The Hertz Corp. this week announced the upcoming construction of two new solar installation sites as the initial launch of Phase Two of the company's solar energy program: Newark International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport. Combined, the new locations will generate more than 800,000 kilowatt hours of renewable energy and save 641 tons of carbon emissions annually.
"Expanding our solar facilities is part of Hertz's ongoing commitment to sustainable business practices," said Mark Frissora, Hertz chairman and CEO. "We have taken a number of steps over the past year to fulfill our goal of leading the travel industry in renewable energy production and utilizing energy best practices across our operations. With this latest expansion, Hertz will increase its renewable energy generation while continuing to reduce costs companywide."
During 2012, Hertz will also complete the installation of eight additional solar systems at locations in: Augusta and Macon, Ga.; Denver; Los Angeles; Newark, N.J.; New York; and Boston. Most recently, the company completed the solar installation at its corporate headquarters in Park Ridge, N.J., which is expected to generate 300,000 kilowatt hours of renewable energy annually.
By 2011, Hertz installed solar systems at seven car and equipment rental locations. In total, Hertz will produce more than 3.1 million kilowatt hours of solar Photovoltaic energy at Hertz locations across the United States, saving 2,138 metric tonnes of carbon emissions annually — equivalent to the annual CO2 emissions generated from electricity use in 267 homes.
As part of Hertz's ongoing commitment to renewable energy generation and investment in clean technology, the company also joined the EPA Green Power Partnership. This is a voluntary program that encourages and recognizes organizations that produce and buy green power as a mechanism to reduce the environmental impacts associated with electricity use.
Hertz's global sustainability initiatives also include providing alternative fuel and fuel-efficient vehicles to customers and operational environmental programs, such as energy management, waste reduction and resource conservation, all of which are highlighted by the company's global sustainability strategy, Living Journey.
For more information, visit www.hertz.com.
Hertz is the largest worldwide airport general use car rental brand operating from approximately 8,500 locations in approximately 150 countries worldwide. In addition, Hertz operates one of the world's largest equipment rental businesses, Hertz Equipment Rental Corp., which is No. 4 on the RER 100.
