PRINCETON, NJ – On April 24, NAFA will present a Masters' Seminar: Carbon Footprint Calculation and Management at the Institute & Expo (I&E) in New Orleans. The seminar provides an explanation of the contribution of vehicle emissions to greenhouse gases (GHG), as well as an examination of GHG emissions reduction strategies including fuel conservation and the impact of alternative fuel substitutions. "The time has come when fleet managers need to know how their fleet affects the environment," said Stephen B. Russell, moderator for the session.

Fleet managers will learn how to calculate the carbon footprint of their fleet, the effect different types of fuel have on the environment, and how to track their fleet's environmental performance over time. The seminar is led by Jason Mathers, fleet project manager, Corporate Partnerships Program, Environmental Defense Fund.

The seminar also serves as an explanation of United States EPA fleet mandates and marks the official rollout and demonstration of the EDF-NAFA carbon emissions calculator.  This calculator has been built to follow EPA guidelines and was designed for use by fleet managers.

"If a fleet manager hasn't been asked by upper management or the City Council yet what the carbon footprint of their fleet is, that day is coming soon," added Russell. "This is an opportunity to be ahead of the curve when they ask. Not only will fleet managers have an opportunity to calculate the footprint, there will be exercises to measure the impact if they decide to change the mix of their fleet to alternative fuels or vehicles. They will also learn about how the various fuels affect the environment, so they can make an informed decision about the future types of 'green vehicles' and how effective they will be in the future."

"Knowing your carbon footprint will also empower you to set performance best metrics for reducing your fleet's environmental impact," explained Mathers, who works with today's leading companies to identify, develop, and implement innovative environmental practices that make business sense. He is currently working to advance the Carbon Neutral Fleet Management partnership with PHH Arval, promote sustainable practices in the retail sector with Wal-Mart, and build demand for low-carbon transportation fuels. An experienced analyst and advocate, Mathers organized leading global change scientists on important policy developments while working as an outreach specialist with the Union of Concerned Scientists.

Stephen B. Russell is the fleet services superintendent for the City of Keene, N.H.  In addition, he serves as the chair for NAFA's Fuels & Technology Advisory Council.

The Masters' Seminar takes place one day before the start of NAFA's 2009 Institute & Expo in New Orleans. The I&E, which runs April 25-28, features Graeme Maxton as the keynote speaker and includes more than 60 hours of fleet training, education, and workshops; the Public Safety Roadeo and a large collection of emergency vehicles, Green Fleet Ride-and-Drive to test-drive various alternative fuel vehicles; the Green Zone, which contains the latest in "green" products, information, and services; and an Expo Floor with over 150 companies showing their latest products and services. Future I&E locations include Detroit (2010), Charlotte (2011), St. Louis (2012), and Atlantic City (2013).