Sustainability as an Opportunity: Why taxi and rental-car companies should apply now.

In many places today, the taxi industry already takes on tasks that directly contribute to sustainable mobility.Against this backdrop, the BVTM (Federal Association of Taxi and Rental Cars) is now promoting participation in the German Sustainability Award for Companies 2026. Companies can still apply free of charge for the competition until September 14.

Sustainability on four wheels

Many taxi and rental-car businesses may at first glance hardly regard themselves as classic sustainability pioneers. But a closer look shows that numerous companies have already implemented measures that meet the competition's criteria.

This includes, for example, the use of electric vehicles or particularly low-emission drivetrains. Modern dispatch systems that reduce dead mileage and efficiently bundle trips also contribute to reducing energy consumption and emissions. In addition, there are services that sustainability debates often pay less attention to, but which are of considerable importance to society. Medical trips, school transport, on-demand bus services, or accessible mobility solutions secure mobility where public transport options reach their limits. Especially in rural regions, taxi and rental-car companies thus take on important tasks of public service provision.

More than environmental policy

The German Sustainability Award takes sustainability into account in a deliberately comprehensive way. In addition to climate, resources and nature, the areas of work and society are also included in the assessment.

For the industry, this opens up additional opportunities. Companies that invest in the training and continuing education of their employees, create modern working conditions, or establish digital processes can also score points. Sustainability is thus not measured solely by the drivetrain of a vehicle, but by the entire development of the company. This is exactly where a lot of medium-sized enterprises see a chance. After all, sustainable solutions are often not created in the central offices of large groups, but in day-to-day business: through more efficient processes, innovative mobility offerings, or long-term investments in employees and vehicle fleets.

Springboard to Europe

New this year is the European perspective of the competition. The winners qualify as "National Champions Germany" for the planned European Sustainability Award. They will represent Germany in 2027 at the European level.

In addition, the competition promises increased public visibility. Finalists and prize winners receive communication materials and access to a European network of companies, science, and politics. For many mid-sized companies this will likely be at least as interesting as the award itself.