|
Corporate Social Responsibility
News
2.28.2006 ET
|
CSR News from:
|
|
|
News Category:
|
|
The 'Chevron 5,000,000 Mile Rideshare Challenge' Launches in Washington, D.C. and Rewards Participating Commuters
Innovative initiative targeted to conserve 200,000 gallons of gasoline and result in 2,100 fewer tons of carbon-dioxide emissions
(CSRwire) WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 28, 2006 - Chevron Corporation, one of the
world's leading energy companies, today announced the launch of the
"Chevron 5,000,000 Mile Rideshare Challenge," an event that will leverage
web-based technology to match riders with drivers in Greater Washington,
D.C., to help alleviate traffic congestion and conserve fuel. The event
will conclude with closing ceremonies in the fall, when the overall goal
is achieved.
The initiative is part of Chevron's partnership with NuRide, Inc. (www.nuride.com), the nation's first
incentive-based rideshare network. NuRide's innovative online program
lets individuals use NuRide's patent-pending technology to find the ideal
partner with whom to share a single ride for work or pleasure. Subscribing
to the philosophy that people sharing rides provide a valuable service to
their community, NuRide offers its members rewards each time they use the
ridesharing program. By accumulating "NuRide Miles," members earn enough
points to acquire gift cards and gift certificates from a variety of
corporate sponsors.
"Chevron is proud to sponsor the 'Chevron 5,000,000 Mile Rideshare
Challenge,' which rewards area commuters for helping to reduce traffic
congestion and to conserve energy," Lisa Barry, Chevron vice president
and general manager of Government Affairs, said. "We believe energy
efficiency and conservation -- whether through ridesharing or other forms
-- provides the easiest, cheapest and most dependable source of 'new'
energy available today."
NuRide approached Chevron because of its "willyoujoinus.com" campaign,
which encourages people to engage in discussions about important issues
facing the energy industry, such as energy supply and demand, the role of
alternative and renewable energy sources, and energy efficiency and
conservation. In addition, Chevron is actively engaged in developing new
and renewable sources of energy, and also has a very successful energy
services company that provides public institutions and businesses with
environmentally sound projects that increase energy efficiency, and
reduce energy costs.
"The clear connection between Chevron's efforts toward energy conservation
and our ridesharing program was immediately obvious to both companies,"
said Rick Steele, NuRide's co-founder and CEO. "We are very excited that
Chevron is taking such a leadership role to help alleviate traffic
congestion and reduce carbon-dioxide emissions and air pollution in the
nation's capital."
As one of the leading members of the NuRide Network®, Chevron will become
a "Million Mile" reward sponsor, providing gift cards worth up to $100
toward a tune-up, which in turn will help improve fuel efficiency for
participating NuRide commuters. Every time a Chevron rewards gift card
is selected, the company will make a small donation to a local
environmental non-profit group. Chevron will also become a "500,000
Mile" trip sponsor, directly promoting more than 13,000 ridesharing trips
taken by NuRide members.
According to transportation statistics, the percentage of individuals who
drive alone in the United States has reached a record high of nearly 80
percent, while traditional carpooling, transit and other alternatives
have experienced a steady decline for decades. Studies show that today's
commuters need another alternative, ideally one that provides incentives,
flexibility and control. These three characteristics form the foundation
of the NuRide Network®.
Since its inception in 2002, NuRide has eliminated nearly 8,000,000 road
miles, primarily during high-density rush hours, when stop-and-start
traffic reduces gas mileage and increases pollution. In the process,
NuRide has prevented more than 3,300 tons of carbon dioxide from being
released into the atmosphere.
About Chevron
Chevron Corporation is one of the world's leading energy companies. With
more than 53,000 employees, Chevron subsidiaries conduct business in
approximately 180 countries around the world, producing and transporting
crude oil and natural gas, and refining, marketing and distributing fuels
and other energy products. Chevron also commits $300 million annually on
clean and renewable energies. Chevron is based in San Ramon, Calif. More
information about Chevron is available at www.chevron.com.
About NuRide, Inc.
A Herndon, Va.-based company, NuRide was founded on the belief that
individuals who share rides provide a valuable service to their community
and should be rewarded for their efforts. Through the patent-pending
NuRide Network®, individuals can now easily arrange ridesharing trips
and earn rewards for every confirmed trip they take. Members accumulate
"NuRide Miles" that can be used toward a variety of exclusive rewards
that are made possible through the generosity of NuRide's sponsors. For
more information, please visit www.nuride.com.
|
|