A black cab hailing app is embarking on a new initiative to provide carbon neutral taxi journeys and reduce CO2 emissions.
Gett’s yearly emissions from consumer and business rides, amounting to around 7,500 tonnes of CO2 annually, will be offset by sustainability consultancy Carbon Clear.
The partnership will see Gett investing in a wind-power project in India to displace fossil fuels and the Madre de Dios Project in the Peruvian Amazon, set up to reduce deforestation.
Gett will also give London customers the opportunity to ride ‘carbon positive’ in the city’s black cabs by paying an extra 20p per ride.
Additional funds will be donated to the 12 schools in central London identified in the Mayor’s school air quality audit programme.
Elsewhere, Gett will continue working to reduce emissions by supporting the adoption of LEVC TX Electric Taxis, the UK’s first fully-certified electric cabs, across London, Coventry, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
This will include through reduced commission schemes for cab drivers on the Gett app.
Gett’s UK CEO, Matteo de Renzi, said: “Air quality is increasingly becoming more of an issue, not just in London, but across the UK.
“By becoming Carbon Neutral, we’re incredibly proud to be helping cities achieve cleaner air and reduce pollution levels. By offsetting the CO2 our UK rides produce, we will positively impact multiple climate projects across the globe.”
He continued: “At Gett, we strive to offer the best quality of service and part of this is to ensure our customers that their ride is carbon neutral. With Gett Green, we are also providing our customers with the option to be ‘carbon positive’, to further support the cleaning of London’s air.”
Carbon Clear chief exec Mark Chadwick commented: “We are proud to partner with Gett to help them provide their customers with carbon neutral journeys.
“The science tells us that carbon neutrality is necessary to protect the planet and sustain our livelihoods. Companies making bold commitments to carbon neutrality are taking the lead in climate action.”
He added: “The offsetting projects that Gett are supporting are subject to rigorous international standards to ensure they deliver the promised emissions reductions. As well as this, these projects support sustainable development in international communities and have a tangible impact on people’s lives.”
