Argonne National Laboratory has developed an online idle reduction cost savings calculator that determines the costs of unnecessary idling and savings from implementing an idle reduction solution.

The Argonne calculator includes both onboard and shore-power options. It is also designed to calculate the payback period for any idle reduction system.

Use of the calculator is free, and is available at www.transportation.anl.gov. Argonne is also seeking feedback on the new calculator. Comments may be sent to Linda Gaines at Argonne National Laboratory at lgaines@anl.gov.

In addition to the calculator, Argonne National Laboratory offers research; educational outreach programs; a monthly “National Idling Reduction Network” newsletter full of current information about idle reduction projects, grants, and regulations to limit excessive idling and fuel expenditures.