EDITOR’S NOTE: We want to learn how other companies approach sustainability, so we’ve decided to publish a series of posts featuring innovative companies and people who are doing their part to support our planet. See below to read a guest blog from car2go, a point-to-point car sharing service available in 29 Eurpoean and North American cities. Learn more.
What is car2go’s mission, and how does sustainability fit into that mission?
car2go is the only true, point-to-point, car sharing service in North America, and the largest car sharing service in the world. We aim to offer a simple, flexible service that enables members to get to where they need to go, when they need to go – completely at their own convenience. Sustainability plays a huge role in our ultimate mission. At car2go, we understand that how we all get from point A to point B has a massive impact on our lives and the environment in which we live, work, and play.
Tell us about some of your sustainability efforts and goals.
Some of our greatest accomplishments as a company deal with our efforts to limit vehicular strain on the environment. Our entire fleet consists of the compact and environmentally friendly “Smart Fortwo,” and in select cities we utilize electric vehicles. For example, in 2011 we introduced the first North American all-electric car-sharing program complete with 300 zero-emission Smart Fortwo electric drive vehicles in San Diego.Another effort we’re particularly proud of is Ecoscore. This in-car app provides an interactive way for our members to be conscientious of their CO2 emissions. If a member drives consistently, their EcoScores will go up, and their trees will grow. This game allows members to monitor the environmental impact of their driving habits in a fun and informative way.
Why is sustainability important to car2go? How does your staff participate?
Back in 2007, the car2go concept was born around how inner city traffic would develop in the future. Fast forward to 2015, and it’s clear to see that on any given weekday at around 5:30PM, Austin is absolutely gridlocked in traffic. But how would the future unfold if we shared our vehicles? What impact would that have on how cities move? car2go’s unique carsharing model allows people – car owners or not – to have a transportation option that not only helps them get from Point A to Point B, but helps the environment where they live, work and play.
What advice would you give other organizations that are trying to get their sustainability efforts off the ground?
- Start small.
- If you have an idea, pursue it. car2go started from an idea, and within five years, grew to be the largest car sharing company in the world with more than 1 million registered members in 29 markets and more than 12,500 interconnected vehicles.
What is car2go’s vision for a more sustainable future?
As a car sharing company, our vision for a sustainable future focuses on how people get from Point A to Point B. We strongly encourage and support all forms of public transportation that provide people more options to get from Point A to Point B, outside of their personal vehicle.
Where can people learn more about car2go?
Check out www.car2go.com for more information on our service. You can also download our smartphone app on your iPhone or Android, or stay connected with us via Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.
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To read about more businesses and people focused on sustainability, visit our "Sustainability Stories" archive by clicking here.
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