Riner Rentals recently received a national workplace electric vehicle (EV) charging award at the Green Transportation Summit and Expo (GTSE) in Tacoma, Washington. This award recognizes the company’s commitment to sustainability in the community and workplace charging at its office.
Riner Rentals, based in Harrisonburg since 1999, is a property rental and management company for students and families. Owned by Paul Riner, the company employs a staff of 12 people. Riner Rentals has grown within Harrisonburg and believes in giving back, being good neighbors, supporting the local economy and environmental sustainability.
VCC nominated Riner Rentals as an exemplary business in the workplace charging program Equitable Mobility Powering Opportunities for Workplace Electrification Readiness (EMPOWER) for the 13th Annual GTSE. The GTSE is an annual gathering for fleets, community organizations, industry, policymakers and thought leaders joining together to advance green transportation.
VCC is one of the coalitions in the U.S. Department of Energy sponsored EMPOWER program, and had reached out to Riner Rentals early on to participate. Riner agreed that the goals of the program aligned well with the company’s sustainability goals. Riner Rentals will also receive a plaque from the EMPOWER program officially designating them as a Certified EV Friendly Workplace.
VCC’s nomination highlighted Riner Rentals’ commitment to being an EV-friendly workplace, citing the purchase of four EVs, a hybrid vehicle and charging stations installed at the company’s cost. Riner’s staff use them for work and can drive them home.
Speaking about the EVs, owner Paul Riner said, “I feel like it’s a better drive, less maintenance and less pollution. We looked at electrifying the entire fleet, and we took the plunge.”
“Whatever we can do to let other small businesses know that electrifying their fleet is a viable option and benefit, we’re happy to share our experiences with them. We strive to reduce our carbon footprint and be good neighbors in the community,” says Riner.
In addition to electrifying their fleet and offering workplace charging, the company has worked to increase energy efficiency in their older buildings, by adding insulation and other weatherization efforts.