The on-campus scheme gives the university’s staff and students around-the-clock access to a self-service fleet of low-emission vehicles, reducing traffic congestion, carbon emissions and pressure on the campus’ parking spaces.

Hertz 24/7 vehicles located on campus can be booked on line, over the phone or by using a smartphone app. As with all 24/7 vehicles, the RFID technology allows scheme’s members keyless entry to any vehicle in the fleet, as well as to those in any Hertz 24/7 location around the world. Drivers also have 24/7 one-touch access to the Member Care Centre through the in-car, hands-free telecom technology.

The University of Reading’s Car Club has been operating for 36 months, during which time over 38,000 miles have been driven on staff and students travel, saving 4,500kg of CO2. In addition, analysis of booking patterns has allowed the 24/7 fleet for the University of Reading to be right sized according to demand patterns – contributing to further savings in cost and CO2.

Dr Karen Stanbridge, sustainable travel coordinator, University of Reading, said: ‘It is very exciting to win this award. Our Hertz 24/7 on-campus car club allows staff and students to travel to the University by alternative means of transport and access a Hertz 24/7 vehicle to attend meetings in locations that may not be easily accessed by public transport. The Hertz 24/7 car club is just one of many travel initiatives introduced in recent years in our university to reduce its carbon footprint. Given so, it is very gratifying to be rewarded for these achievements.’