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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The R&A Sustainable Agronomy Service partnership

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The R&A Sustainable Agronomy Service partnership: Praia D’El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort, a flagship of Portuguese golf and a long-standing favourite among international players, has joined forces with The R&A Sustainable Agronomy Service to further strengthen its commitment to deliver performance and conditioning in a sustainable way.

Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and protected natural landscapes, Praia D’El Rey is uniquely positioned to champion the production of high-quality playing surfaces in an environmentally sustainably way. This forward-thinking partnership will bring The R&A’s renowned expertise and innovation in performance agronomy directly to Praia D’El Rey, with a tailored programme designed to enhance playing performance across all areas of course maintenance whilst protecting and enhancing the wider environment.

The R&A Sustainable Agronomy Service partnership

The R&A Sustainable Agronomy Service partnership

Key objectives of the partnership include improving turf health through soil science, data-driven agronomy to inform maintenance operations, implementing effective water conservation practices and efficient water use, and advising on strategic investments in both machinery and infrastructure – all while maintaining the high-performance turf conditions the resort is renowned for in an environmentally responsible way.

António Ferreira da Silva, Golf Director at Praia D’El Rey, explained: “The guidance from The R&A on how to manage soil infiltration and physical conditioning on our greens is helping us improve year-round performance. Performance measurement, combined with lab analysis of organic matter and physical properties, have been extremely valuable in guiding our decision-making. The R&A has provided a structured and science-led approach that’s elevating the quality of our maintenance while optimizing environmental sustainability.”

Paul Woodham, Head of Agronomy Europe at The R&A, added: “The investments being made – particularly within the maintenance workshop, such as the new grinder, the Vibramaster for improved fairway infiltration, and the autonomous Husqvarna fairway mowers – represent a major step forward. These are the kinds of innovations that embody a sustainable and forward-thinking agronomic strategy.”

“By working with The R&A, we’re not only investing in the long-term health of our course, but also leading the way for what the future of golf in Portugal should look like”, added António Ferreira da Silva. Praia D’El Rey hopes this initiative will inspire clubs across Portugal and beyond to embrace innovation and responsibility in equal measure,  while raising standards in turf performance and environmental care.

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Berner strengthens its position in the Nordic market

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Berner strengthens its position in the Nordic market: Berner Ltd and Indigrow Ltd have agreed that the business operations of Indigrow AB (Sweden) and Indigrow AS (Norway) will be transferred to the Berner Group as of 24 April 2025. This is a business transfer, and the legal entities Indigrow AB and Indigrow AS will remain unchanged.

Berner and Indigrow have had a long-standing collaboration, especially in the distribution of Indigrow products in Finland. In recent years, the partnership has extended to the Baltic countries. With this transfer, Berner will take over the distribution of Indigrow products also in Sweden and Norway, further strengthening its position in the Nordic golf course management market.

Berner strengthens its position in the Nordic market

Berner strengthens its position in the Nordic market

As part of the transition, Berner will establish a new Nordic business unit, Berner Turf, focusing on turf and green area products and services. The unit will be led by Saila Innanen, who brings extensive experience and expertise in the care of sports turf.

“This business transfer is a natural continuation of our long-term cooperation with Indigrow. It enables us to serve our Nordic customers even better and strengthens our position as a specialist in sports turf,” says Kalle Erkkola, Business Unit Director at Berner Ltd.

“We are pleased to deepen our partnership with Berner. Their strong local presence and expertise support the availability of our products and enhance customer service across the Nordic region,” says Carl Crome, CEO of Indigrow Ltd.

The business transfer will not affect existing customer relationships or order and delivery processes. All orders and deliveries will continue as normal during the transition period.

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Integrated Weed Management Conference 2025

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Integrated Weed Management Conference 2025: The inaugural conference on Integrated Weed Management for the Amenity Sector is to be hosted by Kersten UK on Thursday 5th June in Birmingham’s Highbury Hall.

The conference couldn’t be more prescient with the publishing of the National Biodiversity Strategy & Action Plan in February and the new Pesticides National Action Plan being finally published just last month. The new Pesticides National Action Plan particularly highlights Integrated Management, a sustainable strategy using biological, cultural, and mechanical methods to manage pests including weeds to minimise the reliance on conventional chemical pesticides, and the conference aims to inform and discuss the diverse ranges of weed management practices within the UK Amenity sector.

Integrated Weed Management Conference 2025

Integrated Weed Management Conference 2025

Presentations will include speakers from the Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) on the implications of the new Pesticide National Action Plan for the Amenity sector and from Cambridge City Council on a case study in becoming pesticide free and developing their Herbicide Reduction Plan after declaring a Biodiversity Emergency in 2019.

Parks for London will also be unveiling its Updated Integrated Weed Management Guidance and LANTRA will be launching its new qualification in Integrated Weed Management at the conference.

As part of the conference, attendees will be able to learn about the latest technological advancements in weed control such as various thermal and electrical weed control methods. Manufacturers from across Europe will be present to showcase how “mechanical alternatives can effectively maintain urban green spaces while minimising environmental impact” (UK Pesticide National Action Plan).

Attendees will also be able to participate and answer important questions in an audience-led discussion panel hosted by Bradley Tennant of International Greenkeepers for Hire with panellists including Professor John Moverley OBE, FRAgs, previously the independent chairman of UK Amenity Forum now running JMMSolutions Consultancy, and Nick Mole of Pesticide Action Network UK.

The conference hopes to bring together stakeholders of our amenity spaces, from council parks, streetscene and highways teams to Grounds Maintenance Contractors to exchange expertise and discuss the management of green urban spaces.

Sean Faulkner, the integrated weed management specialist from Kersten UK, who kicks-off the conference with an introduction to Integrated Pest Management says “My hope for the conference is that this will be a fertile ground to share how an integrated pest management philosophy can deliver a cost effective and sustainable weed control solution for the amenity sector.”

Tickets can be found on eventbrite, with early bird registration ending on the 5th May at which time tickets become full price.

Link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/integrated-weed-management-conference-tickets-1111246049849?aff=oddtdtcreator 

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