Hertz Continues Solar Energy Scheme

The Hertz Corporation has announced the construction of two new solar systems coming this year at Newark International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport. This is the beginning of Phase Two of the group’s solar energy program. Together, the new sites will generate over 800,000kWh of renewable energy, saving 641 tonnes of carbon emissions a year.

Hertz had installed solar sites at seven car and equipment hire locations through last year. Total, the company aims to generate over 3.1 million kWh of solar photovoltaic (PV) energy at its US locations, saving 2,138 metric tonnes of carbon emissions every year. This is the equivalent of the yearly carbon emissions generated from the electricity used in 267 homes.

Hertz chairman and chief executive Mark P. Frissora says that expanding their solar system network is part of their ongoing commitment to sustainable practices within the business. They have taken several steps over the last year to fulfill a goal to lead the travel industry in renewable energy generation and utilising the best energy practices throughout their operations. With this latest expansion, Hertz will increase renewable energy production and reduce costs across the company at the same time, he added.

The most recent solar system completion was at the Hertz corporate headquarters in Park Ridge, New Jersey. The 900-panel site is expected to generate over 263,000kWh of renewable energy a year, which will offset more than nine million pounds of carbon emissions in its lifetime. This is the same as recycling 1,485 tonnes of waste, rather than sending it to a landfill. Over the course of the year, Hertz will also be completing the installation of eight additional solar sites in Boston, Massachusetts; New York, New York; Newark, New Jersey; Augusta and Macon, Georgia; Denver, Colorado; and Los Angeles, California. All of the solar systems are to be installed by Martifer Solar USA.

Speaking on the solar system installation at its Park Ridge headquarters, Frissora said that it’s just another element of their commitment to renewable energy. They are thrilled with the outcome of the project and commend Martifer Solar USA for their help throughout the whole process – from the design, to the engineering, to its construction. They also commend the company for being a key partner in their solar initiative, he added.

Martifer Solar USA chief executive Raffi Agopian says the installation and dedication to renewable energy at Hertz will provide the group with a competitive advantage in the form of significantly lower energy costs. It will also give the company a leadership position in the energy sustainability movement. They are honoured to work with such a renowned firm in their venture to set clean energy standards in the industry, he added.

As part of the ongoing commitment to generate renewable energy and invest in clean technology, Hertz has also joined the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) Green Power Partnership. This is a voluntary scheme that encourages and recognises organisations that buy and produce green power as a way to reduce their impact on the environment through the use of electricity. The group’s worldwide sustainability initiatives also include providing fuel-efficient and alternative fuel vehicles to consumers. It also includes operational environmental schemes – like resource conservation, energy management and waste reduction – all of which are highlighted in its Living Journey strategy.