HAMILTON, Ontario, Canada --- The city of Hamilton's Public Works Department was awarded a silver rating for excellence in "greening" its vehicle fleets under a new Canadian program known as E3 Fleet. The Fraser Basin Council, which oversees the E3 Fleet program, made the announcement. Between 2005 and 2006, Hamilton city fleets increased fuel efficiency by 5 percent for every kilometer traveled, and decreased greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2 percent per kilometer. The city's E3 Fleet silver rating was based on these accomplishments and best management practices, such as the city adopting a green fleet plan, an idling reduction program, fuel data management and a green vehicle purchasing policy. "The city of Hamilton can be proud of its fleets," said Chair Charles Jago for the Fraser Basin Council, a nonprofit organization in British Columbia. "They have been quick out of the gate to meet E3 Fleet criteria and capture a silver rating. It's an impressive accomplishment, and we expect other public and private sector fleets to step up to the challenge." "The Public Works Department is extremely pleased to receive this award," said Scott Stewart, general manager of Hamilton's Public Works Department. "We take our environmental responsibility very seriously, and we hope that we can inspire other municipalities to transition their fleet to greener alternatives as well." Since transportation accounts for 40 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, the Fraser Basin Council decided to develop a review and rating program for this sector, similar to ratings that already exist for green buildings.