THE Environment Agency has promised to practice what it preaches with a pledge to make its 3,000-vehicle fleet the greenest in Europe.

A new national head of transport and plant, who will be based at the agency's Peterborough headquarters, will be responsible for delivering green transport and increasing efficiency and service levels, as well as 'inspiring people across our organisation to adopt new ways of working'.

Part of the new strategy involves the appointment of Fleetlease to supply the Environment Agency's contract hire car fleet - the agency outright purchases its 1,700 light commercial vehicles - starting extensive co-operation between the two organisations. Firstly, the agency will conduct an environmental audit of Fleetlease, advising on issues such as carbon dioxide emissions and resources management.

Simon Oliphant, Fleetlease's managing director, said: 'Instigating a more robust environmental policy for Fleetlease will strengthen our ability to manage the fleets of companies which work in environmentally sensitive industries. More large organisations now insist on dealing with fleet companies who have a structured environmental policy.'

Fleetlease has developed a paper-free, internet-based environmental index for Environment Agency drivers allowing them to select a vehicle according to its fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and recyclability.

Rob Atkins, national contract manager for the Environment Agency, said: 'Apart from advising Fleetlease on developing its own environmental policy, the aim is that the company will cascade this information down so that it can provide its own suppliers and clients with advice to put in place green fleet policies.'

Fleetlease clinched the deal from ARVAL PHH, and fought off strong competition from other leasing firms LeasePlan, Cochranes, HSBC Vehicle Finance and Lex Vehicle Leasing.