COP26 - ExEcutivE REPORt ‘‘ Our target is to do


what’s right, with the best materials, then


design and manufacture a product that performs to its optimum


and observing governmental direction of travel”.


’’


“Back in 2012 the company installed solar panels at its Kent head office to provide an alternative renewable energy source and became WEEE registered, for the recycling of electrical waste and equipment. A machine to recycle and reuse cardboard was purchased, also a unit for the pressing of plastic waste, so that it will not be sent to landfill, will be introduced in 2022.”


The company has now appointed renowned environmentalist specialist Square Gain to assist with the strategy and measurement, enabling carbon neutrality for scope 1 & 2 by 2023.


As the business began looking at its own carbon footprint, and that of the embedded carbon in its supply chain, one factor intrigued the organisation – how does the durability of a product help in reducing the carbon footprints of fleet owners and users?


In essence, if a calculation can be made on a product that has, say, a two-year lifespan, what positive impact on the environment would there be if the product lasted for ten years. A challenge that Square Gain is


evaluating for Tsurumi Pump products.


Obart has many examples of Tsurumi pumps still operational today, decades after purchase. The record (to date) is 38 years. In fact, customers reported that their fleet average product durability was eight-ten years, with some units continuing to work way beyond this.


The company discovered customer data that showed a Tsurumi pump bought in 1993, for £185.00 which was recycled in 2004, generated over 135 hires £4,285 in revenue, with the cost of spares over 11 years…Zero.


At Hilti, I spoke with GB Tool Hire Manager Walid Hussain and Northern Europe Head of Sustainability Annette Boren.


We started the conversation by acknowledging the fact that the construction industry accounts for 40% of total UK emissions.


The industry innovator is committed to sourcing the right material at the point of extraction and manufacture, to reduce their carbon footprint and impact on the environment.


“Our target is to do what’s right, with the best materials, then design and manufacture a product that performs to its optimum, giving the end user a cost-effective solution that is dependable, durable and reliable,” said Walid


While Annette added: “Hilti has a target to be carbon neutral by 2023. In fact, the company’s factory estate has sourced


alternative energy since 2020. Company progress is supported and measured externally by the world's most trusted business sustainability rating EcoVadis.”


This year Hilti, under this measurement, moved from silver to gold status. When compared with 200 industries and 75,000 companies, Hilti sits in the upper quartile. The business is now planning for platinum accreditation.


Circularity is the word used to describe Hilti’s environmental focus, ensuring that the company, its people and product are all considered. Sustainability is viewed from a holistic perspective, ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of its people and the people who use its products.


The company also talked about how its tools are serviced. A dedicated centre in Glasgow manages the process, so that repairs (carried out in less than 72 hrs) minimise disruption, enabling the life of the product to be extended. Hilti operates a scheme where tools that have been traded, are repaired and allocated to certified charitable partners.


With up to 30 innovative solutions launched each year, all aspects of the tools function are considered, so products weigh less and increase performance, whilst suppressing dust and reducing vibration are all part of the product plan.


So there you have it, a snapshot of three progressive suppliers, recognising, planning and executing plans that support their own emission missions, in addition to those of the UK hire sector. n


Hilti has already embraced battery technology and is aiming to be carbon neutral by 2023.


Nov/Dec 2021 - Executive Hire News 29


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