Engagement opportunities
Do you use small gas-powered equipment (such as lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and pressure washers) for professional or commercial use?
Have your say. Complete a short survey or attend an upcoming industry roundtable.
Complete the survey
Why your input matters:
- Your feedback will help shape an effective and practical strategy
- Your experience will help identify feasible solutions and reasonable timelines
Overview
Metro Vancouver is developing a regional strategy to accelerate the transition from small gas-powered equipment to emission-free alternatives.
Small gas-powered equipment (such as lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and pressure washers) plays a vital role in regional industries and maintaining public spaces. This equipment releases a significant amount of emissions – including fine particles and nitrogen oxides – which are harmful when inhaled. In our region, small gas-powered equipment produces about half as much health-harming emissions as the nearly 1.5 million cars and pick-up trucks in the region.
Emission-free equipment (typically electric) is growing in popularity, availability, and performance. Transitioning from small gas-powered equipment to emission-free alternatives is an important step in reducing air pollution and protecting public health. Emission-free equipment is typically quieter, and has an added benefit of reducing noise pollution.
Accelerating the transition to emission-free equipment
There is a range of actions that can accelerate the transition from small gas-powered equipment to emission-free alternatives, such as:
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Promoting cleaner technologies: Encouraging the adoption of emission-free equipment through education campaigns.
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Supporting best practices: Providing information on the use and maintenance of emission-free equipment, case studies on fleet transitions, and convening equipment users.
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Considering policy changes: Exploring requirements and incentives that support the transition to emission-free options.
Why go emission-free?
The main drivers for this transition are the measurable environmental and health impacts of using gas powered equipment.
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Significant impact: Small gas-powered equipment produces about half as much health-harming emissions as the nearly 1.5 million cars and pick-up trucks in the region.
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Air pollution: Gas-powered equipment releases emissions containing volatile organic compounds (VOC), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen oxides (NOx), as well as carbon monoxide (CO). These can contribute to health issues, including respiratory and cardiovascular problems. This equipment also releases carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse gas.
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Benefits of emission-free alternatives: Electric equipment produces zero direct emissions, which improves air quality and reduces health risks for the community. Emission-free equipment is typically quieter, and has an added benefit of reducing noise pollution.
Engaging equipment users and others to develop the strategy
Input from small gas-powered equipment users and other interested parties is key to developing an effective strategy with realistic timelines. Metro Vancouver is engaging equipment users, other governments including First Nations, member jurisdictions, health agencies, manufacturers and vendors, and others to listen to perspectives, interests, and ideas for how to effectively transition to emission-free equipment. Metro Vancouver is taking a staged approach to developing the strategy to ensure it reflects the needs and interests of industry and communities.
Stay informed
Receive project updates and notifications about upcoming engagement events and other opportunities to provide feedback. If you would like to be invited to join an industry roundtable, or to contact staff directly about this initiative, email
AQBylaw@metrovancouver.org.
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