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2022 AWARDS ENTRIES

 

 

Large Rental Company of the Year (> €15 million revenue)

 

L. Lynch Plant Hire

UK company L. Lynch Plant Hire & Haulage has maintained its commitment to continual improvement across all areas of the business in recent times.

In 2021 it achieved strong growth and continued to invest in its people, processes and plant, while also focusing on improving external communications and capturing regular customer feedback.

In 2021/22, the company’s fleet grew by over 400 machines, an investment in the region of £40 million (€47 million). It also invested £5 million (€4.25 million) in new machine control technology. In the latter half of 2021, it completed over 5000 hire contracts and committed to improving its service response times from an average of four hours to three and a half hours.

To streamline its processes and enhance its customer experiences, the company embraced digital working, the use of enhanced telematics dashboards and QR codes with an online certification portal for its fleet.

It has also embarked on its biggest ever sustainability drive, committing to reach net zero by 2040, and has scaled up its Community Engagement Programme, as well as engaging with mental health, environmental and community initiatives.

L. Lynch also champions health and safety internally and on site. It is involved with regular operational safety forums as well as adhering to Covid19 safety frameworks.

 

Morillo Energy Rent

Spain-headquartered Morillo Energy Rent’s mission is to play a leading role in reducing CO2 emissions. In 2021 it pursued this commitment by adding gensets with Stage V technology to its offering.

The gensets house a new gas post-treatment system that makes it possible to contain emissions from internal combustion engines within the limits agreed by Regulation EU 2016/1628 for non-road mobile machinery (NRMM).

The company also recently incorporated Frame-Watt systems from 3.6 to 4.3 kWc each, a kit that can be installed on portakabins, shipping or construction containers or in the roof of a building that allows production of energy in self-consumption or in complete autonomy.

This system has photovoltaic modules and includes an inverter and batteries that enable storage capacity and generate clean energy without polluting CO2 emissions. Use in conjunction with a genset creates a hybrid system and results in longer useful life for batteries, and lower consumption for gensets.

In 2022 the company is investing in 45kVa and 90kVA lithium-ion batteries that help reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, while providing optimal performance without noise.

These “plug and play” energy storage systems provide more than 12 hours of power on a single charge and can serve as the main power source or can be combined with a generator to enable intelligent load management.

The modular solution can be adapted to offer a range of functions, and can flexibility adapt to the diverse needs of customers to reduce their carbon footprint.

 

Zeppelin Rental

With revenues of €576 million, Germany headquartered Zeppelin Rental has performed well in 2021; its Strategic Business Unit - Rental grew 9% compared to the previous year in 2021; a year that also saw the company invest €158.5 million in its rental fleet.

More than a third of Zeppelin’s expenditure has been on its ecoRent-program for sustainable products. Zeppelin also offers sustainable services such as efficient waste management on construction sites and the supply of green electricity as part of a longstanding commitment to achieving climate neutrality in its business operations by 2030.

A milestone was also reached in 2021 in the field of power supply for construction sites: Zeppelin Rental invested in the 10,000th power distribution cabinet for its Electrical & Energy business unit, with inventory more than doubling in seven years.

In 2021, Zeppelin also acquired 100% of the shares in Energyst Rental Solutions GmbH & Co. KG and Energyst Rental Solutions AB, expanding its temporary power and temperature control offering Germany and Sweden.

Zeppelin Rental now also offers planning and execution services in traffic safety and traffic telematics following the integration of the Luther Group, completed in August 2021.

In the field of logistics, Zeppelin Rental has launched Last Mile Construction Logistics, whereby, material flows are coordinated, tracked and documented at the construction site. Firms carrying out the work can, among other things, call up their material stocks in real time and prevent unnecessary waiting times due to missing materials.

 

 

Small Rental Company of the Year (<€15 million)

 

Flexcavo

German company Flexcavo was founded in 2020 as a Berlin-based start-up that rents out its own construction machinery and that of leading OEMs, as well as developing digital solutions for construction companies. Its digital fleet management system Flexcavo OS combines machine data and commercial data.

