The study quantifies the benefits of replacing diesel buses with electric ones in terms of health and climate, estimating a per-bus savings of $84,200.
Benefits are highest in metropolitan areas, where pollution impacts more people, with potential savings reaching $247,600 per bus.
Despite the higher initial cost of electric buses, the long-term benefits, especially for marginalized communities, outweigh these costs.
Key quote:
“In a dense urban setting where old diesel buses still comprise most school bus fleets, the savings incurred from electrifying these buses outweigh the costs of replacement.”
— Kari Nadeau, professor of climate and population studies and environmental health at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
As extreme heat linked to climate disruption becomes more common during the school year, many U.S. schools lack adequate cooling and ventilation systems to keep kids safe and focused on learning.
