The Role of Rental Equipment in Reducing Environmental Impact

The Role of Rental Equipment in Reducing Environmental Impact

Is rental equipment more sustainable? Sustainability may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of rental equipment. However, it may surprise you to know these eco-friendliness and renting equipment are closely connected. Research has found that renting equipment can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30%-50%. Ultimately, rental equipment can help business owners and contractors meet their sustainability goals and enjoy other notable benefits.

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Why Rental Equipment Reduces Environmental Impact

Below are some ways renting equipment can be a sustainable route for business owners and contractors.

1. Maximizes Usage

When you purchase a compactor, excavator or other construction machine, you incur the full expense of ownership. That includes storage, maintenance, repairs and fuel costs. You may not require that machine year-round, but you must pay to maintain it throughout the year anyway.


Rental equipment serves many people over its life span, maximizing its usage and service life.

Rental equipment serves many people over its life span, maximizing its usage and service life. That translates to fewer pieces of machinery purchased, stored and discarded into landfills. It also means more equipment is put to use and doesn't sit unused in storage. Further, using the right equipment for specific jobs cuts down on fuel consumption thanks to increased efficiency.

If everyone chose to purchase their equipment, the overall carbon footprint of manufacturing would skyrocket. In comparison, one piece of rental equipment can fill the needs of hundreds, optimizing its usage and sustainability. This process helps create a circular economy that benefits a more sustainable world.

2. Offers Reusability


If a machine isn't eligible for resale, rental companies can typically use it for parts to increase other machinery's life cycles.

Most rental companies care for their equipment fleets, extending their life cycles and increasing the chance of resale. If a machine isn't eligible for resale, rental companies can typically use it for parts to increase other machinery's life cycles.

Intact components from disassembled machinery are reusable. They enable the equipment to retain use even after it's stripped apart. Part sourcing provides an additional revenue stream for rental companies. It also lets consumers get quality equipment and parts at discounted prices.

3. Provides Recycling Opportunities

Rental companies care for their construction machine fleets by repairing equipment and recycling equipment when repairs are no longer possible or financially viable.


Recycling equipment is an excellent way to reduce waste and conserve energy.

Recycling equipment is an excellent way to reduce waste and conserve energy. Furthermore, rental companies can grow their sustainability efforts by requiring their suppliers to use recyclable materials in products they rent out.

5 Ways to Make Construction Sites More Sustainable

Aside from renting your construction equipment, there are many other opportunities to make your job site more eco-friendly.

1. Implement Greener Demolition and Waste Disposal Processes

Demolition produces large amounts of waste that goes straight to landfills. That waste includes wood, concrete, asphalt, glass, plastics, metals, bricks and many other materials. With 78% of United States consumers noting the importance of living sustainably, many construction companies rely on renewable methods and resources to promote environmentalism in their building projects:


Repurposing materials like vinyl and plastic can positively impact the planet and minimize waste disposal costs.

  • Recycling: You can send construction materials to industrial crushing sites instead of discarding them. Here, they'll be converted into dry aggregate and repurposed for future projects.
  • Reusing: Repurposing materials like vinyl and plastic can positively impact the planet and minimize waste disposal costs.
  • Repurchasing: Consider rebuying salvaged demolition materials from other sites. This is a great way to promote green practices and decrease waste.

Construction firms and contractors can implement these green practices to reduce unnecessary landfill buildup.

2. Lower Carbon Emissions

Construction sites use large diesel-powered trucks and fume-emitting heavy equipment. These machines contribute to large amounts of fuel consumption each day, leading to carbon emissions. A few simple strategies can reduce emissions:


Obtaining materials produced near your job site can decrease the time it takes to transport them.

  • Turn machines off when not in use.
  • Avoid equipment idling.
  • Stay on top of construction equipment maintenance.
  • Use hybrid or electric heavy machinery models.
  • Choose vehicle modes that require less fuel consumption.
  • Track telematics data to monitor fuel usage.
  • Rent the right equipment for the job.

You can also use locally sourced materials to reduce emissions. Transporting materials over long distances increases fuel consumption and the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere. Obtaining materials produced near your job site can decrease the time it takes to transport them.

3. Use Alternative Materials


Residential and commercial buildings are responsible for nearly 30% of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States.

Building and furnishing materials — like paint, adhesives, carpets and cleaners — often contain toxins that pose risks to human health and the environment. Residential and commercial buildings are responsible for nearly 30% of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. By prioritizing sustainability in their construction processes, companies and contractors can contribute to decarbonizing.

Sustainable construction supports the health and well-being of a building's visitors and occupants. It restricts or eliminates materials with potentially harmful volatile organic compounds. Instead, it opts for safer cleaning solvents, paints, furnishings and other products. Sustainable materials can support cleaner air for those inside the building.

Consider the following recycled and alternative materials for your construction projects:

  • Recycled plastic
  • Salvageable materials like rubber, wood and brick
  • Bendable concrete
  • Bamboo flooring and walls
  • Smart glass windows

You can also seek suppliers that make a conscious effort to reduce emissions or use greener manufacturing methods. This creates a more sustainable supply chain and rewards companies for doing their part for the planet.

4. Integrate Eco-Friendly Project Plans

The construction industry — especially the green building market — is a significant economic driver in the U.S. The green building industry is projected to reach around $1,312 billion by the end of 2030.


Green buildings often sell for 16% more than traditional buildings.

Further, an eco-friendly building generally costs less to build than a conventional structure. That's primarily because fewer resources, like energy and water, are required for project completion. Most green buildings also have a notable return on investment, as sustainable practices can increase property value. Green buildings often sell for 16% more than traditional buildings.

As a result, creating sustainable project plans can help you drive revenue and grow your business while meeting client needs. There are numerous ways to incorporate sustainability into the initial building design phase, such as:

  • Using natural or recycled building materials that generate less carbon dioxide during manufacturing.
  • Installing solar panels.
  • Placing windows strategically to maximize natural light exposure.
  • Adding smart appliances like heating and cooling systems or thermostats to reduce the building's energy use.

5. Reduce Noise Pollution


Long-term noise exposure can also impact human health through noise-induced hearing loss.

Construction sites generate substantial noise, which can contribute to environmental pollution. Long-term noise exposure can also impact human health through noise-induced hearing loss. Construction firms can reduce excess noise from their projects by:

  • Limiting heavy machinery use to daylight hours.
  • Reducing engine idling times.
  • Upgrading to quieter, more fuel-efficient equipment models.
  • Planting more vegetation and trees around structures to absorb sound and reduce echo.


Reduce Your Carbon Footprint With Rental Equipment From The Cat® Rental Store

If you're looking to reduce your environmental impact, consider renting construction equipment from The Cat® Rental Store. We're a one-stop shop for all your construction tools and vehicles. The Cat Rental Store dealers offer models by Caterpillar and over 70 other leading manufacturers.

Here are some of the products available from The Cat Rental Store:

When you choose The Cat Rental Store for equipment rentals, you gain a knowledgeable partner to help you save money and optimize productivity. With our industry-leading expertise and flexible short- and long-term rental options, you can count on us to deliver the resources you need for successful construction projects.

Check out our selection of rental equipment to find what you're looking for today. Once you've found what you need, request a quick quote and find a dealer near you.