SUSSEX, Wis., Nov. 3 -- Quad/Graphics has received an Environmental Excellence Award from the U.S. EPA SmartWay(SM) Transport Partnership for its outstanding achievements and leadership in reducing emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases from its freight transport activities. Quad/Graphics is one of 24 companies from among the Partnership's more than 400 partners, and one of just four private fleets, to receive this distinction. "EPA is pleased to recognize Quad/Graphics and the other SmartWay Excellence Award winners," said Margo Oge, Director of EPA's Office of Transportation and Air Quality. "They are leading the way toward a cleaner, more efficient transportation future." "Quad/Graphics is proud to be recognized for our aggressive, proactive efforts to protect the environment and conserve our energy resources," said Joel Quadracci, Quad/Graphics President & CEO. "We hope that our leadership will inspire other companies to join this vital initiative." Quad/Graphics' initiatives to reduce emissions and fuel consumption include: -- Installing auxiliary power units to heat and cool the cab of the truck so drivers don't have to keep the entire truck running while parked. These units use just one-eighth the amount of fuel consumed by a truck engine when idling. -- Installing technology that automatically shuts off a truck engine left idling for more than three minutes and activates the auxiliary power unit. -- Assigning double drivers per truck to reduce idling time. -- Making aerodynamic modifications to its fleet cabs and trailers. -- Replacing older, heavier trucks with newer, lighter-weight trucks. -- Having drivers reduce speeds from 65 mph to 60 mph. -- Using low-friction lubricants and low-rolling resistance tires. -- Performing engine upgrades. -- Educating drivers on how their driving practices affect fuel consumption and air emissions. Quad/Graphics was the first corporation in the printing and publishing industry to join the SmartWay Transport Partnership, which launched in 2004 as an innovative, market-based partnership to reduce fuel consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and air pollutants from the freight sector. "When we initiated SmartWay techniques, the results were significant and immediate," said John Drake, Manager of Quad/Graphics' Transportation Services Division. In 2004 alone, the SmartWay initiatives reduced carbon dioxide emissions within Quad's fleet by more than 35 percent, or 9,617 tons -- the equivalent of taking 1,888 passenger cars off the road for a year. Nitrous oxide emissions decreased by more than six percent, or 13.1 tons, while particulate matter reductions totaled more than five percent, or about a quarter of a ton. While results to date have been outstanding, Mr. Drake views them as just a beginning. He said Quad/Graphics has redoubled its efforts to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Through use of SmartWay techniques, the company estimates that in 2007, carbon dioxide emissions will decrease by about 45 percent, nitrous oxide levels will drop by an estimated 55 percent and particulate matter will decline approximately 42 percent. "Quad/Graphics has made a substantial commitment to increase our energy efficiency and environmental performance," Mr. Drake said. "We view this as an investment every company should make. We all share the responsibility to improve the health of our planet."