Grab has introduced a voluntary Carbon Neutral Fee of 10 sen per ride, offering users the option to help neutralise their carbon emissions while using the e-hailing service. The fee will be contributed to a tree-planting project based in Perak.

“The rides we take emit carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, which contribute to climate change,” said Grab. “Planting trees will help to absorb more of these gases from your rides, reducing your carbon footprint. By contributing to our tree-planting partners, you’re doing your part to make a difference.”

Grab’s tree-planting partner, the Tropical Rainforest Conservation and Research Centre, has planted over 31,000 rainforest tree seedlings that help with the absorption of greenhouse gases in Malaysia. Grab is also collaborating with EcoMatcher, which offers a digital blockchain-based platform used by companies worldwide to facilitate tree-planting efforts. EcoMatcher allows you to virtually travel to every tree and learn more about the tree and the tree’s farmer.

According to Grab, the calculations involving carbon emissions and converting them into trees are based on standards and guidelines from the United Kingdom Defra or DECC for 2020 and the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, with country-specific factors applied where possible. The formula for the process of long-term removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere can be found on the EcoMatcher website.

Grab has also shared more on its other efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and be more environmentally friendly. “To address the climate crisis before us, we have a two-pronged strategy. We are committed to reducing the emissions in our operations in the long run. Since 2016, we have invested more than US$200 million into electric and hybrid vehicles in Southeast Asia. We are also tapping on AI to efficiently group orders for food delivery in a single trip,” the super app said.

As the Carbon Neutral Fee is voluntary, you can opt in or opt out of the initiative at any time. Just go to your Account in the Grab app, select Support the Environment, and turn the toggle off or on. You can also pay the Carbon Neutral Fee as an add-on for each ride instead of opting into the programme.

• TAGS:
• Carbon Emissions
• Carbon Footprint
• Carbon Offset
• Climate Change
• Environment-Friendly
• Global Warming
• Grab
• Grab Carbon Neutral Fee
• Grab Rides