Ecolab Inc. has received the NAFA Fleet Management Association 2012 Sustainable Fleet Award in recognition of the company's progressive work related to its 7,000-vehicle U.S. fleet.

From 2006 to 2011, Ecolab's fleet showed an 18% increase in the average miles per gallon per vehicle and an 8% reduction in fuel consumed (1.4 million gallons) - all while the fleet grew 1% and the total miles driven rose more than 8%.

"Our sustainability action plan included right-sizing the fleet and redefining the optimal vehicle for business requirements," says Gayle Pratt, director of Ecolab's global fleet. "We revised our fleet policies to acquire more fuel-efficient vehicles, focusing on EPA-certified SmartWay vehicles. We moved from large to intermediate to small vehicles; and from eight- to six- to four-cylinder engines whenever possible."