Petrol-powered tools undermine clean air zone efforts

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Petrol-powered tools undermine clean air zone efforts: Despite the widespread introduction of clean air zones in cities across the UK, new research obtained through Freedom of Information requests shows that high-polluting petrol-powered tools are still predominantly used in many of these areas, compromising clean air commitments.

Local authorities including Birmingham City Council and several London boroughs are still operating 100% petrol-powered tools within their clean air zones – at a time when cars are under increased scrutiny where emissions are concerned. The widespread use of petrol-powered tools can compromise air quality in these areas, producing emissions comparable with some cars.

Petrol-powered tools undermine clean air zone efforts

Petrol-powered tools undermine clean air zone efforts

Petrol-powered tools – such as leaf blowers and hedge trimmers – are known to be just as, if not more, harmful to people and the environment. Emissions testing carried out by EGO Power+ and Millbrook found that some petrol-powered gardening tools are capable of emitting 11 times more carbon monoxide and four times more nitrogen oxide than a Ford Fiesta.

While the majority of tools being operated by local authorities are still petrol-powered, some councils are progressing towards a cleaner, greener future with the adoption of battery-powered tools.

London’s Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is leading the way in its use of battery-powered outdoor equipment, accounting for 100% of its tools. Councils in Sheffield and London Brent are also making promising strides, with battery-powered equipment now accounting for 85% and 90% of tools respectively.

“The sustainability challenge is something that faces every local authority across the UK, and the removal of highly-polluting outdoor power equipment has a role to play,” says Vince Brauns, Product Director at EGO Power+. “By focussing our research on councils who have made clear commitments to sustainability through clean air zones, we were keen to understand if councils have recognised the negative impact of petrol-powered tools, and how much progress has been made on their journeys towards a greener, battery-powered future.

“While it’s encouraging to see a handful of councils have fully adopted battery power to maintain outdoor spaces, others still have a journey ahead of them. Birmingham City Council for instance still uses 100% petrol-power to maintain areas within the city’s Clean Air Zone, with the daily use of more than 60 tools emitting harmful emissions.

“Modern technology makes switching to battery power easier than ever, unlocking a series of benefits for councils and their maintenance professionals. Better still, transitioning to battery power can be done in an easy-to-manage and cost-effective manner, maximising council resources while supporting the drive towards cleaner air and greater levels of sustainability.”

The research, carried out by EGO Power+, saw Freedom of Information requests made to 40 local authorities operating Clean Air Zones – including individual London boroughs. As these zones are proving to be effective by reducing numbers of high-polluting vehicles, the research aimed to understand if harmful, high-emission outdoor power equipment was still being used in these areas to maintain public green spaces.

As one of the world’s leading suppliers of battery-powered grounds maintenance equipment, EGO Power+ has supported local authorities and businesses large and small to transition to battery power – sustainably and cost effectively. EGO’s technology adds social and environmental value while also driving down the total cost of ownership. For local authorities who face compliance and budgetary challenges, this offers a proven route to a sustainable and safer future.

The latest advice to government from the Climate Change Committee also recommends the phasing out of petrol and diesel lawnmowers in order to reduce emissions, with modern technology delivering petrol-matching power, without causing harm to the local environment through emissions and noise pollution.

Councils who have already adopted battery-powered maintenance equipment have unlocked a future that delivers improved comfort and safety to users, with tools that minimise noise and vibration.

To learn more visit: www.egopowerplus.co.uk/clean-air-zones

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Prevention is better than cure

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Prevention is better than cure: As the weather warms up all potential water issues multiply, but there is a natural, environmentally-friendly, safe and cost-effective way to prevent problems before they occur with Otterbine’s range of surface and subsurface aerators.

Otterbine aerators have been successfully used as an algae control strategy to improve water clarity and quality the world over, simply by adding air and circulating oxygen in the water. This simple process stops the water from stagnating, keeps algae and aquatic weeds under control, eliminates odours, prolongs the life of the water and attracts wildlife.

