HSS publishes first 'corporate responsibility' report

HSS Hire in the UK has published its first Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report highlighting the work it is doing to help local communities and detailing its effort towards minimising its environmental impact.

The nine-page report - downloadable at www.hss.com/csr - describes the company's activities in areas such as sustainable consumption, reducing CO2 emissions, recycling, workplace safety and community involvement.

HSS marketing director Fiona Perrin said the company was aware that it played a significant role in the well-being of its employees, the environment and the local communities; "We've always been committed to CSR, but we thought it was time to formally document all our hard work and show our customers and colleagues how committed we are to best working practices and the environment."

The company, one of the largest and best known tool hirers in Europe, has a team of environmental auditors who monitor and aim to reduce energy consumption and who are working towards achieving the ISO14001 standard.

HSS said a reduction in CO2 emissions was "a key focus" and that initiatives for 2009 would see a further reduction of fuel consumption by at least 250000 litres (equivalent to a fuel cost saving of around €250000). It said it recycled 98.5% of all "special waste" in the last 12 months, and all new depots are fitted as standard with energy and water saving technologies.

The subject of corporate responsibility and sustainability in rental is one that is receiving more attention, with the European Rental Association (ERA) having just established its first working committee on the topic.