The Green Coach Certification Research initiative (GCC) is part of a multi-year project being developed at the University of Vermont, in close collaboration with the American Bus Association (ABA) and the United Motorcoach Association (UMA). This research focuses on the interplay of business and environmental concerns among motorcoach operators, tour operators, and riders and the development, testing, and evaluation of an 18 month pilot "Green Coach Certification" program for the motorcoach industry. The pilot GCC is based on principles of transparency and voluntary participation, and provides operators with the opportunity to be recognized for existing and emerging efforts to increase their already high level of environmental stewardship. During this learning phase, the GCC should reach a wide audience and continue to develop in sophistication over time.

Along with more than 30 companies from across North America, Hampton Jitney has volunteered to participate in the GCC pilot program. This pilot/field test will help to answer a number of important research questions and provide the foundation for a long-term permanent environmental certification program for the motorcoach industry. During the next 18 months, participating operators are eligible for a pilot GCC label/recognition for any motorcoach complying with at least one of the following:

• Meeting or exceeding the industry average of 148 passenger miles per gallon.
• Running an EPA 2007 compliant engine.
• Running an EPA 2010 compliant engine.
• Offsetting carbon emissions by 80 percent through an endorsed carbon-trading program.
• Running on an alternative fuel such as a blend of Biodiesel.
• Having a strict, documented, and verifiable energy conservation and recycling program.
• Incorporating other emerging environmental technologies as prescribed by the GCC.