OREANDA-NEWS. November 06, 2015. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized UPS® (NYSE:UPS) with a SmartWay Excellence award as an industry leader in environmental performance and energy efficiency.

"We are honored to once again receive the EPA’s SmartWay Excellence award for our efforts to be more efficient and reduce our environmental impact,” said Mark Wallace, UPS senior vice president, global engineering and sustainability. "UPS is constantly looking to improve its business by operating in a more sustainable manner and we are pleased that the EPA recognizes the impact of these efforts."

UPS was one of 39 truck carriers to receive this distinction, representing the best environmental performers of SmartWay’s nearly 3000 Partners. It received the award for its advanced technologies, operational practices, and system of validating and reporting SmartWay data to achieve its emissions reductions. UPS has one of the largest private alternative fuel and advanced technology fleets in the United States.

“EPA is pleased to honor these SmartWay Partners with a 2015 Excellence Award,” said Chris Grundler, director, EPA Office of Transportation and Air Quality. “SmartWay carriers work diligently to bring our families the goods we need each day, while contributing to a healthier, more sustainable future for our children.”

One of UPS's top goals is to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from transportation relative to its shipping volume. Earlier in 2015, UPS joined the White House’s American Business Act on Climate Pledge, committing to a 20 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 2020.

UPS has been honored with several other sustainability distinctions this year, including recognition as one of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies” by Ethisphere Institute for the ninth consecutive year; being named to the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World) for the third consecutive year, and being chosen as one of the “100 Best Corporate Citizens” by CR Magazine for the sixth consecutive year.

For more information on UPS's sustainability initiatives, please visit www.ups.com/sustainability.