Flexcavo offers construction companies a holistic solution consisting of its own machine rental and software for digital fleet management. The cloud-based SaaS platform FlexcavoOS supports daily processes in construction and enables the optimised use of construction machinery and equipment.

The company’s hybrid rental and software offer is designed to accelerate the digitalisation of the construction industry. The company provides specially-designed apps and software linked to telematics systems fitted to its own rental fleet, as well as to a contractor’s own equipment. Clients are able to rent equipment from Flexcavo’s bricks-and-mortar rental fleet, install and use the software only on their own machines, or opt for a combination of both.

With a fleet currently numbering more than 400 machines, the company is challenging traditional specialised rental companies across its markets, in terms of fleet size with comparable prices.

 

Key-Tec

Key-Tec is a family-owned SME based in Flanders in the Netherlands that has grown from a threshing contractor company started in 1996 to a key rental player in is local market. Offering a full-line rental range, it specialises in rotating telehandlers and aerial platforms.

In a challenging 2021, the company achieved growth in revenue, despite supply chain challenges, by optimising workplace and transportation flows. With a rental turnover of €10 million in 2021, it achieved a revenue increase of 20% in 2021, its strongest increase since it began renting in 2002.

Key-Tec has invested €40 million in new equipment, resulting in 600 rental units; its offering includes well-known brands such as Manitou, Sennebogen, CMC and Case Construction.

It has also continued to invest in specialised rental equipment: including Nagano S15 crawler aerial platforms, CMC S23 spider aerial platforms, CMC S28 spider aerial platforms, a Case CX250 long reach excavator (18m arm), new Manitou telehandlers and aerial platforms.

A number of new projects were also launched with international clients during 2021.

This small business says its point of difference is that it continues to thrive in a highly competitive market against multinationals and succeeds in providing the same level of professionalism as its bigger colleagues. It’s an achievement made in two decades, by a business that started with one machine and no financial support.

 

ToolQuick

Spanish tool and small machinery rental company ToolQuick has more than 30 rental outlets throughout Spain, with a strong presence in Madrid and the Mediterranean coast.

During 2021, ToolQuick opened five stores, with an expansion of more than seven stores per year planned in the coming years, to reach 50 shops in Spain in the mid-term future.

The firm offers a range of machinery for renovation, rehabilitation, demolition, maintenance and gardening. Between 2021 and 2022, more than 25 new machines were added, selected to enhance efficiencies on end users’ projects.

ToolQuick also has a commitment to zero-emission machines in sectors where they are not currently available, including loaders, excavators and compaction equipment. It is also the first rental company in Spain to offer demolition robots for jobs ranging from construction to nuclear power plants, mines, cement plants, steel mills or tunnels.

ToolQuick also collaborates with large distributors, with agreements signed in 2021 for the opening of rental sites with two major construction materials distribution companies in Spain - BigMat and Grup Gamma. It has also joined forces with Hilti via the opening of joint stores, the last of which was incorporated in Madrid in 2021.

The company has also launched a new rental concept, ToolQuick Express, developed in 2021-22. The concept sees machinery rental managed directly by associates with ToolQuick branding and will allow ToolQuick to continue growing, with plans to reach 40 more locations in the coming years.

ToolQuick has also focused on digital transformation with the launch of a new website in 2022 designed to support the complete management of the rental process. New payment methods have also been incorporated, along with the opportunity to eliminate paper in all ToolQuick stores through the use of handheld devices and digital communication.

 

Valser

Spanish rental company Valser has more than 40 years of experience in the rental sector. It operates three branches in the Valencian Community, in Castellón, Valencia and Alicante.

During 2021, the company launched ‘Machines Connecting Art’, a collaborative project to support culture by bringing art to the community. The company made its fleet of machinery available to high profile urban artists to use as a canvas that would bring artistic creation to a wider audience.

The project’s objective was to improve the image of construction machinery in the community, while promoting and supporting urban art, providing it with movement and bringing it closer to ordinary citizens in an innovative way.

Machines Connecting Art is supported by a blog including a scoreboard updating in real time how many artists, machines, promoters and people are joining the movement.

