ERA launches online sustainability survey

The European Rental Association (ERA) has launching an online survey to discover what actions rental companies are taking on the issue of sustainability or corporate social responsibility (CSR).

ERA said the issue is becoming an increasingly important one in business; "Companies that adopt CSR policies and publicise their achievements increase their perception by the public, can save costs and can be more successful in attracting long-term investors. Many construction equipment rental companies have already [taken their first] steps, but at this stage there is no comprehensive record of initiatives taken in Europe."

The wide ranging survey includes detailed questions on company policies and on key economic, social and environmental issues. There are questions on audit policies, employee satisfaction measures, health and safety questions and community involvement. There are also sections on the environmental measures that companies take, such as energy consumption monitoring, water use, waste and recycling.

The survey, which is open to all rental companies in Europe and not just ERA members (see web link below), is being undertaken to discover what actions are currently being taken by rental companies.

The results will be used by the ERA's newly formed Working Committee on Sustainability, which first met in Brussels last November. The committee's ultimate goal is to make recommendations to ERA members on CSR issues and to offer rental companies a number of Key Performance Indicators (KPI) as a way to benchmark and raise standards in the industry.

To complete the survey click here