The NAFA Fleet Management Association is developing a sustainable fleet program in conjunction with CALSTART to help fleets increase efficiency, reduce emissions, and conserve fuel.

NAFA announced the program at its NAFA Institute and Expo in Minneapolis, Minn., on April 8. NAFA has not said when the program would be rolled out.

"The importance of sustainable practices becomes more evident each day," said Claude Masters, NAFA president. "By becoming more energy independent and efficient our members will extend benefits to their bottom line and their customer base."

The program will allow member organizations to assess how to enhance their practices in a way that decreases their fuel dependence and emissions, while increasing the efficiency of their vehicles, improving performance, and reducing harmful pollutants, according to a NAFA release.

CALSTART, a national non-profit clean transportation organization, is helping NAFA structure the program.

"We're working with NAFA to make sure the standard is strong, but easy to use by any fleet, whether just starting out or far down the road on sustainable operations," said John Boesel, president and CEO of CALSTART.

NAFA is designing the standard to encourage fleets to take the initial steps toward greater sustainability. NAFA members will have access to the program at no additional cost.