Propane Power—A Greener Alternative

Marilyn Witney

Eric Hansen, owner of Competitive Lawn Service, is the first in the nation running 100 percent equipment and trucks on propane power. He started with propane three years ago, and is now using the first in the country propane-powered Roush Ford F-350. At the recent Green Industry Expo (GIE) in Louisville, Hansen was winner of the Lawn & Landscape 2010 Environmental Business Award. He was one of three who received this prestigious award, presented to landscape contractors who best represent the core values of the green industry for the year.

Hansen started thinking about alternative fuels when gas prices spiked several years ago. Using propane fuel saves him one dollar per gallon, plus because propane is a cleaner fuel, there is less cost for maintenance of his equipment. In addition, propane, which is a byproduct of natural gas production, emits far fewer harmful emissions into the atmosphere. Using cleaner propane fuel gives Hansen a competitive edge, especially with large commercial customers who are engaged in sustainable practices and are looking for more environmentally friendly maintenance.

Hansen began his propane use by retrofitting two mowers. He says his equipment now produces from 40 to 60 percent fewer emissions than regular fuel and his 3 trucks are about 20 to 30 percent cleaner. Plus the closed system for propane makes it a safer fuel, with no spillage that could cause fires or contaminate ground water. With the introduction of one pound propane canisters this season, Hansen's entire operation runs on propane, with significant savings for his business and for the environment.

The challenges of alternative fuel have led Hansen and some of his colleagues on a mission to explore propane and other alternative fuels and to find ways to make using them easier. Currently, few manufacturers produce equipment for alternative fuels, propane and otherwise. Called the Association for Alternative Fuels, his group will have a major presence at the 2011 Mid-Am to showcase the why and how of using propane. Then at the MELA Conference February 17, Hansen will present even more hands on information and demonstrate his equipment. Register at www.melaweb.org.

Marilyn Witney is a charter member of MELA, Chair of the Communication Committee and Editor of "How Green Gets Done".

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