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Every winter since 1989, the Weissensee in Austria colours orange for two whole weeks. Thousands of ice-skating enthusiasts flock to the town of Techendorf, which sits at an altitude of 900 metres in the Austrian Alps. For years, Boels Rental has been loyal rental partner of this typically Dutch skating event. The focus has moved more to sustainability and ‘greening’ rental solutions. Both partners are clearly united in that aspect.
Climate change is currently one of the most talked about themes in the Alpine countries. The Weissensee is no exception, where ice thickness and number of ‘ice days’ are under pressure. “Of course we’re all hugely concerned, which is why we are doing whatever we can to reduce our carbon footprint”, explains organiser Hendrik-Jan van den Boogaart.
‘Race to Zero’
So it’s no surprise that climate change is the hottest topic at a press conference organised by the municipality and the region. “Together with the municipality, our local partners and chain partners, including Boels Rental, we are doing everything in our power to ‘go green’. For instance, we recently committed to the UN action plan ‘Race to Zero’ (carbon reduction)”, Hendrik-Jan explains.
Less diesel and more electric
Less diesel and more electric is the goal of the organisation, says the sustainability manager of the organisation, Maarten Schoenmakers. “The equipment that Boels provides is interesting and worth thoroughly investigating. The first results with the telehandler are already very encouraging. We have set a goal of gradually reducing emissions towards 2040. But we can’t do that alone; we need the region and others to get there. It’s important to know that the town’s power grid is almost completely full. And then we also come along to plug in all our gear for our event, there’s just no room. A thicker power cable would definitely facilitate further ‘greening’. Because everyone is on the same page, we have good hope that this will succeed.
Supporting the transition
The process of ‘greening’ is such a major event that takes place in a remote area at an altitude of 900 metres and on a frozen lake, and with only limited (infrastructural) facilities in the town, there is no straightforward undertaking, according to Boels project leader Roland Meurs. “We’ve been committed to ECO machines for years at Boels. We are even European rental market leader in sustainable equipment. No challenge is too big for us and we’re eager to help this unique project become even more sustainable in the future.”
Electric equipment
“This year, we’re testing whether the electric telehandler works well in this unique project. If it does, we can take it a step further next year with electric wheel loaders and buggies. But we also want to actively keep helping our partners in the whole transition process. Boels has a lot to offer in terms of sustainability, for instance in the supply of green power through (mobile) solar panels, battery packs and hybrid or stage V machines, to name a few. I’m convinced that these solutions will help us achieve substantial results together.”
Hendrik-Jan agrees. “The future of our event rests on taking further-reaching measures in sustainability. This might make it a bit more expensive but, in the long run, we will earn every cent back.’’ The mayor of Techendorf, Karoline Turnschek, shares the same view. “It’s all about weighing the economic interests of our region up against the state of our nature and the environment. Climate change is here to stay, so the challenge now is discovering how we can slow it down and keep it manageable. It’s especially nice to see in what way the organisation, together with the good people of this town, the hotels, and partners such as Boels, are all listening to this urgency and are actively thinking in solutions.”
Partner since 2011 and for a sustainable future
No one could have imagined in 2011 that the partnership between Boels Rental and the organisation would evolve as it has. “No, definitely not”, says Hendrik-Jan. “Did you know I actually found Boels by filling in an online sponsorship form?” The rest is history. The first delivery was for one kilometre of fencing. “The great thing about Boels is that they understand us all the way. With the ecological challenges we’re facing today, that’s a huge plus. The Boels staff in Austria actively share their ideas with us, always think in solutions and are engaged with what we do, and that feels good. And do you know why? Because it’s how we are as a team as well. What’s more, the one-stop shop principle, the wide product range of Boels, the geographical location of the Boels depot, the flexible attitude, and the mutual trust, are all factors that obviously also play a very important role.”
The great thing about Boels is that they understand us all the way. With the ecological challenges we’re facing today, that’s is a huge plus.
