Innovative products and services
RSC has backed its commitment to continuous improvement by establishing dedicated groups within the company to realize this core value. For example, the Innovations Group is a dedicated R&D function within RSC and is charged with helping RSC achieve measurable process and efficiency improvements, waste reduction, and enhanced customer service. It was originally launched in 2003 to implement lean operating principles and channel internal sharing of best practices. Since then, the Innovations Group has also championed industry-leading initiatives such as dramatic improvements in on-time delivery and reduction of non-productive fleet.
"All great and small changes ultimately start with the needs of our customers and the actions of individuals. RSC has built an operating culture where change is expected and embraced; our employees are empowered to initiate change when they find an innovative opportunity to improve. Our sustainability programs are a natural, logical extension of this core value we live and breathe each day." –Bill Strickler, VP Innovation
In 2007, RSC furthered its commitment to sustainability with the formal creation of a dedicated team devoted to sustainable business thinking and action. The team is a volunteer-based, cross-functional group of employees dedicated to cultivating sustainable business practices that create measurable changes. This first CSR report, as well as several of the sustainability initiatives we've implemented, are the direct result of the volunteer efforts of the team, which receives executive guidance and sponsorship from Kevin Groman, RSC Senior Vice President and head of sustainability initiatives.
Equipment Emissions Tracking (E2TTM): RSC's newest customer innovation.
One of the exciting new projects that we kicked off in 2009 was RSC's Equipment Emissions Tracking solution (E2T). The E2T tool calculates greenhouse gases (GHGs) and other criteria air pollutant emissions resulting from the use of our equipment. Customers then receive on their invoice the total CO2-e resulting from their use of the equipment. Customers may also obtain a detailed report on their emission data.
We embarked upon the E2T project for two reasons. First, carbon regulation is continuing to evolve—and in some places, is already in effect. We, as well as our customers, need to be able to manage the risks and opportunities associated with this changing regulatory environment. Second, some of our customers are deeply interested in understanding the factors that contribute to their carbon footprint so that they can take steps to reduce emissions. We saw this first-hand when we learned of a customer that had employees stationed at each of their job sites to manually track fuel consumption for each piece of equipment and calculate a site-specific carbon footprint every night. We knew that we could help to address and eliminate this huge inefficiency.
The E2T tool was created via a three-step process:
- Engine-specific emissions data was compiled for each applicable piece of equipment
- A globally respected environmental engineering firm was hired to assist in the creation of formulas to calculate various emissions
- Arizona State University's Global Institute of Sustainability conducted an independent review to verify accuracy of formulas and data
The current calculations for emissions include the equipment in our rental fleet that is gas and diesel-powered and equipped with hour-meters. As of December 31, 2009, we had engine-specific data on 97 percent of this fleet, and continued to gather more engine-specific data, on both diesel and gas powered equipment, with a goal of 100 percent completion by the end of 2010. Because diesel-powered equipment makes up 80 percent of our applicable rental fleet, it was our first area of focus. However, we are pleased to report that by the publishing of this report we now have engine-specific data on 100 percent of our fleet for both diesel and gas powered equipment.
Refurbishment program
Before and after photos of refurbished equipment
In 2002, RSC identified an opportunity to extend the useful life of its rental equipment by establishing a refurbishment program. Rather than selling or disposing of older equipment, RSC worked with its vendors to establish processes by which equipment such as booms, scissors, and carry-deck cranes could be cleaned, inspected, and repaired so that the equipment is like new in terms of performance and appearance.
The refurbishment program provides multiple benefits:
- Considerable raw materials and energy savings
- Significant cost-savings to RSC due to not having to purchase as many new pieces of equipment
- Creation of new revenue streams for vendors who can provide refurbishment services
Solid tire program
Since May 2008, RSC has made solid tires a standard specification on all newly purchased reach forklifts
Solid tires have traditionally been used on smaller construction equipment. A few years ago, RSC was the first national rental chain to ask vendors to supply solid tires as a factory-installed option on larger "reach" forklifts. By making these requests, RSC was able to influence manufacturers' decisions to include solid tires within their supply chain and in factory options.
Solid tires bring many advantages: greater reliability and safety, a more comfortable ride, and a smaller environmental footprint due to increased durability and lifespan (3.5 times longer than standard tires). In short: a win for customers, for the environment, and for RSC.
Tire pressure equalization system
With this tire pressure equalization system, a simple walk around a truck can show where tire pressures are low, and both tires can be filled through just one point of access
Another example of a sustainable innovation at RSC is the implementation of a tire pressure equalization system. By maintaining equal pressure in tire sets on vehicles in our delivery truck and trailer fleet, the system reduces tire wear and extends the life of the tires. Properly inflated tires also increase gas mileage, which decreases overall fuel consumption and cuts fuel costs. The system also improves driver safety and operational efficiency, because drivers can quickly check whether all tires are properly inflated and use just one point for filling underinflated tires with air.
We introduced the system in July of 2008, and achieved 100 percent installation on all delivery trucks by the end of 2008. As of December 31, 2009, we had close to 1,000 Semi Tractors and Rollbacks utilizing this system.
Because of our tire pressure equalization system and RSC's initiative to reduce the amount of time drivers let their engines idle, RSC will emit 4,536 tonnes less CO2 than in previous years. This amount is equivalent to the amount of CO2 400,000 trees could convert to oxygen in a year.