Since the project launched, it has attracted enthusiastic support; a number of companies have contacted Valser with a view to participating in Machines Connecting Art, while artists and creatives from other disciplines have expressed interest in becoming involved. Valser has also received approaches for interviews and participation in traditional media, radio, press and television.

The initiative is also supported by ASEAMAC, the Spanish Association of Machinery and Rental Equipment, and will continue to be promoted in future via social media and networks.

 

Rental Product of the Year

 

Containex Plus

Austria-headquartered modular accommodation specialist Containex has launched Containex Plus, which comprises stackable units that create large, glazed areas, featuring high-quality insulation and acoustics, and an attractive design.

Containex Plus offers up to 65% CO2 savings due to high thermal insulation compared to standard European products. Construction is optimised to avoid thermal bridging and to achieve excellent U-values (calculated according to the latest standard EN ISO 10211). Containex Plus also offers Fire protection (R)EI30 as standard.

The line uses flexible Containex panel construction based on the ‘Lego’ system. While many modular structures on the market are faced with a challenge when it comes to retrospective extensions or dismantling and assembly at a new location, the panel system enables flexible usage.

Containex Plus’ sanitary and WC facilities have high-quality fittings and concealed pipework installations. Depending on the location within the module, the supply and wastewater pipes are hidden within partitions and extra wall elements. Different configuration options also allow the adaptation to individual requirements. In addition, the Line comes with modern linking materials as well as hidden, insulated roof drainage pipes.

Modules can be stacked up to three high as standard and offer thermal insulation up to 0.17 W/m²K, while windows come with five chamber plastic profile and aluminium clips or in high-quality aluminium design – each matching the exterior colour. The system also offers additional wall elements to increase wall thickness and a wall-to-wall floor covering.

Containex Plus is finished in a contemporary anthracite grey. The optional large glass surfaces for windows or doors let in generous light and create a modern look.

 

Himoinsa - EHR Battery Power Generator

Spanish generator OEM Himoinsa has introduced the EHR battery power generator, an efficient and environmentally sustainable product designed to guarantee savings in operating costs and a reduction in carbon footprint.

EHR is described as a compact, quiet and clean solution, intended to power urban, noise-sensitive environments and for buildings and events in metropolitan areas.

It can work both in island mode and combined with gas and diesel gensets, grid electricity or solar systems.

The battery power generator is reliable and robust, with a mobile rental canopy designed for extreme environmental conditions. The EHR guarantees a high performance in temperatures from -15ºC to 45ºC. Its electrical and mechanical protection also ensures user safety.

In easy steps, the pre-configured working mode selector allows the user to configure the Battery Power Generator for the different modes of use: Plug & Play, Low Load, Peak Shaving, UPS, Load Sharing, always with the goal of increasing efficiency, reducing emissions, gaining in sustainability and flexibility, and optimising energy resources.

The battery power generator incorporates and integrates batteries, inverter, control unit, power connections, solar MC4 Connectors and MPPT (Maximum Power Point Trackers) within a compact canopy. The LFP batteries are designed for a lifetime of 50,000 hours, while the battery pack can be replaced quickly and economically.

 

Hinowa - TeleCrawler22

Italian access platform OEM Hinowa has released the new telescopic tracked aerial platform, TeleCrawler22. The full electric and bi-energy technologies deployed for the platform enable the reduction of CO2 emissions, without losing performance and reliability, in a wide range of applications.

The TeleCrawler22 is also characterised by unique features including compactness, an innovative design and safety in all conditions. It has a tracked undercarriage with a widening system, and reduced stabilisation area; and automatic control of the telescopic arm extension/retraction while rising/lowering, which allows to automatically maintain the same distance from a wall, in order to follow a vertical line.

The TC22 can reach a maximum working height of 22m and a maximum lateral outreach of 12.5m. It offers a selection of different engines with particular attention to motorisation that guarantee the reduction of polluting emissions and increases the breadth of application including city centres in low emission zones.

It features improvements including the “Go Home” and “Go Back” functions. Go Home allows automatic closure and alignment of the telescopic arm and brings the machine to transport position in complete safety through a single button. Go Back is designed to save time and increase productivity; before starting this function, the machine memorises its last working position, enabling quick and easy resumption of operation at the touch of a button.

