Since Enterprise was founded in 1957, we’ve been guided by a set of founding values one of which is: we strengthen our communities – one neighbourhood at a time. Even as we’ve expanded across the globe, we remain true to that same commitment: supporting programmes that improve the quality of life in the places we call home.
“A healthy planet is important to us all,” said Executive Chairman Andy Taylor. “Our long-term commitment to help restore public lands is one way for Enterprise to be responsible stewards of the world around us, especially the parts of the world touched by our business.”
In 2006 Enterprise launched the 50 Million Tree Pledge – a commitment to plant 50 million trees over 50 years at a cost of $50 million – in recognition that conservation is one important means to address the impact of the company’s fleet of now more than 1,7 million vehicles on the environment. The initiative also marked the company’s 50th anniversary.
Each year until 2056, with funding provided by the Enterprise Rent-A-Car Foundation, the Arbor Day Foundation will plant – with the help of passionate Enterprise volunteers – 50 million trees in national forests around the United States, Canada and Europe. This will help to restore areas damaged by fires, storms, deforestation and disease. This will also help to expand and preserve habitats for endangered species and protect water resources for generations to come.
2021 marks the 16th year of the pledge. 16 years of revitalising forests across the world to save our environment. To illustrate the scope and impact of what the 50 Million Tree Pledge does by planting a million trees a year look at New York’s Central Park. There you’ll find 25,000 trees, so our investment is like planting a new Central Park every 10 days!
2020 Tree Planting Projects in Europe
United Kingdom
This project worked to support private landowners interested in planting trees on barren sites in need of tree cover, with the goal of engaging local landowners in the benefits of tree planting and creating new woodland in one of the least-forested regions in Europe.
Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland
Enterprise worked with the group Trees on the Land to help establish tree cover and woodland in both rural and urban areas. These newly planted forests will grow and provide valuable resources, ecosystem services, and a lasting legacy for future generations.
Germany
Two regions of Germany were the focus of 2020 projects – a former Murray pine forest being restored with a mixture of European larch and Champion oak, and a former spruce plantation destroyed by bark beetle, planted with Douglas fir. Both will provide important future carbon mitigation.
Spain
Having faced major fires in 2005 and 2016, Montana Palentina National Park in northern Spain has been left with no way to regenerate naturally. Local municipalities lack the resources to restore the forest cover, but with the help of Enterprise, replanting efforts are moving forward.
France
While France currently has the fourth-largest forested area in Europe, it is experiencing an annual decline of 80 million trees planted compared to the 1990s. This is a sign of ageing and lack of renewal. In order to meet the challenges of climate change, natural disasters, and disease, reforestation is imperative.
Want to be part of an organisation that gives back to the community? Enterprise is hiring! Find opportunities in your area.