Helping make your footprint greener…

At Hertz, we’re concerned about the environment too. That’s why in New Zealand we’ve added carbon emissions information to our rental receipts. We hope this will raise awareness, encourage informed rental choices, and provide information for those who want to offset their emissions.

The carbon emissions recorded on your rental receipt represents the volume of carbon dioxide emitted through the combustion of petrol during your rental.

This calculation is simple. Vehicle manufacturers provide us with a calculation of the volume of carbon dioxide emitted on a per kilometre basis for each vehicle make and model*.  We take this figure and multiply it by the total kilometres driven.

Do carbon emissions vary depending on how or where you drive?
Yes, emissions will vary slightly depending on the type of driving e.g. city versus open road.

What is the difference between small and large vehicles?
The difference in carbon emissions between a Hertz Group B Economy (1.3 litre) vehicle, and a Group H Premium Wagon (4.0 litre) vehicle is 162g per kilometre driven.

What is an ‘acceptable’ carbon emission?
Currently Euro 4 classified vehicles meet the most stringent carbon emissions tests.  These vehicles emit fewer pollutants than a vehicle that meets Euro 1 or Euro 2 standards.

How can I offset my carbon emissions?
Carbon emissions can be offset by purchasing carbon credits through an offsetting programme for example forestry regeneration and/or renewable energy.

How much do carbon credits cost?
As a guide, one carbon credit purchased from Landcare Research (Crown Research Institute) costs $25** and offsets one tonne of carbon emissions.

*Where vehicle specifications have been provided by manufacturers
**Source: Landcare Research, Nov 2007

Hertz fuel saving tips
You could save up to 20% on your fuel consumption by adopting these driving habits.

1. Drive smoothly
   Accelerate smoothly. Change gear early, but don't labour the engine. When driving an automatic, choose the economy gear switching as this will keep the engine speed down.
2. Don't speed
   By travelling at 100 km/hour instead of 110km/hour you can trim around 13% from your fuel bill.
3. Look ahead
   Look ahead, maintaining a safe following distance and you'll keep at a more constant speed. This uses less fuel than constantly accelerating and braking.
4. Watch your air conditioning
   Only use air conditioning when you really need it: it tends to consume up to 10% more fuel! The rear window demister can also be a drain so switch it off when not needed.
5. Keep your load down
   It sounds obvious, but a heavier vehicle means more drag.
6. Limit idling time
   If you are going to be stationary for more than 30 seconds, switch off your engine.
   

To further assist you in fuel savings, Hertz provides latest model vehicles and tests that all car tyres are at the right pressure and regularly checks the engine timing, air filter and spark plugs.

Source: Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) www.eeca.govt.nz

Hertz gains Qualmark Enviro Bronze accreditation

Hertz New Zealand has enhanced its green credentials, securing an Enviro Bronze Accreditation from Qualmark, the official quality measurement agency of New Zealand’s tourism industry. The accreditation for Hertz is the first awarded by Qualmark to a car rental company in New Zealand.

The Qualmark ratings system, introduced last year, recognises the commitment of tourism companies to practices including energy efficiency, conservation initiatives, waste management, water conservation and community activities.

“New Zealand is one of the greenest tourism destinations in the world and Hertz is committed to being one of the greenest members of the New Zealand tourism community,” said Jacqueline Lehmann, Region Vice President Hertz Australia and New Zealand. “The Qualmark Enviro Bronze Accreditation recognises our commitment to measures which reduce our impact on the environment,” said Ms Lehmann. “We will continue exploring and implementing green initiatives.”

Qualmark Chief Executive Geoff Penrose congratulated Hertz on achieving this environmental rating. “It’s great to see Hertz showing leadership in this area, and I wish them well with their journey to environmental excellence,” he said.

Well before the Qualmark ratings programme was introduced, and in the absence of a local emissions measurement system, Hertz adopted Euro fuel emissions standards for its rental vehicles in New Zealand. More than 85 per cent of the Hertz New Zealand corporate fleet now meets the Euro 4 standard, which is currently the most stringent benchmark, while the balance of the fleet meets the Euro 3 emission standard. 

Hertz also is well advanced in introducing an all-diesel fleet of Toyota Prado 4WD vehicles throughout New Zealand, and expects to complete the upgrade programme by the end of March 2010. In addition to fleet management initiatives, Hertz was the first New Zealand car rental company to introduce a carbon calculator, which prints on each rental statement the amount of carbon produced by the customer during the rental period. A wide range of other measures has been implemented, from fuel storage facilities designed to minimise and monitor leakage to waste recycling and improved resource management.