 

Manitou – ULM telehandler

Manitou has worked directly with rental companies to offer a new range of ultracompact telehandlers, the ULM range, described as “super compact” and lightweight” and designed for versatility, robustness, ease of maintenance and safety.

Suitable for a range of environments including landscaping, renovation and event sites, the ULM is light enough to be transported on a small trailer and protect the ground and is also adapted to rough terrains and able to handle different types of pallets.

Supporting ease of maintenance, service intervals and error codes are displayed on the ULM’s dashboard, while a large engine bonnet on the side of the machine allows easy access to the main components. The fuel and hydraulic oil tank fillers are easily accessible and clearly identified. A hatch at the front of the radiators allows dust to be removed easily and the battery is also easily accessible under the cab.

The ULM’s hydraulic oil tank has an anti-aeration filter which reduces the volume of hydraulic oil required by 25%. The Stop and Start option reduces fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, the number of recorded engine hours and noise pollution by automatically stopping the engine when the machine is stationary. Engine restart is automated without turning the key.

The ULM is designed to make handling operations safe; the automatic parking brake means each time the machine stops, the brake is engaged for increased safety. Equipped with a sensor, the joystick detects the operator’s hand and only authorises movements requested by the operator. A button in the cab is used to lock the tilting function, to ensure operator safety.

 

MHM Group – Street-Lite

The Street-Lite lighting tower from UK company MHM Group is a key product in MHM Eco’s range. It was developed to reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption and has been designed with applications such as lorry parks and walkways in mind.

This small light tower is simple to use and set up. It features an integrated AGM (absorbed glass mat) sealed-lead battery and has no complicated wiring or fixings. The battery is charged via a solar panel which will operate in most weather conditions. The Street-Lite is also fitted with an automatic movement sensor that dims the light when it detects no movement and increases light coverage when motion reappears, for safety and improved surveillance purposes.

The lighting tower has many of the attributes of a standard diesel-powered set, with the exception that it runs entirely from a combination of solar/battery power. Its batteries are charged via a 175kW solar panel and can run for up to 13 hours in a single charge.

In an ongoing government-backed project, MHM Group has worked in partnership with its customer Illumin8 to provide an eco-friendly lighting solution for Holyhead truck park in Anglesey’s. Holyhead is the UK’s second-largest roll-on/roll-off ferry port, with more than 400,000 freight lorries crossing the Irish Sea every year. The new temporary truck park enables customs, market surveillance and other checks for the passage to and from Ireland.

In designing the lorry park, diesel-powered 9m lighting towers would have traditionally been used but in line with green government initiatives, an eco-friendlier solution was sought. MHM initially provided 24 lighting tower units, and a further 20 have been delivered to provide a well-lit, noise free and clean environment for lorry drivers.

 

Volvo CE – Compact electric range

With five electric compact machines - the L20 Electric, L25 Electric, EC18 Electric, ECR18 Electric and ECR25 Electric – available by mid-2022, Volvo Construction Equipment is now offering a comprehensive range of electric machines.

The L20 Electric compact wheel loader and EC18 Electric and ECR18 Electric compact excavators join the already launched L25 Electric and ECR25 Electric. The three new models are the latest additions to Volvo CE's industry-first commitment to move its range of Volvo branded compact wheel loaders and compact excavators to electric and stop development of new diesel variants.

The L20 Electric features a 1.8- tonne payload and a parallel-type linkage offering visibility over the attachment being used, impressive lifting height, as well as 100% parallel movements. Expected to deliver up to six hours of active work per charge, the electric machine comes with a choice of battery pack (33kWh or 40kWh) and reduces maintenance by 30%.

The “short but tough” 1.8-ton ECR18 Electric is set to provide the same stability and operator experience as its diesel counterpart but with low noise, low vibration and more responsive hydraulics. It will deliver four hours of active work per charge, depending on the environment and task, and has an ultra-short tail radius for confined spaces. It has been built with durability in mind – with a high-profile counterweight and all­round steel panels and hoses routed inside the boom.

