New guidance on sustainability from the European Rental Association

A week after publishing its cybersecuity guidelines for rental companies, the European Rental Association (ERA) is launching new guidance on best practices on sustainability.

The ERA CSR KPI Guidance Framework is designed to help rental companies assess their current approach to sustainability and how they report their performance, as well as allowing them to benchmark themselves against industry practice.

The framework was developed by a consultant who reviewed key performance indicators (KPIs) currently being used by more than 17 rental companies in Europe and the US.

KPIs are recommended for business areas including people, health and safety, training, environment, supply chain, anti-corruption and bribery, circularity and ‘other’ KPIs. Three levels of permormance are outlined:

• Minimum or starter: the KPIs that are most frequently looked at by stakeholders and in most common usage.
• Good practice: KPIs that are frequently implemented and reported after implementation of the ‎minimum KPIs.
• Best practice: KPIs regarded as best practice in sustainability ‎measurement and reporting.

In addition, there is a section on reporting KPIs against the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and a checklist for companies to self-assess.

Michel Petitjean, Secretary General of ERA, said: “Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are becoming ever more important for rental companies, with rental industry customers increasingly expecting them to measure their CSR performance levels, set targets and report on their progress.

“By looking at the reporting practices of leading rental companies in Europe and the US and setting out clear and comprehensive guidance, this Framework enables companies of all sizes to chart a path from getting started to being industry leaders in sustainability.”

The framework can be downloaded here.