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2008 October LSMP PGMS: Sustainable Practices11-07-08 | News



Sustainable Practices

By Eric Grammer, Communications Manager, Professional Grounds Management Society

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With an eye on the future, many grounds management operations are turning to cleaner technology such as propane-fueled lawn mowers. Here Michael Ashey of University of Texas at Austin cuts grass with a new propane-powered mower that the university bought this past April.


With the focus of this issue on mowers and the investment facilities make in them, I thought it appropriate to examine how the grounds management profession can act as stewards for future generations. Let me start by asking a simple question. What are you doing?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that landscape maintenance equipment is responsible for up to 10 percent of the air pollution in the United States, emitting high levels of carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides. To put this in perspective, a conventional lawn mower pollutes as much in an hour as 40 late model cars. So what are you doing?

This is what Dwayne D?EUR??,,????'?????<

Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) as a clean alternative fuel. In all, choosing propane mowers over traditional gas mowers results in an 80% reduction in carbon emissions.

What?EUR??,,????'?????<

While standards exist for sustainable structures?EUR??,,????'?????<

Duke University?EUR??,,????'?????<

Let?EUR??,,????'?????<

Participate in the 2008 PGMS/LSMP Salary Survey by visiting LSMP online at www.landscapearchitect.com/survey/public/survey.php?name=2008_LSMP.


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