When it comes to purchasing the right power tools, most businesses in the construction industry focus on cost and quality. But more recently, sustainability and protecting the environment have become growing priorities for many companies.

With the world’s increasing focus on climate change and waste reduction, construction companies are taking stock of the fact that the building sector is responsible for nearly 1/3 of global waste and 11% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Global Alliance for Building & Construction. Luckily, there’s one product category that can help businesses make huge strides in going green — power tools. Here are four things to look for so that they can contribute to your company’s sustainability goals:


Cordless, battery-operated tools

The biggest advances in green power tool technologies have come from innovations in lithium ion batteries, like Milwaukee’s M18™ REDLITHIUM™ Batteries which power many of their cordless tools. Since batteries don’t use fossil fuels, there are no greenhouse gas emissions, making them a sustainable choice. In addition, they’re lightweight and save energy, which can really help with your company’s bottom line in the long run.


Energy efficiency

These days, power tool innovations allow them to run longer and work harder — without expending more energy. For example, Makita’s MM4 is a small 4-stroke engine that powers products like the Power Cutter, and uses an automatic decompression valve that cuts down the start-up force needed for traditional 2-stroke engines by 40%. Tools that feature very high fuel efficiency and clean exhaust emission not only reduce carbon buildup in the engine, but offer reduced operational costs because of its low fuel consumption.


Brushless motors

Brushless motors typically use magnets to generate power as opposed to the brushed drill motors that are made of carbon. It results in less friction, which produces less heat and provides better performance. Brushless motors control energy transfer efficiently within the tool, so that they can longer between charges. DEWALT™ Brushless Motors, found in their Cordless Nailer for instance, deliver up to 57% more runtime than the standard brushed models.


Low maintenance

Since battery-operated tools don’t have as many parts (think exhaust ports, carburetors, air filters, spark plugs, and mufflers), they require far less maintenance. This decreases the chance of damage (and the cost of repairs), while also increasing overall its longevity and durability.