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In the heart of Oregon, Beaverton School District is quietly revolutionizing how students travel to school. As the third-largest district in the state, with over 300 buses crisscrossing diverse routes, the district faces significant transportation challenges. But where others see hurdles, Beaverton School District has seen an opportunity — embracing a groundbreaking mixed-energy fleet that prioritizes sustainability and efficiency.
Through a combination of renewable propane, renewable diesel, and electric buses, the district is setting new standards for clean school transportation. At the heart of this transformation lies 66 renewable propane-powered Type C buses, offering long-range capability, reliability, and significantly reduced emissions. Beaverton School District is leading the charge toward a greener, healthier future for its students and community.
A Mixed-Energy Approach to Sustainability
Back in 2015, Beaverton School District faced a familiar dilemma — how to reduce emissions from its diesel fleet without sacrificing performance. Diesel particulate filters, though designed to limit harmful exhaust emissions, were not making the grade. That’s when the district looked into propane autogas, an affordable fuel that is 90 percent cleaner than the Environmental Protection Agency’s standards.
Fast forward to 2023, and the district’s commitment to sustainability has only deepened. In April of that year, the district swapped out conventional propane for renewable propane, a move that required no additional infrastructure or costly new equipment. This innovative fuel, produced from renewable feedstocks, offers the same reliability and power as its conventional counterpart but with the added benefit of even lower emissions.
This decision wasn’t just about meeting today’s clean energy goals. It was about future-proofing Beaverton School District’s transportation fleet for the challenges ahead. By taking a mixed-energy approach, the district has been able to assign each energy source to the routes best suited for its strengths. Renewable propane Type C buses handle long-range routes, and type D powered by electric and renewable diesel serve the shorter routes. The result is a balanced, efficient, and environmentally friendly system for the district.
Cost Savings That Benefit the Classroom
For Beaverton School District, reducing emissions was only one part of the equation. As the district’s Transportation Administrator, Craig Beaver, pointed out, cost savings are just as important, especially when operating one of the largest fleets in Oregon with a $2 million annual fuel budget.
By transitioning to propane autogas, and later renewable propane, Beaverton School District has enjoyed significant financial benefits. The district saves more than $200,000 each year in fuel costs alone, thanks to propane’s lower price point compared to diesel. But the savings don’t stop there. The district’s propane buses have been 50 percent cheaper to operate than their diesel counterparts, further driving down the district’s overall transportation costs.
These savings translate directly into more money for classrooms, allowing the district to focus on what matters most — educating the next generation. And with propane continuing to reduce costs, Beaverton School District is setting an example for districts across the country looking to make both eco-friendly and budget-conscious decisions.
Reliability for Long-Range Routes
While cost savings and emissions reductions are critical, reliability remains a non-negotiable when it comes to transporting students safely. When the Beaverton school board questioned whether the district would fully transition to electric buses, Craig Beaver was clear in his response: “With the current technology, we don’t see that happening in any realistic time horizon.”
Why? Because electric buses, while practical for short-range urban routes, don’t yet offer the range or reliability needed for the district’s long-distance travel needs. The district’s electric buses have a range of approximately 125 miles, which pales in comparison to the 400-mile range of its renewable propane buses. This extended range allows buses to travel round-trip to destinations across Oregon without needing to refuel.
Moreover, propane is a portable energy source, meaning the district’s buses can continue running even during power outages. For a district as large and spread out as Beaverton, this kind of reliability is priceless.
Propane Leads the Way Toward Zero Emissions
Looking to the future, Beaver and the district’s transportation team are laser-focused on continuing the transition from renewable diesel to renewable propane across their fleet. This shift will help the district further reduce its carbon footprint while maintaining the flexibility and dependability of its transportation system.
Renewable propane plays a crucial role in the district’s commitment to student health. Today’s propane engine technology reduces nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by 94 percent compared to diesel. This near-zero emission level significantly improves air quality for students, bus drivers, and the broader community. It’s a clear win-win — one that puts Beaverton School District at the forefront of sustainable, student-centric transportation.
The Road Ahead
Beaverton School District’s journey to a renewable-fuel fleet is a reminder that sustainability and practicality can go hand in hand. “Everyone is looking at electric buses, but propane is still high on our list,” Beaver said.
Learn more about propane school buses and renewable propane.
