Pictured L to R: Ruben Allanson, Arborist, Cllr Bryan Deakin and Charge Hand Arborists Chris Brodie and Rory McBryde
Electric hedge trimmers and saws are part of a major shift to a greener way of working with greenery for Falkirk Council’s Estates teams.
As part of a drive towards a more sustainable service, the teams have swapped petrol and diesel tools in favour of smaller, electric alternatives in a bid to reduce carbon emissions.
Forty electric machines, including backpack and handheld blowers, chainsaws and strimmers, hedge trimmers and pole saws are now being utilised by the teams.
Power of good
Electric-powered equipment plays a key role in reducing Falkirk Council’s overall carbon footprint.
The electric tools used by the Estates teams are generally quieter than their petrol counterparts, which is beneficial for both the users and those living and working in the surrounding area, especially when working in a cemetery or school environment.
Other benefits the tools offer the operator is in relation to the lower vibration levels which reduces the amount of exposure to hand arm vibration syndrome, and no exposure to harmful fumes when operating the equipment, offering more safety for the user.
The way Falkirk Council procures paint has also been improved, with single use plastics and smaller drums ditched in favour of multi-fill units which hold between 750 and 1,000 litres of paint.
Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, Councillor Bryan Deakin, said:
“Colleagues in the Estates teams are always trying to think about the way we deliver our services and how we can become greener and more efficient, and the electric tools will make for a more eco-friendly service.
“We’re considering all our vehicles and machinery across the organisation and seeing how we can change for the better as part of our commitment to tackling climate change."
Estates Manager James Baillie said:
“Estates Services are always trialling new electric machinery to see if it meets the service requirements, and we’ll keep one eye focused on how equipment evolves with a view to making our service even more environmentally friendly.
“Two of our officers have recently attended a demo of electric ride-on grass mowers, meaning we’re aware of any innovations that could potentially enhance our services.”