Combatting climate change with car sharing

Climate change is one of biggest challenges our planet faces, but we have the power to fight it. And it all starts by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. For the last 25 years, Zipcar has helped combat climate change by promoting sustainable transportation and reducing the environmental footprint of personal vehicle use. With fewer cars on the road, more car sharing, and more public transit rides, we can reduce greenhouse gases and help protect the planet by cutting carbon emissions.  

 

Here's how Zipcar is fighting climate change 

• 15 billion lbs. of carbon footprint reduction since Zipcar hit 1 million members in 2016 

• 1 in 5 members chose Zipcar to reduce their environmental impact 

 

Lowering carbon emissions

Zipcar members drive less than car owners. Our pay-per-trip model means members avoid unnecessary driving. It also encourages them to combine errands or walk, bike, or use public transit instead.  

• 40% fewer miles driven by members after joining Zipcar¹ 

• 1,600 lbs. of CO2 reduction by the average car-sharing member annually² 

 

Fuel-efficient fleet 

Our professionally maintained fleet includes a variety of fuel-efficient options, including hybrids and electric vehicles (EVs), which produce fewer emissions than traditional cars. Members always enjoy convenient access to well-maintained, efficient cars for every trip. 

• 63% of Zipcar’s fleet is SmartWay Certified 

• 60% fewer emissions  for EVs over their lifetime compared to gasoline vehicles³ 

 

Encouraging urban sustainability 

Car sharing plays a key role in sustainable urban planning by reducing the need for parking and promoting more walkable cities. With fewer cars on city streets, it lowers emissions, improves air quality, and helps mitigate urban heat islands. 

• Up to 50% reduction in urban parking spaces if car sharing was adopted⁴ 

• 500,000 personal vehicles were sold or not purchased by Zipcar members in 2024 

• 13 personally owned cars are replaced by each Zipcar—that’s more space for parks, housing, and people-centered needs⁵ 

 

LEED Certification 

Our car-sharing model helps developers earn Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) credits⁶ for offering sustainable transportation options. By supporting green building standards, Zipcar helps attract environmentally conscious tenants while minimizing development costs. 

 

Changing driving behaviors 

Zipcar changes how people think about cars. We're showing members they can live in a city without owning a car, and that's helping shift culture toward sustainable transportation.  

• 76% of members combine trips and plan errands more efficiently to reduce car usage 

• 50% of members walk, bike, or use public transit more since joining Zipcar 

• 2.12 people in the car per Zipcar trip vs. 1.5 nationally⁷ 

• 14 cars taken off the road for every 100 Zipcar trips, thanks to higher-vehicle occupancy 

 

Zipcar-specific data was collected as part of Zipcar’s 2024 North American Transportation Survey, with a sample size of approximately 5,922 respondents in North America.  

^{1 Martin, Shaheen, Lidicker, 2010} 

^{2 Martin, Shaheen, Lidicker, 2010} 

^{3 US Department of Energy. ”Electric Vehicle Myths.” 2024} 

^{4 The International Transport Forum. 2023.} 

^{5 Martin, Shaheen, Lidicker, 2010} 

^{6 U.S. Green Building Council. 2023} 

^{7 FHWA National Household Travel Survey. 2022}