Three years after our first article, Kiloutou’s Sustainable Development and Purchasing teams were back at Haulotte’s headquarters. The time for reflection has passed; it is now time for concrete action: SBTi trajectory, low-carbon equipment with the iMPAKT range, training, circular economy, and other joint work topics. A look back at an engaging collaboration.
Recently, Audrey Miclard, Sustainable Development Director, Stéphanie Plouvin, Product Manager, and Julien Cazal, Sustainable Development Project Manager at Kiloutou Group, met with the Haulotte teams to align their roadmaps.
From vision to roadmap: an environmental strategy that is now structured and managed
At Kiloutou, the ESG approach has continued to become more structured. In addition to social and societal challenges, the teams working on the sustainable development axis are highly mobilized, with new regulatory requirements, including the CSRD, in their sights.
« We are part of the 2nd wave of companies subject to the CSRD. These three additional years are precious, but they are also necessary to do things right, » explains Audrey Miclard, Sustainable Development Director for the Kiloutou Group.
Haulotte was among the first companies to comply with the CSRD. The experience gained while drafting the sustainability statement served as a basis for exchanging best practices with the Kiloutou teams.
This early anticipation made it possible to bring the entire ecosystem on board: governance, purchasing, field teams… and suppliers. This is a key point for Kiloutou, which views ESG as a community topic rather than an isolated approach.
« The difference compared to three or four years ago is that, beyond carbon footprints […], we have validated a decarbonization trajectory and what’s more, validated by the SBTi. This allowed us to involve our governance and propose a roadmap, » explains Audrey Miclard.
Kiloutou’s emissions primarily come from jobsites and the use of equipment by their customers. This is where Kiloutou’s iMPAKT range, consisting of alternative equipment (including Haulotte’s PULSEO machines), plays a key role in reducing emissions.
Climate and decarbonization: a central challenge, well-identified levers
On the climate front, maturity has clearly reached a new level. Kiloutou has validated a decarbonization trajectory aligned with the Paris Agreements, directly involving its governance and translating into a concrete roadmap for 2030.
Today, three main levers structure this trajectory:
- Transport decarbonization, particularly for heavy goods vehicles.
- Equipment usage on customer jobsites, which represents the largest share of emissions.
- The evolution of the equipment offering, with a strong focus on low-carbon alternatives.
It is within this framework that the iMPAKT range truly makes sense. More than just a selection of « lower-emission » equipment, iMPAKT brings together machines capable of genuinely shifting usage patterns, notably through electrification.
« For access equipment, the lever is clear: the transformation effort is more accessible than for other equipment families, and the TCO [Total Cost of Ownership] is not that far off from internal combustion engine models, » highlights Audrey Miclard.
Convincing, training, demonstrating: the keys to change management
While the technology is ready, transformation does not happen on its own. Kiloutou clearly identifies three major obstacles to overcome:
- The purchase cost of alternative machines,
- Team training,
- And the maturity of customer demand.
To meet these challenges, the group is heavily relying on internal upskilling. Because to convince a customer, you first need to be convinced yourself.
« Our team members are the primary spokespersons for our customers. Training is essential to overcome misconceptions, » reminds Stéphanie Plouvin. « To be convincing on the subject, you have to be convinced yourself. »
Webinars, long formats, short modules, toolboxes… These resources are multiplying and being shared among the teams. Haulotte provides various tools to the Kiloutou teams, such as: Controls overview videos, MyCompanion, How to videos, etc. Certain formats are co-constructed to provide meaning, share field evidence, and concretely support change management.
The CAMD: moving forward together to go faster and further
Finally, it is impossible not to mention the CAMD (Community of Sustainable Equipment Players), established by 10 founding members, including Haulotte and Kiloutou.
Beyond concrete deliverables (TCO, benchmarks, energy studies, Life Cycle Assessments…), the CAMD has above all made it possible to create a trusted ecosystem where equipment manufacturers, rental companies, and construction and public works firms can challenge each other, share, and progress together.
« We all face the same constraints and the same difficulties […]. There is no point in working in silos. » Bérenger Dudek, ESG Manager at Haulotte.
« We cannot work alone on these subjects. Together, we are clearly stronger, » summarizes Audrey Miclard.
The CAMD has helped break down « urban legends » about electric power, share best practices, and reassure the respective boards of directors.