Hybrid cars run on both gasoline and electric power, combining the internal combustion engine of a regular vehicle with the battery and electric motor of an electric vehicle. The dual power source results in increased fuel economy compared to conventional cars. A hybrid battery provides extra torque to the small gas engine for acceleration. The gas motor shuts off when the car is stopped, allowing the electric motor to power the vehicle on its own. This reduces emissions of smog-forming pollutants and carbon dioxide.

The environmental benefits of hybrid cars are tremendous. For instance, a late model, mid-sized sedan, driven 20,000 kilometres in one year, produces four tonnes of carbon dioxide, while a hybrid produces only two tonnes when driven the same amount.

Green workstations

BC Housing is purchasing 18 Evolve Systems workstations for our new office space in Burnaby. The entire Evolve panel system and its manufacturing processes were designed to save and protect the environment, whenever possible. The workstations are made of recycled wood, polypropylene, paper, slag, volcanic material, yarns, and wheat straw. Only water-based adhesives are used in the manufacturing. Not only are Evolve panels 100% recyclable at the end of their lifespan, but Evolve also uses materials that would otherwise go to landfill, throughout the manufacturing process. And these workstations are about 40% cheaper than our Home Office workstations.

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