ERA Shared Supplier Audit Scheme: a common approach to sustainability

As sustainability requirements become increasingly important across the equipment rental industry, equipment rental companies and their suppliers face regulatory pressures and growing customer demands for transparency and responsible supply chain practices.

To address these challenges, ERA has developed a Shared Supplier Audit Scheme, designed to reduce duplication, simplify audit processes and establish a more consistent approach to sustainability assessments.

The scheme allows rental companies to share the results of sustainability audits conducted at Original Equipment Manufacturers’ (OEMs) facilities. Rather than several rental companies requesting separate audits of the same supplier, a single assessment can be carried out and made available to ERA member rental companies.

Managed by ERA, the scheme is overseen by a Steering Group composed of rental company representatives from the ERA Sustainability Committee. The group selects manufacturing facilities for auditing on an annual basis, while OEMs supplying ERA member rental companies can also request to participate.

Audits by independent body

Audits are conducted by SGS Belgium NV, an independent auditing and certification body, using the Responsible Supply Chain Assessment (RSCA) methodology. They focus specifically on sustainability, covering environmental practices, labour and human rights, governance and supply chain due diligence.

Once completed, audit reports are made available to ERA member rental companies, allowing them to integrate the findings into their own supplier assessment processes. Importantly, the scheme does not provide certification or a pass/fail assessment. Each rental company remains responsible for independently evaluating the results .

Avoid duplication, lower costs

For rental companies, the main benefits include reduced audit duplication, lower costs and a more harmonised approach to ESG requirements. OEMs can benefit from clearer expectations, fewer repeated assessments and a reduced administrative burden.

Participation remains voluntary, and rental companies are free to conduct additional assessments where necessary.

Through this initiative, ERA aims to encourage a more efficient and coordinated approach to supply chain sustainability, supporting rental companies and their suppliers in meeting evolving expectations while reducing unnecessary administrative work.

With the Scheme being launched today, ERA expects the first wave of OEM facility audits to start before the end of 2026. Contact [email protected] if you would like to know more about the programme.