The research was conducted into the total carbon footprint of key types of equipment, including aerial work platforms. The study measured the carbon emissions of each equipment type over the full course of its life, from the manufacture and use through to disposal. The researchers then compared these life cycle CO2 emissions for purchased and rental machines.

The researchers working on the study created a CO2 calculator based on the factors which have the most impact on a machine’s carbon footprint, including utilization, specification, transportation, and maintenance.

• The specification is all about using the right equipment for the job, both in terms of the appropriate working height and also the machine with the lowest emissions.
• Utilisation refers to how intensely the machine is used. Rental machines tend to have high utilisation rates because when one customer has finished with a machine it is very quickly turned around and delivered to the next customer.
• For transportation, rental companies carefully plan their collections and deliveries to optimise the use of truck trailers.
• And of course, maintenance is vital to extending the life of the machine.