Landscape & A m en it y
May 2025
www.landscapeandamenity.com
Special Feature Professional Groundscare supplement
Petrol-powered tools undermine clean air zone efforts 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.
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% petrolpowered tools within their
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 petrolpowered 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 petrolpowered, 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. “Modern technology makes switching to battery power easier than ever, unlocking a series of benefits for councils and their maintenance professionals.” 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 highpolluting 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.
more than ever, it’s vital that policymakers recognise the immense potential of environmental horticulture to drive economic growth, enhance our environment, and improve the health and wellbeing of communities across the UK.
This is the third time the HTA has held the event in parliament to raise the profile of environmental horticulture and the vital role it plays in the UK.
“This event provides a critical opportunity to make that case directly to MPS and Peers and showcase the potential to grow by 45% by 2030 with adequate government support. As a sector, we made a £38 billion contribution to GDP in 2023, and we have the potential to reach £51.2 billion and support 763,000 jobs.”
The event was sponsored by Ben Goldsborough MP and saw 200 plants being given to parliamentarians to highlight the sector’s potential to deliver growth and solutions to pressing challenges. Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the HTA, said: “Now
Ben Goldsborough MP commented: “Environmental horticulture is a vital sector for our economy and our
New launches and case studies Pages 6-9
EGO Power Plus Enquiry 1
HTA takes the power of plants directly to Parliament The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) hosted another successful “Plants in Parliament” drop-in event, attended by around 100 MPs, Peers and their teams, to bring key industry issues and a touch of spring greenery to Westminster.
Product News
Hard & Soft Landscaping Latest from the urban environment Pages 10-11
ATVs, UTVs & Work Trucks A look at this growing market environment. We need to ensure that policies are in place to support sustainable growth,
create jobs, and unlock the full potential of environmental horticulture for the benefit of
communities across the UK.” HTA
Unmanned mowing for sustainable groundskeeping. For groundskeepers and golf course managers, Kress RTKn robotic mowers are a game-changer, delivering precise and efficient cuts. Designed to operate autonomously in perfectly parallel lines, they effortlessly maintain large areas, allowing the groundskeeping team to focus on other priorities. Kress RTKn mowers combine advanced technology and environmental responsibility to bring grounds maintenance to a whole new level. Speak to your local grounds maintenance machinery dealer today to learn more.
kress.com READER ENQUIRY 3
Enquiry 2
Pages 28-29