Easy to operate and transport, the EC18 Electric offers a cost-efficient compact excavator. Its variable undercarriage retracts to less than 1m and expands up to 1.35m, allowing it to squeeze into tight areas

As part of the offer, customers can also use optional fast chargers to fully recharge machines in down to one hour. The Electric Machine Management Application (EMMA), dedicated fleet management app, provides insights into battery level and remaining working hours, charging status and geographic location to help rental companies provide support to their customers to maximise machine usage and efficiency.

 

Best Digital Innovation of the Year

Digiquip

Norwegian software-as-a-service offering DigiQuip is designed to support safety education in the construction industry.

The e-learning and documentation platform is designed to connect the value chain into one digital ecosystem where training videos, quizzes and checklists are provided by OEMs, translated by importing agents in respective countries and verified and supplemented by contractors.

This extends to the machine operator who can perform daily checks, get familiarised with the equipment and be sure that he is authorised to operate the equipment.

Feedback from pilot users confirms DigiQuip makes it easy to find relevant, correct information for a given machine online, without having to search and understand different websites from different vendors.

Partnering with a professional 3D-animation agency, DigiQuip offers videos on how to operate the machine and security information in a clear visual way in the native language of the user, boosting safe and effective usage of machinery.

The company believes its offer is also expanding the rental market because more people now feel confident operating machines.

Throughout the last year, DigiQuip has built a strong partner network in the Norwegian market including rental players such as Cramo and Ramirent and extending to the majority of the rental industry.

This is creating leverage to importers and OEMS through the total buying power of the Norwegian rental industry, to lobby for better education material for machines.

The content gathered in its type registry follows machine type and is tied to the individual machine and made available to end users.

Importing agents see this as an effective distribution channel to get information out to users of the machine. DigiQuip’s data is also structured and available through bi-directional APIs so users only have to enter spec data once and it will flow seamlessly into other systems.

 

GSV

Danish rental company GSV believes the combination of human interaction and digital efficiency is its point of difference in the market.

GSV has invested in digitalisation since 2019. First it built the infrastructure, putting NFC chips on 20,000 pieces of equipment, enabling digitalisation of all equipment registrations throughout the rental process. It also scrubbed the asset registry in the process to ensure a high-quality database to work from.

GSV then built digital workflows and trained all staff to move from paper and plastic pads to handheld devices, and we launched a logistics system to manage and optimise all deliveries.

The company also transformed its customer interface into a transparent information platform, with 6,500 individual customers now onboarded on the app, and 9% of orders flowing through the app and web bookings.

New features include CO2 footprint, SMS services, special digital rebates, idle equipment alerts, which ensure efficiency and make renting better than owning.

Having digitalised its own operations, GSV is now introducing our customer portal. Highlights include instant calculation of transportation costs and logistics configuration of subsequent transportation. The portal also offers registration of delivery and return pick-up including photo documentation, pinpointing of geographic position, transportation time and CO2 impact.

Digitalisation has eliminated errors and provided real-time insight into the performance of the equipment. It has also made it possible to measure exactly how much time is spent on cleaning and preparation, the amount of down time due to repairs and waiting times due to spare part issues.

Service control also ensures accurate invoicing as all relevant specifications are registered expediently.

 

Flexcavo

German start-up Flexcavo’s digital fleet management system Flexcavo OS is described as an ecosystem that combines machine data and commercial data.

The cloud-based SaaS platform supports daily processes in construction and enables the optimised use of construction machinery and equipment.

Telematics- data on construction machinery and equipment are collected and analysed uniformly across its lifecycle - from purchasing, through operation, to sale - in an intuitive platform, resulting in clear overall cost documentation.

Usage data, such as place of use, hourly fuel consumption of machines or idle times, can also be viewed in the system. By collecting real-time data, construction companies can plan their projects more efficiently. Productivity bottlenecks and misallocations can be minimised, enabling optimal utilisation of construction equipment fleets.

FlexcavoOS offers interfaces & APIs with which existing solutions can be integrated. It optimises the use of third-party construction machinery and equipment for rental, and also that of the company's own assets.

