Every day, individuals make numerous choices that have a direct impact on the planet, ranging from the food they consume to the mode of transportation they select. While personal values often shape these decisions, convenience plays a significant role as well.

Uber, with a firm commitment to sustainability, sets its sights on making environmentally friendly choices as effortless as their alternatives. The company introduces a series of new features designed to facilitate greener options for both riders and drivers, marking the next phase of its sustainability journey. Notably, this endeavour extends to Uber Eats, as the company incorporates it into its overarching sustainability mission.

Through a multitude of small changes, Uber strives to integrate sustainability into the core user experience across its global platform, emphasising the importance of making sustainable choices one ride and delivery at a time.

Rider Emission Savings:

Users who have been selecting greener rides will now be able to gauge the impact of their choices through the new Emission Savings feature. Located on the Account page, this feature provides insights into the emissions avoided by opting for Green and Comfort Electric rides, empowering users with knowledge.

Green Curb at Airports:

In anticipation of summer travel, Uber introduces a range of benefits for riders and drivers to encourage eco-friendly choices at airports. Riders who choose Uber Comfort Electric or Uber Green will enjoy advantages such as reduced fares and exclusive access to dedicated pickup zones at preferred airport locations. Additionally, drivers will have convenient access to discounted or even free fast chargers in the driver waiting lot.

Carsharing:

Recognising that there are moments in life when self-driving becomes necessary, Uber expands its Carshare programme. This innovative product enables users to borrow a car when needed, eliminating the need for personal vehicle ownership. By transforming any car into a shared resource, this initiative promotes efficiency and contributes to the development of more livable neighbourhoods.

Expansion of Green and Car-Free Products:

Uber offers a suite of sustainable products in over 200 cities worldwide, including Uber Green for low and zero-emission rides, Comfort Electric for premium electric rides, and Uber Planet for offsetting emissions in markets where electric vehicles are not widely available. Uber announces the expansion of these initiatives:

• UberX Share: Launching in 18 additional cities, UberX Share allows riders to share their trips, reducing emissions and saving costs by matching them with co-riders along the way. With availability in more than 50 global cities, UberX Share becomes the most widely-accessible shared rides product worldwide.
• Bikes: In partnership with Tembici, Uber is soon introducing bike-sharing services in Chile, providing more riders with the option to book a bike.
• Uber Green: Uber Green is now available in Australia, expanding its availability to over 140 cities globally.

Smart Charging:

Facilitating the transition to electric vehicles is a core element of Uber's strategy, as evidenced by the allocation of $800 million in resources to support drivers in this transition.

However, drivers face challenges beyond the cost of electric vehicles, including the complexities of charging. Uber addresses this issue by integrating smart charging features into the Uber Driver app.

By considering real-time signals such as charging prices, timing, and traffic, Uber's technology provides recommendations to drivers regarding when and where to charge, maximising their earnings while ensuring a stress-free experience. Additionally, Battery-Aware Matching filters trip requests based on the driver's battery level, allowing them to accept trips that end near a charger and decline trips that exceed their vehicle's range.

Eco-friendly Routes:

Uber has significantly updated its mapping algorithms in North America, optimising fuel efficiency during trips without increasing travel time or fares. The algorithms now account for factors such as elevation changes and traffic patterns, which greatly influence fuel consumption. The implementation of this default algorithm has already enabled Uber drivers to avoid approximately 9,800 metric tonnes.

Delivery Commitment:

In its pursuit of becoming the cleanest platform globally, Uber is expanding its sustainability efforts to include its Delivery business. By 2040, the company aims to eliminate emissions associated with all Uber Eats deliveries worldwide and put an end to unnecessary plastic waste from these deliveries by 2030.

With a vast network comprising nearly one million merchants across more than 30 countries, as well as millions of couriers and drivers, Uber recognises the significant opportunity it has to contribute to a greener future. To achieve this, the company collaborates with leading e-mobility and charging partners such as Cooltra, Human Forest, Zoomo, Gogoro, and Gachaco to promote car-free deliveries.

Moreover, Uber joins forces with the World Wildlife Fund and other organisations to provide support to restaurants and couriers through various means, including discounts, incentives, and advocacy efforts. To learn more about these initiatives, click here.

Green Packaging:

For individuals seeking environmentally-conscious dining options, Uber has taken steps to reduce unnecessary packaging waste on Uber Eats since 2020. Single-use utensils have become strictly opt-in, minimising their usage. In select cities, Uber Eats now introduces the Green Packaging feature, allowing consumers to easily locate and choose restaurants that prioritise recyclable, reusable, or compostable packaging. As the number of eco-friendly merchants increases, this feature will be expanded to encompass more regions worldwide.

As Uber continues its sustainability journey, the company remains committed to transparency and accountability. Each year, Uber publishes its carbon emissions data for both rides and deliveries, reaffirming its commitment to openness. Furthermore, Uber takes pride in being among the first US companies to have their plans validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative.

With a mission to redefine transportation for the betterment of society, Uber looks forward to ongoing innovation in the realm of sustainability, striving to make a lasting impact in the years to come.

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Source: Uber