Europcar and easyJet have teamed up for an initiative to raise customer awareness of the benefits of carbon offsetting. Customers who book vehicle rental through and easyJet.com between now and 8 January 2009 will have their emissions offset by the two partner companies.

For each rental reserved during that period, Europcar and easyJet will make a financial contribution to projects of ClimateCare, a leading global carbon offset provider.

The financial support will be used to fund activities to combat climate change and reduce emissions. With experts in stretching from Sydney and New York to Mauritius and Santiago, the UK-based ClimateCare has over 50 projects across the developing world, funding low-carbon technologies with social and environmental benefits.

Both Europcar and easyJet already have carbon calculators and offset programmes available on their respective websites for reservations. Coming during the peak reservation period, this new action is designed to make consumers even more aware of the role they can play in protecting the environment.

Europcar is a pioneer of addressing sustainablility in car rental. Ten years ago it opened an “environmental station” in Paris. It was also the first car rental company in Europe to offer hybrid and electric cars, and constantly updates its fleet with new, cleaner-energy models.

In June, it become the first European company to have its Environmental Charter Certified by Bureau Veritas Certification, which is regarded a crucial benchmark for developing a sustainable business. The company has also launched an electronic rental contract system which substantially reduces paper consumption.

Europcar was also voted “World’s Leading Green Transport Solution Company” at the World Travel Awards.
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