By centrally mapping the entire ecosystem in one platform, the ecological footprint is reduced, and savings can also be made in the use of capital and machinery. Idle times can be regulated, incorrect disposition orders can be avoided, and personnel planning can be carried out efficiently.

The flexibility of Flexcavo’s solution enables convenience in the rental of construction machinery previously unavailable in Germany, for example by displaying prices and availability of machines and equipment in real time and selecting suitable attachments.

 

Kurts Toolbox

German start-up Kurts Toolbox rents out tools 24/7 via an app of the same name, uniting three concepts in one business model: DIY, the sharing economy and seamless commerce.

At locations in Hamburg, Stade, Einbeck, and Cologne, DIY enthusiasts, creative minds, and professionals can rent tools around the clock, 365 days a year.

Kurts Toolbox enables the entire rental process, including reservation, checkout, and invoicing, and is completely digital and contactless. Tools are collected by the respective tenants from the toolboxes, which are also completely automated and are not bound to any opening hours.

Tools can be reserved easily from the construction site or the couch, the evening before or on the road via app, and can be collected directly from the self-developed pick-up stations or soon also delivered to the customer's home.

In 2022, Kurts Toolbox will also offer a subscription model, whereby for a monthly amount all tools in the stations will be available for a certain duration. Recurring revenue, in turn, increases customer value and the potential for additional sales.

 

Zeppelin Rental

Germany’s Zeppelin Rental has been analysing the possibilities of e-procurement to offer its customers efficiency, transparency and quality in their business processes.

Since 2021, it has been offering variants of e-procurement to large companies and corporate groups with an e-procurement system. The objective is for Zeppelin to achieve a completely digital inquiry and order process.

Meanwhile the Rental+ app allows construction equipment to be rented around the clock via smartphone.

Zeppelin Rental also started the first podcast for construction. In "Das Baugespräch" (“The Construction Talk”) internal and external experts talk about topics that affect the industry, such as robotics or BIM.

Internal digital transformation has also been a focus for the company, whose Social Media Marketing 2.0 includes a Corporate Influencer Program, teaching selected employees the tools they need to present themselves professionally on their personal profiles in the LinkedIn business network.

Zeppelin has also launched a digital tool for HR: Workday. Workday provides a group-wide overview of existing skills and competences, training needs or vacancies. It enables the company to manage the development of young talent as well as potential executives.

 

ERA Sustainability Committee Award: Best Carbon Reduction Initiative

Avesco Rent

Switzerland headquartered Avesco Rent has developed a CO2 neutral solution for an additional service in the rental business; transport.

Having calculated that the significant share of transport in its carbon footprint totals 45-50%, the company has focused on innovating to create a direct impact.

As a result, in October 2021, the first 100% electric 40T E-Truck was inaugurated in Switzerland by Avesco Rent.

The company worked with Swiss-German group Designwerk to create batteries for trucks weighing more than 32 tones. The resulting truck was built at a Volvo factory in Belgium and delivered to Designwerk in June 2021.

The Winterthur-based group removed the diesel systems and fitted it with an electric system before delivering the truck mid October 2021. The 40-tonne e-truck with 22-ton carrying capacity is being used to transport equipment every day to Avesco Rent branches and back, travelling 500 km a day, five days a week.

The routes the e-truck takes are calculated and optimised so it can return to its loading station at Avesco Rent headquarters at the end of each day.

Overall, analysis found that the global carbon footprint reduction of the E-Truck is positive, taking all emissions into account, including the manufacture of the battery.

Avesco Rent has reduced its carbon footprint in transport by 10% and plans to save 115t of CO2 annually. Thanks to a concept of maximum capacity utilisation (500km/day), this innovation is economically affordable. Avesco Rent’s goal is to be CO2-neutral in all its transport activities by 2030.

 

Kiloutou

French company Kiloutou has committed to limit its CO2 emissions In line with the Paris agreement and is implementing a wide range of initiatives.

