Epsom’s Grounds Manager, Mr Jason O’Keefe, has announced a move to a cleaner, greener range of equipment reducing his team’s environmental impact by replacing all-petrol blowers, strimmers, hedge cutters, one of the lawnmowers, and one all-terrain vehicle.
“Our contract manager, Neil Anderson, and I spent a lot of time researching and talking to industry providers to find equipment for professional use that would meet our requirements,” Jason said. “I’m delighted to unveil our fully-electric new grounds equipment. We’re proud to be championing the move to environmentally-friendly practices and this is a positive step towards reaching our sustainability goals.”
On average, the switch to electric will save 9,000kg of C02 emissions – a reduction of appproximately 40%
The College is also in the process of replacing one of its tractors to a greener engine. “This will limit carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons, as well as the mass of particulate matter – diesel soot – emitted into the atmosphere,” Jason explains.
“When manufacturers begin to develop fully electric large mowers and tractors we will investigate how further we can reduce our impact on the environment, and air quality on campus. Students and staff may not necessarily see the significance of these changes, but the health benefits to the Epsom community will speak for themselves.”
