July 29, 2008 - Chauffeured transport firm EmpireCLS is rolling out a new carbon-reduction program that calls for building new tire-filling stations that replace air in the fleet's tires with pure nitrogen - a move the company says can boost fuel efficiency by as much as 15%.

The move is part of the company's overall sustainability program, which aims to reduce the carbon footprint of its fleet and business operations by 20% over the next five years. The company has partnered with Green Ride Global, a third-party auditing and reporting firm, to oversee the program.

For its office operations, EmpireCLS is undergoing a complete review of its operations and implementing policies for energy efficiency. In addition the company is making targeted purchasing decisions to encourage greener working practices with its partners and suppliers.

To reduce its carbon footprint through its fleet operations, the company aims to increase the percentage of hybrid cars in its fleet (which currently stands at 5%).

EmpireCLS has already begun its Green Tire program across its fleet. The company is now inviting local police departments in New Jersey and California to have their tires refilled for free with nitrogen.

Other companies are also realizing the cost and fuel-saving benefits of nitrogen-filled tires. Cox Communications has installed a nitrogen-filling system for its 1,400-vehicle fleet in Arizona.