Every year, construction and demolition projects generate hundreds of millions of tons of waste. Fortunately, several green construction strategies can help reduce waste and preserve the environment. By renting eco-friendly equipment, you can reduce the amount of fuel and energy you use — making your practices even more sustainable while improving your bottom line.
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Renting your construction equipment is often the more eco-friendly option, as it reduces the environmental impact associated with machinery production and disposal. Rental excavators, bulldozers, loaders, cranes, forklifts and hoists are becoming popular in the rental market for this very reason.
Renting can make your company more environmentally friendly through the following principles:
Here are the main types of green construction equipment you might consider for your company.
Unlike gas or diesel, electric and battery-powered equipment produce zero emissions — this means no toxic fumes, a safer work environment and reduced environmental impact.
Other benefits of this type of equipment include:
Ultimately, switching to electric-powered equipment can save you money and time on maintenance and repairs — all while helping your company reduce its carbon footprint.
Like electric equipment, hybrid-powered vehicles present many advantages for the environment and your company. While this machinery doesn’t run entirely on electricity, it can still save you a lot of money on fuel, lowering your energy consumption and the opportunity for fuel to leak into the environment.
Some additional advantages of switching to hybrid vehicles include:
You can find hybrid-powered cranes, loaders and excavators. For example, hybrid excavator arms are machinery gaining popularity in the industry for their enhanced energy recovery, efficiency and fuel savings.
While most of the construction industry’s power comes from diesel, many alternatives exist to curb emissions and help preserve the environment, including biodiesel and hydrogen.
You can also find eco-friendly technological advancements among newer construction equipment. Telematics, for instance, can remotely track, monitor and optimize your machinery’s efficiency. Telematics has led to improved productivity, safety and environmental impact, with research revealing the following benefits:
When you rent, you get access to a diverse range of equipment and technologies without the burden of ownership. Renting means using advanced machinery to ensure efficiency, cost-effectiveness and quick project completion on a temporary basis, tailoring it to your specific project requirements.
Renting zero-emission construction equipment offers a practical and easy way to reduce emissions and promote a more sustainable construction industry overall.
You make less of an impact on the environment by renting eco-friendly equipment. That's because this machinery tends to emit fewer pollutants into the environment, instead running on electric and alternative fuel options.
Carbon emissions associated with fuel consumption are known for contributing to climate change, while petroleum generators and leaking pipelines can also lead to environmental damage. Using sustainable energies can curb these effects and promote a healthier ecosystem for all.
Using eco-friendly rental equipment reduces the amount of fuel and energy you use, leading to substantial cost savings and helping you profit more with each project you take on. The use of electric machinery can also improve torque, promoting faster responses from the equipment. Completing projects faster means you can take on more tasks, improving your bottom line over time.
When you rent electric equipment, you reduce noise on your job sites exponentially — electric construction machinery operates much quieter than diesel-powered machines. While this machinery benefits the environment through fewer carbon emissions, it can also benefit your employees and the surrounding communities by reducing noise pollution.
Eco-friendly equipment uses less fuel and is less likely to break down, translating to less downtime and delays associated with repairs and maintenance. Choosing fully electric equipment means no longer needing to refuel during the day, reducing project times to help you meet deadlines. You’ll complete projects faster, which will satisfy clients and allow you to take on more projects.
Upgraded equipment also means equipment remains operable longer, and when you rent, you don’t need to worry about the added expense of repairing or replacing equipment.
When you lower your environmental footprint, you can boost your reputation and gain new clients. You'll find many clients who want to create greener buildings and are more likely to partner with companies using eco-friendly equipment practices. Upgrading to eco-friendly equipment places you at the forefront of meaningful change for the environment and society as a whole.
Switching to hybrid, electric or sustainable power sources is just one way to make your company more eco-friendly. To further reduce your carbon footprint and create a greener business, consider implementing the following practices.
An easy way to reduce your impact on the environment is to use recycled, recyclable and biodegradable materials in your construction projects whenever possible. Consider salvaging and reusing materials like concrete, asphalt, wood, metal, bricks and plastics for future jobs.
Recycled materials you can use in construction projects include:
It’s also crucial to choose non-toxic materials for your projects. For example, non-toxic building materials like paints, solvents and adhesives do not contain volatile organic compounds, which can lead to health concerns and pollute soil and water. Non-toxic materials can help protect the health of your employees, consumers and the environment.
Purchasing your equipment locally is a great way to go green and support your community. The time, money and resources associated with transporting materials across long distances can lead to higher emissions, less productivity and higher costs. When you use locally sourced and alternative materials, you can appreciate:
Stay ahead of the competition by ensuring you’re using the latest eco-friendly construction techniques.
Before renting your equipment, you'll want to consider these factors to ensure you make the best decision:
Curious about what's next for eco-friendly heavy machinery and construction technology? Here are a few eco-friendly construction trends to watch out for:
With green construction on the rise, it's important to stay ahead of the curve by investing in sustainable practices like eco-friendly rental equipment. At The Cat Rental Store, you'll find plenty of eco-friendly materials and technology among our vast inventory of rental equipment. We are dedicated to following the latest trends in construction sustainability and can help you find the solutions you need for your specific project.
Find your closest dealer, and get in touch today to learn more about our eco-friendly rental equipment today.