Wheels, Inc. Begins Second Annual EcoWheels Green Driver Challenge

The second annual EcoWheels Green Driver Challenge, from Wheels, Inc., began Earth Day, April 22, and will conclude on July 1. Through this program, corporate fleet drivers and employees will learn about and pledge to adopt sustainable practices that minimize the environmental impact of their driving.

"Climate change and rising energy costs are dual challenges facing businesses today," said Dan Frank, President of Wheels Services. "These challenges are particularly salient as companies experience pressure from stakeholders to help solve the global environmental problems. However, there are easy, cost-effective ways for fleets to 'go green' and reduce their environmental impact, as well as operating costs."

The EcoWheels Green Driver Challenge encourages drivers to commit to practices such as reducing idling time, checking tire pressure, and practicing more efficient route-planning, among other options. By registering at a special website and pledging sustainable actions during the program, participating drivers will immediately learn the environmental impact of their commitment. The website calculates the carbon dioxide (CO2) output, in pounds, that each pledge will save and the impact of that CO2 reduction in equivalent number of trees planted.

The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) has been advocating for companies to move toward more efficient corporate fleets and is encouraging corporations to reduce 20 percent of greenhouse gas emission from vehicles by 2016.

"The fleet leasing industry is uniquely positioned to deliver value to its clients by providing services that cuts costs and emissions," said Jason Mathers, Project Manager, Environmental Defense Fund. "By engaging thousands of drivers on the simple changes they can make to reduce fuel consumption, the EcoWheels Green Driver Challenge is an example of such a service."

NAFA Fleet Management Association
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