Over the past three years, the University of Georgia has significantly expanded its use of electric vehicles (EVs), battery-powered grounds equipment, and autonomous mowers to improve operational efficiency, reduce fuel costs, and advance campus sustainability goals. This transition has been driven by a data informed approach that includes right-sizing/right-typing analyses, rigorous vetting of equipment options, streamlined procurement practices, and collaborative charging infrastructure planning. Our findings show that electric trucks and vans are approaching price parity with their gas counterparts, especially when considering total cost of ownership (TCO), which highlights substantial long-term savings. We’ll share practical, people-centered strategies and lessons learned to support successful electrification of fleet and grounds operations, including real-world comparisons of electric and gas-powered vehicles and grounds equipment. Broad and collaborative partnerships with electric OEMs, state contract vendors, and charging providers have been essential to building the knowledge base needed for a successful transition, and can serve as a replicable model for other organizations.
How to Evaluate the Performance and Operational Benefits of Electrification: Attendees will learn how UGA has assessed real-world performance of electric vehicles (EVs) and battery-powered grounds equipment, including energy consumption, maintenance needs, and cost comparisons with traditional fuel-powered alternatives.
How to Leverage Data for Decision-Making and Institutional Buy-In: Attendees will learn how data tracking and analysis can be used to compare fuel and energy use, assess environmental and safety benefits, and build administrative support for electrification initiatives.
Develop Systematic Strategies for Electrification Implementation:
Gain insights into key steps such as data-driven vehicle right-sizing, procurement processes, infrastructure planning, and replacement strategies to ensure successful adoption.
Dr. Justin Ellis is the Program Manager for Operational Strategy and Impact Analysis at the University of Georgia’s Office of Sustainability within the Facilities Management Division (FMD). In this role, Dr. Ellis uses data analytics to shape and improve UGA’s strategic vision and operational strategies for sustainability. He established and leads the Office’s Clean Energy and Climate Solutions program and the Biodiversity and Landscape programs and serves as the chair of FMD’s Fleet Electrification Workgroup. In 2024, he directed a Waste Reduction Services grant project to install fork scales on front loader trucks, allowing the University to measure waste per customer similar to metering for water and electricity. As a restoration ecologist and GIS specialist with over two decades of experience, Dr. Ellis has a proven track record in using data analysis and modeling to plan, implement, and achieve sustainability targets.
Brett Ganas is the Director of the Grounds Department and Fleet Management at the University of Georgia since 2014 and the Interim Senior Director for Maintenance Planning and Design. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Valdosta State College as well as a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree from the University of Georgia and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Natural Resources with an emphasis in community forestry and arboriculture. Brett is a professional Landscape Architect with over twenty-five years’ experience in the landscape architecture and green industries. At the University of Georgia, Brett provides oversight and direction for the Grounds Maintenance, Heavy Equipment/Construction, Landscape Architecture, Historic Preservation and Fleet Management operations.
Athens, GA | October 6-10, 2025
