Avis Budget Group Inc. announced that its two flagship vehicle rental brands, Avis Car Rental and Budget Car Rental, have been named among America's top 50 "green" brands.

As part of the 2015 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index, the annual study surveyed approximately 550 brands.

The annual Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index surveyed approximately 550 brands among 36,000 men and women, 18-65 years of age, from across the United States.

"For brands, simply playing the environmental awareness card as part of a corporate social responsibility or public relations campaign isn't an actual option anymore,” said Robert Passikoff, president of Brand Keys. “Brands have to do it in ways that meaningfully support a sustainable future that is palpable to the consumer. We congratulate Avis Budget Group for understanding the environmental demands and expectations of Avis and Budget customers."

Avis Budget has several initiatives under way to achieve its environmental management goals, including:

• Recycling and reducing solid and liquid waste, including motor oil, glass, tires, etc. 

• Offering customers a variety of vehicles that are environmentally-friendly as defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's SmartWay Certification program. 

• Meeting or voluntarily exceeding the requirements of federal, state and local health, safety and environmental protection laws. 

• Limiting use of natural resources; recycling where practicable, whether water, paper, plastic or other materials.

"Our sustainability initiatives are woven into our day-to-day operations — they are not something we do at a certain time of year or for a special occasion," said Ronald L. Nelson, Avis Budget Group’s chairman and CEO. "We are delighted that Avis and Budget customers recognize us for being a good corporate citizen."