Loxam achieves social responsibility standard

France-based rental company Loxam has attained level three in the IS0 26000 international standard, which recognises a company’s corporate social and environmental responsibility policy.

Loxam claims it is the world’s first equipment rental company to gain this level. Chairman Gérard Déprez said the company was honoured to receive the evaluation, which he said was a tribute to its practises in the fields of social, environmental and ethical responsibility.

“The evidence survey has indicated that we still have progress to make, in particular in our communication with our clients and other stakeholders. Once again, Loxam has confirmed that it is a benchmark in its sector of activity, a vector of its development and success in Europe,˝ he said.

Loxam was awarded the performance rating of level three (on a scale of five) in the ISO 26000 standard following an in-depth audit conducted in December 2015 among its customers, suppliers, staff members and other stakeholders. The audit was conducted by inspection and certification body SGS.

This performance is qualified as “mature” on the assessment grid listing the 400 examined criteria. Among the highlights of this distinction, Loxam said it excelled by fulfilling the principles of transparency, primarily by issuing its Responsible Rental report.

Also noteworthy was the principle of respect for stakeholder interests, as illustrated by the findings of a November 2015 survey of more than 5000 people, according to the company.

Sustainable development

The ISO 26000 standard aims to help organisations contribute towards sustainable development. Loxam’s achievement of level three came after the recent renewal of its quality, environment and safety certifications ISO 9001, ISO 14000, together with its MASE certificates.

The company said the new achievement consolidated its social commitments and shined a spotlight on the policy of corporate responsibility which it has been shaping for close to 50 years.

By its very nature, Loxam said its core business reflected the principles of corporate social responsibility. It said the sharing of equipment between several users through rental contributed to better-controlled consumption by offering an alternative to ownership.

By preventing wastage and thereby optimising products’ life cycles, Loxam said it actively contributed to the development of a circular economy, offering substantial benefits.