TOLEDO, Ohio — Owens Corning began measuring the greenhouse gas emissions generated from its vehicle fleet and plans to reduce the emissions 15 percent.

The maker of building materials systems decided to participate in the PHH GreenFleet program launched in 2006 by PHH Arval and Environmental Defense Fund. PHH Arval, a fleet management service provider, said all of its clients that have joined the program have enjoyed emissions reductions of an average of 14 percent.

"We're committed to greening our operations around the world in every area of our business to achieve specific environmental footprint reductions and reduce operating costs," Frank O'Brien-Bernini, Owens Corning's chief sustainability officer, said in a statement. "Reducing the emissions of our vehicle fleet allows us to achieve both of these goals simultaneously."

Owens Cornining's fleet consists largely of vehicles used by its North American sales force. Aside from establishing an emissions baseline, the company has taken steps to phase out less-efficient vehicles and introducing more front-wheel drive and four-cylinder engine cars. The company also is rightsizing the trucks and SUVs in its fleet.

Overall, the measures are expected to reduce operating costs 8 percent, boost miles-per-gallon averages by 18 percent and cut emissions 15 percent. The balance of emissions is offset through the program.