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PHH Arval, a leading fleet management company, collaborated with Environmental Defense Fund to develop the PHH GreenFleet programme, greenhouse gas management program for corporate fleets. The program helps fleets measure, reduce and offset greenhouse gas emissions.

Abbott was the first company to partner with both organisations. The GreenFleet program helped Abbott’s progress toward its goal of reducing its global greenhouse gas emissions 10 percent below 2004 levels by 2010. As part of the program, Abbott committed to going carbon neutral with its commercial fleet by improving fuel efficiency and by purchasing carbon credits.

To make the green fleet vehicle alternatives as appealing to drivers as possible, Abbott offered upgrade incentives such as satellite radio and sunroofs, and clearly communicated with drivers about the environmental impact of their choices. Abbott and the GreenFleet team also educated the sales force on driving habits and vehicle maintenance practices that enhance fuel efficiency. As a result, approximately 20 percent of Abbott’s eligible drivers (those due for vehicle replacements) selected more fuel-efficient vehicles in model year 2007 and 31 percent selected more fuel-efficient vehicles in 2008. In the program’s first year, Abbott’s fleet miles-per-gallon improved by 4.3 percent; greenhouse gas emissions dropped by 4.2 percent; and overall cost was reduced 4.1 percent.