Making the Business Case for Sustainable Equipment

Sustainable practices… perceived vs actual cost

A recent Conquip survey revealed that 71% of respondents see cost as the biggest challenge in adopting environmentally friendly equipment, despite 94% of respondents in a separate survey showing an interest in the availability of eco-friendly products. Sustainable practices are often perceived as expensive, but this is an outdated view that often doesn’t reflect the reality, at least not when costs are spread over a period of a few years. In a recent survey by the British Assessment Bureau, 64% of respondents cited higher costs as the main barrier to adopting sustainable methods. However, the construction sector has significantly evolved, with sustainable alternatives now available across nearly every aspect of a project, from materials to bespoke and everyday equipment solutions.

While sustainable alternatives may require, on average, a 2% higher upfront investment, the long-term benefits far outweigh the initial cost. Over the equipment’s lifetime, these solutions can generate savings of up to 20% in total construction costs. Sustainable choices are not just environmentally responsible – they’re financially smart.

Here are a few practical ways you can reduce costs by implementing sustainable practices:

Built-to-last equipment: Low-quality equipment that breaks down frequently can become a costly burden, leading to repeated repairs, waste and inefficiency. While higher-quality equipment may come with a slightly greater upfront cost, it offers long-term value through durability and reliability. Regular maintenance further extends its lifespan. We offer Conquip Covered, a comprehensive after-sales service including spare parts, inspections, equipment repairs and refurbishment, keeping your kit functional, safe and compliant for longer.
Hiring equipment: A smart, cost-effective alternative to buying, eliminating the burden of upfront investment and ongoing maintenance – depending on how long the equipment might be needed for and how often it would be used. It also gives you access to newer, more efficient equipment, helping to reduce emissions and boost overall productivity on site.
Custom solutions – bespoke equipment: A commonly overlooked service, tailor-made equipment can significantly reduce waste and rework, ultimately lowering overall project costs by improving efficiency and fit-for-purpose performance. There are a few suppliers with an in-house Mechanical Engineering team, who are able to design innovative products suited to solve project specific problems.

For more information on how we can help you, contact our team today.