solution, effectively mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impact.

According to Steve Whaley, director of autogas business development with the Propane Council, North Penn’s proactive approach positions them as pioneers in school transportation. By transitioning to propane buses, the district prioritizes student well-being and benefits the community by enhancing air quality and saving on costs. Whaley commends North Penn’s decision, affirming it’s a commendable win-win scenario.

Approximately 83% of North Penn’s bus routes, totaling 104 out of 126, are powered by propane. This impressive statistic is slated to improve as older diesel buses are gradually phased out and replaced with new propane models. The district’s ambitious plan is to have a 100% propane-powered fleet by 2026. Beyond the obvious benefits for student health and the environment, this transition yields substantial financial savings, directly benefiting the education system.

Dennis Ryan reports that the core motive behind this initiative is to bolster student learning and health through cleaner and more environmentally responsible transportation. The cost-effectiveness of propane buses allows the district to redirect funds into enhancing the students’ educational experiences.

Steven Skrocki, the chief financial officer of North Penn, further underscores the district’s strategic approach, highlighting the fiscal prudence in opting for propane buses. He affirms that these buses operate at lower costs and deliver a considerably reduced total cost of ownership compared to their diesel counterparts.

With more than 1,000 school districts in 48 states adopting propane buses, North Penn School District stands out as an exemplar in the mission to ensure cleaner and safer transportation for the 1.3 million students who commute to school daily across the nation.