Town Departments Go Green with Electric Gear
Earlier this year, the Town of Brattleboro made strides toward environmental sustainability by transitioning some of its gas-powered handheld tools to eco-friendly, electric-powered alternatives. By adopting greener gear, the Town aims to significantly decrease its carbon footprint.
The Brattleboro Department of Public Works and Recreation & Parks Department were able to procure a variety of electric tools, including chainsaws, string trimmers and leaf blowers, using the Global Warming Solutions Fund.
"The transition has been helped by a website called Mow Electric, which helps compare internal combustion equipment to electric equipment,” said Stephen Dotson, the town’s Sustainably Coordinator.
He added that the battery-powered equipment not only cuts down on emissions, but helps to reduce noise pollution, while eliminating the mess and maintenance of gas engines.
In addition, the electric tools are relatively lighter, with a more compact design. Peter Lynch, the Highway-Utilities Superintendent for the Department of Public Works, said members of the DPW crew were initially hesitant to use the new equipment for that reason.
However, during the winter storm that swept through the region this past March, when dozens of roads were partially closed due to downed tree limbs, the eco-friendly equipment proved effective. Lynch said the department “used the saws day in and day out” and were able to easily switch out batteries as they cleared the streets.
As summer approaches, crew members at the Recreation & Parks Department have been performing routine spring cleaning with their own set of electric tools. Prior to Memorial Day weekend, town employees cleared broken tree branches and overgrowth from the Brattleboro Common — all while producing little noise.
“Our department is doing its best to reduce our daily carbon footprint,” said Recreation & Parks Director Carol Lalotte. “We are grateful for being able to work with Stephen Dotson, the town’s Sustainably Coordinator, and for the Global Warming Solutions Fund to help purchase the new equipment.”
The Global Warming Solutions Fund was established in 2020 to help the Town cover additional costs in "going green," such as converting Town-owned buildings to LED lighting and upgrades to the Nelson Withington Skating Rink.
“In the future, it is planned to be used for installation of additional EV-charging stations at Town parking lots, as well as an upgrade to the control systems of Town buildings in the coming years,” Dotson said.
Efficiency Vermont, which is partnering with the Town of Brattleboro throughout 2023, is providing members of the public opportunities to go green, including special energy-saving offers and services. Learn more about that initiative, as well as upcoming events in Brattleboro, by clicking here.
Read other articles about Brattleboro's sustainability efforts here or visit the sustainability page.