The Hertz Corp. has launched a new carbon offset program that provides corporate customers worldwide with the opportunity to reduce the carbon footprints associated with their vehicle rentals through the purchase of carbon offsets.

Carbon offsets support emission reduction projects, which benefit the environment, in communities around the world, according to the company.

Hertz has partnered with carbon offset provider TerraPass to administer the program. The partnership allows Hertz to provide carbon emission reporting to customers. The report feeds directly into a personalized platform, which allows corporate customers to then purchase carbon offsets, if desired, to neutralize their environmental impact, says Hertz.

"At Hertz, we recognize our obligation to help ensure the long-term health of our planet," said Bob Stuart, Hertz’s executive vice president global sales. "We're proud to implement this program, which complements our ongoing efforts to reduce our impact through numerous corporate responsibility initiatives."

A carbon offset is an environmental attribute representing the reduction of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions, the principal cause of climate change. Every metric ton (2,204.62 lbs.) of offsets purchased reduces one metric ton of carbon emissions. Carbon offsets support projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including landfill gas capture, clean energy and forest management projects.

"Hertz is paving the way with this innovative program, offering customized solutions for its customers," said Brian Armentrout, director of TerraPass. "These efforts speak volumes to the corporate responsibility goals of Hertz and its customers. TerraPass is proud to partner with companies like this who recognize such needs. We look forward to launching this newly developed solution from TerraPass to effectively calculate individual carbon footprints."