Every year, as part of its commitment to the environment, Arval, a subsidiary of BNP Paribas, reduces the carbon emissions for 2008 of the cars belonging to the company. But this time, Arval enhanced its efforts by increasing the carbon offset amount by 15% and to take into account actual emissions on the roads.

Arval France compensated for the 2008 carbon emissions of the cars belonging to the company (210 vehicles) by paying EUR 15,020 to the Action Carbon program of the GoodPlanet association, headed by Yann Arthus-Bertrand.

Arval’s intention is to increase the potential for improvement of the behavior of drivers and to draw attention to the importance of ecologically responsible driving.

The selection of equipment is also important: Arval moves to more environmentally friendly policy by replacing 80 vehicles, or nearly 40% of total number of cars belonging to the comany. At the end of 2008, 61% of the cars of the company emitted 140g CO2/km or less, compared to 47% in 2007. In another important development, this year each business unit in the Arval group will reduce all of its fleet’s emissions in all 22 countries where the group is present.

Also of note: This year, Arval will be supporting a biogas reactor project in India. The aim of this project is to establish biogas reservoirs that will generate significant environmental benefits, such as the reduction of greenhouse gasses. The Carbon Action program helps companies to take action to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by financing energy-efficient and renewable energy projects.