At the GreenFleet Conference 2009 in Chicago, fleet managers had access to comprehensive online tools and materials to help them cut costs and emissions. Available at http://edf.org/greenfleet, the tools unveiled by Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) assist companies in reaching out to their fleet drivers to help identify practical, effective ways to improve fuel economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

"Corporate fleets account for more than three million vehicles in the United States. Fuel-smart driving behaviors offer an opportunity to reduce fuel consumption and emissions from all of these vehicles - starting today," noted Jason Mathers, Green Fleet project manager at EDF, who is moderating a session at the conference this afternoon entitled Real-World Driver Behavior Modifications to Meet Green Fleet Goals. "Fleets have seen improvements in fuel efficiency by up to 4 percent after adopting fuel-smart driving practices. If all corporate fleets in the country did the same, they could reduce their annual greenhouse gas emissions by nearly two million metric tons - and save money."

The EDF online tools include:

• A comprehensive handbook for fleet managers outlining everything from tips on driving best practices to concrete ways to incentivize changes in driving behavior

• Template materials for communicating with fleet drivers

• An online driver-training module, complete with a users guide

EDF worked with leading fleet management company PHH Arval to develop a comprehensive fleet management service - PHH GreenFleet® - that achieves measurable greenhouse gas emissions reductions and simultaneously produces business benefits.

"In today's economic environment, fleet managers are looking for cost-effective ways to improve fuel economy and reduce fuel costs," said Karen Healey, director of environmental programs at PHH Arval. "We believe the tools developed by PHH and EDF will provide great business and environmental benefits, and we encourage all fleet managers to consider including them as part of a comprehensive fleet greenhouse gas management strategy."

For more on EDF's work with fleets, including tips on maximizing vehicle efficiency and minimizing vehicle miles traveled, visit http://edf.org/greenfleet.