As evidenced by its solid-tire initiative with JLG, RSC Equipment Rental works at both the corporate and branch levels to cultivate sustainability in its business. The Scottsdale, Ariz.-based company developed highly personalized and automated order, delivery and billing systems — RSC Online and RSC e-Pay — which have significantly reduced the amount of paperwork and paper it uses.

The company's branch in Garland, Texas, developed a recycling and energy-reduction plan for its store, purchasing recycled-content products and supplies; installing recycling containers for paper, plastic and cardboard; installing automatic motion light switches; and recycling all scrap metal and pallets. The store significantly reduced its carbon footprint while saving more than $11,000 in less than a year.

Equipment rental companies across the proverbial pond are working to achieve a positive environmental impact as well. The United Kingdom's largest tool hire company Speedy Hire recently received an award for “Best Contribution to Environmental Issues” at the Hire Association Europe Awards. The company's commitment to health, safety and environmental issues as well as its commitment to promoting environmental best practices and work to support customers' environmental programs were cited by the judges as reasons for the recognition.

In addition, Speedy has a new range of generators running on biofuels, energy-efficient lighting systems in place, and maintenance programs designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The company was also the first rental company in the U.K. to introduce electric vehicles to its delivery fleet in some urban areas.

With fuel and commodity costs at all-time highs, construction equipment makers and users are embracing ways to create more efficient machines, prolong their lifecycles and reduce carbon and greenhouse emissions. In kind, rental companies are finding ways to cultivate sustainability, while operating leaner and with environmental responsibility in mind. The green giant isn't going away; it's only gaining momentum and getting bigger.