Prevention is better than cure

Prevention is better than cure

The main difference between the two options of surface and sub surface aeration is where the aerator sits in the water: surface spray aerators, as the name suggests, sit on top of the water and throw water droplets through the air, while sub surface – or diffused air – aerators work by compressing oxygen and pumping it into the water from the bottom through specially manufactured air domes. Deciding which to go for depends on surface area, depth, quality of incoming water and available power.

Otterbine aerators are built to last, and limit the use of chemicals providing a tick to the sustainability box of every venue. They have some of the highest oxygen transfer and pumping rates in the industry – adding as much as 3.3lbs or 1.5kg of oxygen per horsepower hour into the water and pumping over 920GPM or 199m3/hr per horsepower – with independent testing from the University of Minnesota and GSEE proving it.

Robert Jackson, Division Manager for Reesink Hydro-Scapes, Otterbine’s UK distributor, says:  “Otterbine aeration systems are designed to be as close to a natural solution for water aeration as possible, protecting water clarity without using excessive amounts of chemical treatments. The aim is to keep water healthy and not leave things to chance, especially as the weather is generally warming up, not just as spring and summer approach.

“Rectifying problems is always more expensive and time consuming than preventing them and Otterbine aerators are straightforward and easy to install and last for years meaning they are the perfect long-term solution.”

In a world of ever-changing weather patterns, Otterbine provides an element of control. With a comprehensive range of quality products and warranties from three to five years, Otterbine presents a long-term water management solution to a significant potential problem with very little disruption or outlay.

Discuss with the experts in water management at Reesink Hydro-Scapes how an Otterbine aerator can deliver clean, clear, healthy water naturally and prevent having to fix avoidable and costly problems, call 01480 226800 or visit reesink-hydroscapes.co.uk.

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Technical Sales Manager

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Join Turfix as a Technical Sales Manager

Are you a motivated sales professional with a passion for sports turf? Ready to make your mark (literally) in the world of line marking and turf care? Then this could be your next big move.

Technical Sales Manager

Technical Sales Manager

Turfix, part of the award-winning Pitchmark Group, is seeking a dynamic Technical Sales Manager to drive sales, build relationships and lead technical demonstrations across the UK and beyond.

What You’ll Be Doing:

  • Conduct hands-on demos with and light servicing of line marking machines
  • Work with a high-energy team to create and manage commercial opportunities
  • Deliver expert training sessions to encourage best practice in line marking
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and industry partners
  • Promote Turfix through active social media engagement and customer interactions
  • Operate our cutting-edge Turf Tank robots to mark sports pitches (seasonally)
  • Represent Turfix at trade shows, industry events and seminars
  • Enjoy the option of occasional overseas travel supporting global customers at some of the world’s best venues

What You Bring to the Pitch:

  • Ambition, motivation and a results-driven mindset
  • Excellent communication skills and a proactive approach
  • Flexibility to travel with up to 3–4 overnight stays per month
  • Strong organisation, time management, diary planning and appointment booking skills
  • Attention to detail and the ability to work independently

Your Experience Should Include:

  • 3+ years in sales within the sports turf, amenity, or groundcare industry (essential)
  • Customer account management and field-based visits (essential)
  • Proven success in hitting or exceeding sales targets (essential)
  • Hands-on experience with sports turf machinery or line marking equipment (desirable)
  • Proficiency in Microsoft 365 and CRM systems (essential)
  • A full (preferably clean) UK driving licence (essential)

What’s in It for You:

  • Highly competitive salary
  • Uncapped bonus structure—your earnings are in your hands
  • Company vehicle, laptop and mobile phone provided
  • Remote-based role with travel across the UK
  • Full training and ongoing support to help you succeed
  • Supportive, tight-knit team culture in a family business
  • 25 days’ holiday + Bank Holidays
  •  Real opportunity to grow within an innovative, forward-thinking company

If you’re a driven, experienced sales star with a love for line marking, we want YOU!

Apply now via careers@turfix.co.uk

Or chat to Tim Rodman on 07854933400 to find out more