Greening of North Coast Community Homes

Ford Transit Connect Van

Comparison in size of the Ford Transit Connect Van on the left to that of an older van.

In 2008 North Coast Community Homes (NCCH) made the commitment to expand its program of environmental efficiency in its operations. In addition to our continuing use of “Energy Star” rated appliances and the installation of 80% efficiency rated furnaces in all our properties, a recycling program was established at the headquarters of NCCH. Cardboard, aluminum, glass, plastic, paper, shredded paper, ink cartridges, and computer equipment are collected separately and taken to recycle centers. The grass cutting and watering of our property has been reduced and rain barrels are now being put in place to help water specific areas. Leaf composting of the 400 truck loads of leaves that we collect from all our properties annually is also a continuing activity.

In late 2009, NCCH made the transition from large cargo vans driven by its maintenance staff with the purchase of a new Ford Transit Connect Van. This boxy hauler has a 52-inch interior height, 125 cubic feet of storage and approximately a 1600-lb maximum load capacity, while still maintaining a respectable 22/25 miles per gallon fuel economy. Note the photograph comparing the size of one of our older vans to the new van on the left.

We drive an average of 25,000 miles per year in each of our vehicles, most of which are heavy cargo vans with ratings of 14 miles per gallon.
Fuel savings from this one new Transit Van will be approximately $1,623 per year and as our older vehicles require replacement, we will
purchase the lighter, smaller vans and our fuel savings will continue
to increase.

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