A lot goes into prepping an idea for a proposal. The idea I proposed for the Environmental Council green sheet was electric lawn and garden equipment: a solution for local air pollution, noise pollution, and carbon emissions. I’m shocked the university hasn’t already implemented a policy similar to this, as it is a simple change that solves a number of problems. But after reviewing the requirements for submitting a proposal, I can see that there are a number of factors that go into implementing a project.

Outlining the goals and objectives for this project was a little tricky. The switch to electric lawn and garden equipment can be either a lengthy or short process, depending on the priority placed on the switch. I chose to outline my proposal based on a lengthy switch to electric by UNE’s carbon neutrality goal in 2040. The goals are based on achieving a full fleet of electric backpack leaf blowers, push lawn mowers, weedwhackers, and riding mowers, among other tools, by 2025, 2030, 2035, and 2040. These goals are hopefully attainable, especially if at least one or two pieces of equipment are purchased each year.

The budget was also a little tricky to figure out. I have a pretty good idea of the type of equipment the grounds typically uses because I worked with them. I looked for electric alternatives online that seemed to be at least somewhat comparable to their gas powered friends. I also looked for pieces of equipment which were of the same brand so the equipment can share batteries. I estimated over the course of the entire project that the equipment and upgrade costs should be around $45,000 over the next 20 years. That number doesn’t include the incredible fuel savings which would procure each day.

The process of writing this proposal demonstrates many of the crucial concepts demonstrated in Thomashow’s Nine Elements of a Sustainable Campus. The university values sustainability, however there are a number of factors that go into making these decisions. The grounds department on campus, though, has much room for sustainable improvement. And according to the Strategic Plan, the university’s goal is to improve in this way.