The outcome of a study commissioned by the European Rental Association (ERA) has found that rental of construction equipment, as a circular economy model, can significantly help reduce emissions and achieve the Paris climate goals.

The study was conducted by three independent research providers - Climate Neutral Group, CE Delft, and SGS Search - and focused on the building and construction sector. The outcome not only shows that renting construction equipment helps reduce carbon emissions, but also that these reductions can be significant, ranging from 30% to as much as 50% depending on how the equipment is used.

The study identifies various characteristics which ensure that our sector is well-placed to contribute to lowering emissions, namely:

• adequacy (ensuring that the right tool is used for the job, thereby gaining efficiency);
• transport (rental minimises distances travelled);
• utilisation (rented equipment is used more often than non-rented equipment); and
• maintenance (rented equipment is usually well-maintained, which improves efficiency and service life).

Michel Petitjean, Secretary-General of the ERA, said: “Our industry is perfectly placed to drive future discussions on how to further improve the sustainability of construction equipment. To this end, we have identified several areas for further efficiency gains, including making responsible fuel and alternative energy choices, optimising logistics and the transportation of construction equipment, and recovering most materials by ensuring proper recycling and repairs.”

In addition, a recent report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) states that the building and construction sector must decarbonise by 2050 to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.  In this context, the use of construction equipment is one of the areas where the climate impact can be minimised – which is where rental enters into play.

However, we cannot do this alone, which is why we also need the support of EU policymakers to realise this potential. This includes raising awareness of the significant carbon savings offered by rented equipment, particularly in the context of green public procurement. The upcoming EU decarbonisation package is also an opportunity for EU policymakers to send a strong signal and promote equipment rental as a best practice for lowering the overall carbon footprint of the construction sector.

Download the study Carbon Footprint of Construction Equipment: here

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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 15 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 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.

Media Contact

Kinga Timaru-Kast: kinga.timarukast@grayling.com, T +32 (0)2 713 0747