| Jun 18, 2014 |
Clean and green litter machine will cut carbon emissions |
| (Nanowerk News) The University of Queensland’s new outdoor cleaning solution, the ‘Glutton’, is a dust-, noise- and exhaust-free litter vacuum that will reduce the University’s carbon emissions by approximately four tonnes each year. |
| The vacuum operates on batteries recharged during daylight hours by solar renewable energy generated from UQ’s solar photovoltaic panels. |
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| The fully-electric machine efficiently vacuums up a variety of waste types from cigarette packets and butts to dead leaves and even a full bottle of soft drink. |
| Property and Facilities Division Deputy Director Geoff Dennis said the Glutton was one of a number of measures to help reduce UQ’s carbon footprint. |
| “This new litter vacuum will replace the traditional leaf blowers to ensure we continue to keep the grounds clean, but without having a major impact on the environment,” he said. |
| “The environmental savings will contribute to UQ’s commitment to embedding sustainability across all aspects of the University,” he said. |
| UQ Cleaning Manager Leigh Burgess said the Glutton enhanced the University’s cleaning requirements. |
| “As well as complementing the University’s sustainability program, the Glutton is considerably less noisy than traditional leaf blowers, which is a big plus for the University as cleaning often takes place during teaching hours,” she said. |
| “The Glutton also reduces air pollution due to its air filtration system and it doesn’t eject dust or exhaust into the atmosphere.” |
| “The Glutton delivers on these goals without sacrificing performance.” |
| Source: University of Queensland |
