Gazprom touts environmental record

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MOSCOW, Dec. 5 (UPI) -- Russian energy company Gazprom said it was able to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 3.8 million tons in 2011 through voluntary efforts.

The Russian energy company, a world leader in natural gas extraction, said its energy savings and efficiency program for a three-year period ending in 2013 could lead to savings of around 6.4 tons of fuel equivalent.

"The actions taken under the program enabled the company's subsidiaries to reduce the greenhouse gases emission by 3.8 million tons in 2011 versus 2010," the company said in a statement.

Gazprom said that it was one of the first in Russia to adopt a greener agenda. Natural gas, it said, is the cleanest of all fuel sources.

"Its active use will significantly reduce emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere and improve the environmental situation in the residential areas," the company said.

The company's board of directors added that it was keen to develop infrastructure in the country needed to support natural gas vehicles.