Rental sector helps sustainability says ERA research

New research from ERA, the European Rental Association, highlights the role of the equipment hire sector in improving sustainability.

It comes as the ERA calls for great recognition for the role that the equipment rental industry can play in helping companies improve sustainability performance. The organisation has concluded an initial audit of European rules and regulations that will allow it to better engage with policy makers.

To further raise the profile of the industry in the sustainability field the ERA has chosen a theme of “Sustainability as an Opportunity” for its annual Convention, which is this year in Rome on 3 and 4 June.

The ERA argues that equipment rental has intrinsic benefits with regard to sustainability, which deserve greater recognition. Specifically that rented equipment is used more frequently and so more efficiently and that professional equipment rental companies are better placed to maintain high-quality servicing and operating standards. These lead to improved performance in areas including operations, energy efficiency, waste management, and health and safety. Also rental companies can better liaise with manufacturers to encourage equipment design with improved sustainability performance.

Michel Petitjean, secretary general of ERA, said, “Equipment rental is inherently good for sustainability. Equipment rental companies now see an important role for their industry in helping to improve sustainability across industries.

“This is being encouraged by the requirements of their customers, and those of their customers’ customers. Companies increasingly apply sustainability criteria to their supply chain. Furthermore, original equipment manufacturers are continually developing equipment with improved environmental performance, which rental companies offer to customers.

“It’s vital that more industries and policy makers recognise this important role for our industry, and the valuable work it is doing. We look forward to emphasising this point, and engaging with stakeholders throughout this year, and in years ahead.”