As part of its emissions reduction strategy, the company upgraded its own transport fleet and building energy consumption. However, it also acknowledges that equipment represents more than 65% of its total CO2 emissions and has an impact on both equipment manufacturers and construction companies’ emissions.

Recognising that rental companies play a central role but cannot change things alone, in May and December 2021, Kiloutou organised sustainable equipment meetings whose objectives were to bring public authorities, customers, equipment manufacturers, professional federations and rental companies “around the table.”

Key discussion issues were identified and for each of them, the participants had input and next steps were decided by mutual agreement. A key benefit was the conducting of a comparative study on different technologies to allow stakeholders to make the right strategic choices.

The meetings were conducted by Kiloutou’s CEO Olivier Colleau, and Carbone 4, a consultancy specialised in energy transition, while 20 building companies, 20 equipment manufacturers, and 15 other stakeholders participated.

 

Loxam

French rental group Loxam was approached by leading construction group Vinci in November 2021 to carry out a district heating project in the heart of Paris.

Loxam provided Vinci with a low carbon solution that included electric equipment and a hydrogen supply; it comprised a 100% electric offer and the first 100 kVA hydrogen power generator supplying low-carbon hydrogen.

Loxam handled the logistics of supplying low-carbon hydrogen in partnership with French industrial gas supplier Air Liquide.

The company also deployed clean transport logistics using bio CNG, ensured a noise-free construction site, and delivered an overall carbon footprint 75% lower than a conventional offer.

Work on the French capital's district heating networks required the use, over five days, of a 2.5t electric mini-excavator, an electric floor saw, an electric ramming machine and an electric vibrating plate. No diesel powered equipment was used, as all the work could be carried out using electrical alternatives.

This was the first time, Loxam supplied power by deploying the EODev-GEH2 hydrogen power generator. This system allows for electricity to be generated immediately next to the point of use, pollution-free, CO2 and PM emission free, and discharge-free. Only water vapour is released.

To manage the power supply intelligently and in a connected way, a battery pack was built into the system. All the equipment was connected to the battery pack.

Using charge sensors and an electronic power management system, Loxam optimised the charging operations for the project.

 

L. Lynch Plant Hire

UK company L. Lynch Plant Hire has embarked on its “biggest ever” sustainability drive, committing to reach net zero by 2040.

A newly established sustainability team has worked in collaboration with the company’s Board to develop a carbon reduction plan, focussing on depots, technology and behavioural change.

In 2021 Loxam introduced the Sustainability Employee Programme; all Lynch employees are required to complete modules with the Supply Chain Sustainability School.

The year 2021 also saw the introduction of Conservation Days, where every team member is given the opportunity to spend a day giving back to the local community or undertaking environmental work.

New for 2022, to support the reduction of single use plastic, every L. Lynch Plant Hire employee has been provided with personalised re-useable water bottles.

This year, the company’s fleet replacement programme has also been improved, and for every new machine purchased, it will plant trees across the world.

 

Zeppelin Rental

Zeppelin Rental celebrated the 10th anniversary of its ecoRent offering in 2021; when it launched in 2011 the initiative spearheaded forward-looking technologies at an early stage. Since then, it has continued to evolve in line with technological advances.

The ecoRent range of combines, environmentally friendly technology with efficiency measures and safety standards. It comprises drive technologies designed to minimise pollutant and noise emissions and maximise consumption and performance including hybrid and electric drives, particulate filters, biofuels and a range of eco-friendly solutions.

Zeppelin has also been investing continuously in sustainable, resource-saving products. In particular, since 2021 it has identified increased focus on the supply of construction equipment such as rammers and small vibratory plates with alternative drives.

Zeppelin is also working with manufacturers and customers on solutions to bring mobile charging options directly to construction sites.

The company has committed to achieving climate neutrality in its business operations by 2030. Measures in this area include the installation of photovoltaic systems and the gradual conversion of the internal vehicle fleet to electric mobility.

It is also raising awareness sustainability among its employees through initiatives such as information nuggets on its internal social collaboration tool Z Connect and is committed to supporting its customers in achieving their sustainability goals with ecoRent and other sustainable services, such as efficient waste management on construction sites and the supply of green electricity.