ERA launches handbook on sustainability

Photo: AdobeStock

The European Rental Association (ERA) has launched a handbook to help guide rental companies towards greater sustainability practices.

Describing sustainability as a “critical topic” for the industry, the association said the 49-page Handbook on Sustainability in Rental  addresses the challenges and opportunities in the rental sector.

It provides companies with practical insights and actionable steps across three core areas: net zero, circular economy and zero waste, and social and workforce sustainability. 

A key focus of the net zero section of the handbook is the energy transition and rentals move towards a more sustainable future, with guidance on sustainable asset purchasing, use of biofuels, hydrogen, battery-power, HVO, science based targets and setting targets all included. 

At the same time, the handbook highlights and provides guidance across key social factors impacting rental companies across Europe, including labour shortages, attracting and retaining talent, and diversity & inclusion in rental. 

Another key topic is the use of telematics and the wider digitisation of the industry feature, with the report highlighting how companies can use telematics to compile information about the usage, performance or health of equipment.

Elsewhere, the handbook provides guidance on the current regulatory landscape in Europe, including upcoming legislation such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). It outlines the implications of these directives for rental companies and offers guidance on compliance and risk management.

The handbook can be found here.