UTM Grounds team going electric with new gear as part of Sustainability Strategic Plan
After investing in new electric landscaping equipment, University of Toronto Mississauga’s Grounds team may have to buy one more thing: A bell, to let you know it’s coming.
“Don’t think we didn’t talk about it,” says Grounds Acting Manager Rob Eidukaitis, with a laugh, noting the near-silent nature of the new additions when cutting blades aren't engaged.
UTM continues to make progress on its Sustainability Strategic Plan, taking a large leap forward by purchasing three electric ride-on zero-turn mowers, as well as string trimmers, backpack blowers, hedge trimmers and a small self-propelled mower to be used around residence buildings.
This investment aligns with Goal 5.16 — “UTM will align all long-term strategies with approaches that support environmentally friendly transportation” — and helps meet the 2030 target to transition 50 per cent of the campus fleet to alternative fuel options.
The new equipment isn’t only quieter, which Eidukaitis believes will be appreciated by the campus community when classes are in session, but also has environmental and health benefits. By going electric, UTM reduces its dependence on gasoline and diesel, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and helping to achieve goals outlined in U of T’s Low Carbon Action Plan. Additionally, with no exhaust fumes, the health and safety of staff and people in the surrounding area are greatly improved.
The promise of low-stress repairs was another selling factor.
“(Electric) mowers have fewer moving parts than a gas or diesel mower, so the maintenance should be simpler,” says Diane Ross, Grounds Supervisor.
The new machines even have built-in screens to tell you when something needs attention, adds Eidukaitis.
The long-term plan is to replace as much gasoline and diesel fleet and equipment as possible, when the lifecycle of those items is due. The UTM Grounds team say they will be on watch for more equipment and tools once more become available.
“We are continuing to expand and add other types of equipment in order to eliminate two and four-stroke engines, as they are extremely loud and their exhaust is a major contributor of greenhouse gases,” says Eidukaitis.
One thing they are keeping their eye out for is reliable electric winter maintenance vehicles.
“It’s a specialized operation,” says Eidukaitis. “Winter maintenance is a challenge because of the heavy loads put on the equipment and there just aren’t many options currently on the market. Once the industry has more to offer, we won’t hesitate to take the opportunity to make the leap into electric in order to see if it can stand up to a gas or diesel engine.”
The department is enthusiastic about building on its latest buys, to help meet UTM’s sustainability goals.
“There is an opportunity for sustainability in every department, and I’m delighted to see Grounds take the initiative to purchase innovative, sustainable, fleet and equipment,” says Beverley Ayeni, Sustainability Manager, Strategic Initiatives. “We are still in the early years of implementing the Sustainability Strategic Plan, and already, we are making great progress across campus. I’m looking forward to embarking on future sustainability projects and fostering a culture of sustainability at UTM.”
The Grounds team has been a key player in the plan, partnering with the Sustainability Office on such initiatives as the removal of several areas of the 225-acre campus from mowing and planting native species of trees and wildflowers to allow them to return to a naturalized state, adjusting salt usage during the winter and adding a pollinator garden at Lislehurst.