Climate Neutral Group (CNG) has been commissioned by ERA to investigate the CO2Â emissions of the rental model compared to purchase. The assignment included the complete project management from the formulation of the research assignment, selection of the research agencies and up to and including the interpretation of the results and processing this into a final report.
PRESSRELEASE
June 18th, 2019 – Brussels, Belgium
Renting equipment reduces carbon emissions
By sharing equipment and performing in asset management, the rental industry contributes to avoiding carbon emissions.
Three specialised, independent research companies – Climate Neutral Group, CE Delft and SGS Search – have researched and calculated the CO2 emissions during the full life-cycle of ten pieces of equipment representative of the portfolio of European Rental Association (ERA) members.
The research concludes that efficient use lowers the total carbon footprint of the pieces of equipment and that the rental business model stimulates efficient use. Depending on specific user practice, ERA estimates that this can lead to significant reductions, in the range of 30% and sometimes over 50%.
The research consultants have built a calculator to determine the carbon footprint of the use of construction equipment, based on various parameters. The parameters having the most influence on the carbon footprint of equipment are:
1. Intensity of use – maximising the utilisation rate could reduce the amount of equipment required
2. Using the right equipment for the job
3. Transportation – shorter distance and high load factors
4. Maintenance – allowing extended lifetime
The carbon footprint calculator will allow everyone, rental companies and others, to input their figures and position themselves on a spectrum of efficient, versus inefficient handling of equipment. The calculator, combined with the ERA Equipment Total Cost of Ownership Calculator, becomes a useful tool to support the choice for the most efficient and environmentally friendly scenario for use of equipment, often being the rental practice.
The main objective of the project was to discover the environmental impact of construction equipment through independent analysis. 10 pieces of equipment, from several manufacturers were selected to be analysed for the research to represent a wide variety of popular equipment categories, including earthmoving, material handling, access, power and tool.
This study has been managed by Climate Neutral Group (CNG) on behalf of ERA to ensure the independency of the project and its outcome. Also involved were specialist research companies, SGS Search and CE Delft, who calculated the CO2 emissions during the full life cycle of equipment.
Martijn in ’t Veld of Climate Neutral Group said:
The rental model inherently allows for efficient use of construction equipment, which leads to lower carbon emissions.
ERA is the representative association of the equipment rental sector in Europe, promoting the shift from the “ownership of goods†to the “access to goodsâ€; reducing resources and making better use of equipment throughout its lifecycle.
Michel Petitjean, Secretary-General of the ERA, added: “We felt it necessary to carry out an independent study that confirmed and quantified the reduction to carbon emissions that equipment rental can contribute to. The results of the study are not surprising to us and confirm that rental participates to a more circular economy.â€
-Ends-
Notes to Editors
About ERA
The European Rental Association was created in 2006 to represent national rental associations and equipment rental companies in Europe. Today, the membership includes over 5,000 rental companies, either directly or through 14 rental associations. ERA is active through its committees in the fields of Promotion, Sustainability, Statistics, Technical and through its Future Group. Extensive information on ERA’s activities, reports, and publications is available on the ERA website at http://www.erarental.org
About Climate Neutral Group
Climate Neutral Group is a social venture established in 2002 by Participation Foundation DOEN and Triodos Bank. CNG is the Benelux market leader in the field of emission reduction and carbon offsetting. They offer organizations advice on sustainable corporate practice and keeping with their goals and objectives. They challenge businesses to develop climate proof and business proof strategies, so they can improve their carbon and environmental performance whilst improving their competitive edge.
About SGS Search
SGS Search is an international engineering firm, consultancy firm, laboratory and training institute. Socially responsible business practices and optimal support for our clients are the cornerstones of the organisation. Their activities are centred on the (sustainable) urban environment, with a focus on matters relating to asbestos, the environment, safety, structural quality and sustainability.
About CE Delft
Through its independent research and consultancy work, CE Delft is helping build a sustainable work. With their wealth of expertise on technologies, policies and economic issues, they support government agencies, NGOs and industries in pursuit of structural changes.
For more information, please do not hesitate to contact the ERA team, era@erarental.org, or Climate Neutral Group, Martijn in ‘t Veld.
