United Rentals outlines sustainability strategy
4 October 2022
US hire giant United Rentals has outlined steps the company is taking to reduce the environmental impact of its operations and to help customers reduce their carbon footprint.
First, the company is looking at its own operations, focusing on how it can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from non-hire fleets, buildings and operations. In an agreement with Ford Motor Company, United Rentals has announced the introduction of electric vehicles to its fleet for use by sales, service and delivery personnel.
Additionally, United Rentals is adopting more efficient technologies in its buildings and properties to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions and has created an employee resource group called Planet United to engage its workforce in environmental awareness.
Second, the company is expanding its low- and zero-emissions equipment fleet including machines from Powrbank, Takeuchi and JCB amongst others. United Rentals says it is working with several manufacturers to add machines such as electric, dual fuel or hybrid forklifts, aerial lifts and skid steers, as well as solar-powered LED lighting towers.
Finally, the company is introducing technology to enable customers to reduce their equipment footprint by tracking usage via a cloud-based Total Control fleet management system that monitors engine hours and utilisaton.
This can help to reduce engine idling and to ensure machinery fleets are optimised to conserve the use of natural resources. Total Control Emissions Tracking has also been launched for customers to monitor and manage their environmental impact.
United Rentals is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 35 per cent by 2030, from a 2018 baseline.
The company has an integrated network of 1,331 hire locations in North America, 13 in Europe, 28 in Australia and 18 in New Zealand. In North America, the company operates in 49 states and every Canadian province.
