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Be Idle Free

What is Idling?

Idling is a bad habit that wastes fuel, adds to pollution and can contribute to health problems. Unnecessary idling costs Canadians millions of dollars every year and it's a major contributor to climate change. Idling your vehicle less will save you money on fuel, improve air quality in your community and reduce emissions contributing to climate change.

We are committed to making sure Edmonton is one of the cleanest, greenest cities worldwide by keeping its air quality at a high rating - above acceptable levels as measured in previous years. Please see our EcoVision Annual Report for more detail.

What can you do?

• Download our Be Idle Free Resources to start your own Be Idle Free campaign.
• Be more aware of the amount of time you idle.
• Reduce "warm-up" idling to 60 seconds before driving away, just make sure your vehicle's windows are clear. Wheel bearings, steering, suspension, transmission and tires are only warmed when the vehicle is moving. It typically takes at least five kilometres of driving to warm up these components.
• Turn your engine off if parked for more than 60 seconds during reasonably warm weather (above -10°C).
• Avoid using a remote car starter during reasonably warm weather (above -10°C).
• Stuck in traffic, using a drive-thru, picking up someone at school or waiting for a train to go by? Shut off the vehicle! Ten seconds of idling uses more fuel than restarting your engine.
• Consider using other ways to get around, such as public transit, walking, biking or jogging instead of driving.
• Register your school as a "no idling" zone. Find out how at ECO-AIR

We also provide City employees with information on how to reduce vehicle idling. Currently, we have the Fuel $ense Program for fleet vehicles and the ETS Bus Idling initiative.

Be Idle Free Video Contest

We asked youths to show us why idling your car is bad for the environment and your health. They entered the contest by creating a video about why people shouldn't idle their cars. The winning entries are:

• GRAND PRIZE: Be An Idol – Don't Idle (Jill Johansen)
• AGE 7-11: No Idle Is Awesome (Nadiya Shore, Karlie Stenzel, Rene Takats)
• AGE 12-14: Stop Idling! (Anastasia Korsoutseva)
• AGE 15-18: Help Mother Nature Heal, Turn Off Your Automobile (Serena Mercier)

Congratulations to the winners, and thanks to everyone for their participation. You can check out all the videos at Be Idle Free.

For more information:

Office of Environment