Landscaping contractors Idverde are investing in electric tools to support Colchester Borough Council to meet its target of achieving net zero emissions by 2030.
To help meet this target, Idverde is working closely with the council to introduce new low-carbon, battery-operated gardening equipment, supporting the council to take a further step in its response to the climate emergency, as well as to improve air quality.
The council is committed to driving through carbon reduction as part of its procurement process, ensuring that suppliers support its carbon neutral ambitions.
Cllr Simon Crow, Colchester Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability, said: “We are committed to firm action to meet our ambitious target to be carbon neutral by 2030. By working closely with our contracted partners, we can identify ways to minimise our emissions. In this case the replacement of petrol-powered gardening tools, which will lead to a significant reduction in direct emissions each year.”
Martin Packman, Idverde Operations Director, added: “The deployment of these new electric hand-held power tools into our operations in Colchester is part of our business decarbonisation strategy. Each piece of electric equipment deployed results in the removal of greenhouse gases and other harmful compounds ultimately leading to a cleaner and healthier environment for all stakeholders. Further opportunities exist for reducing emissions in Colchester in the coming years and we will be capitalising on these as we approach them.”
The council started its move to electric garden equipment in 2019, which has proved very successful. It is committed to continue to purchase electric tools as the current 2-stroke ones require replacing.
Cllr Beverley Oxford, Colchester Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Communities, said: “Electric equipment is vastly preferable to diesel models because they generate no carbon monoxide emissions and are low noise. The new equipment doesn’t just offer public health and environmental benefits, they also reduce risk to our staff. What’s more, they enjoy low running and maintenance costs helping us ensure we deliver value of money for residents.”
This project is just one of measures being developed by the council in response to the climate emergency. To find out more about what the council is doing to combat the climate emergency visit: https://www.colchester.gov.uk/sustainability/our-strategy-and-climate-action-plan/
Page last reviewed: 7 January 2022