ERA updates sustainability tool

The European Rental Association (ERA) has released an extended version of its Sustainable Supplier Framework, including updates designed to enable rental firms to measure varying levels adherence to the Framework and to audit suppliers.

The Framework was set up in 2020 to set industry best practice guidelines and raise common practices for sustainability assessments across the rental sector.

Its purpose is to enable a harmonised and more effective approach to sustainable supplier assessments and is beneficial for both rental companies and their suppliers.

It was developed by an independent consultant based on interviews with rental companies and suppliers and on relevant international standards and provides a set of minimum sustainability requirements and goals in human rights and working conditions, health and safety, responsible sourcing of components and raw materials, environmental performance, business ethics and product sustainability performance.

“Rental companies have the possibility to adopt the Framework as a code of conduct for their suppliers, and suppliers can post adherence to the Framework on their websites or submit it directly to rental companies,” ERA said in a statement. 

(Photo: Reuters / J.M. Image Factory / Alamy).

“This common approach reduces the administrative burden of supplier assessments for rental companies and suppliers, raises standards across the industry and allows rental companies of all sizes to consider suppliers against a common set of sustainability requirements.

“Furthermore, it gives rental company customers, such as contractors and public procurers, a clear idea of how the rental industry approaches supplier assessments and demonstrates that the industry is committed to responsible business practices and high standards of sustainability.

Information about the Framework and relevant documents for download can be found at https://erarental.org/sustainable-suppliers/