Hundreds of US Colleges and Universities Commit to Using Eco-Friendly Bio diesel

Posted: Jan 02, 2012
Author: Bumgarner Oil

When bio diesel is mixed with petroleum diesel, it can be used to power diesel vehicles to provide safer energy and emissions.

One of the most efficient bio diesel products today is ULSD (ultra-low sulfur diesel). A number of national laboratories, in collaboration with the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy, have reduced emissions, improved engine efficiency and sanctioned the level of sulfur at 15 parts per million. At this level, emission control is at its most effective.

Most diesel-fueled vehicles can run on a bio diesel blend without needing engine modification (http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/vehicles/diesel.html).

More than 700 universities and colleges have signed up with the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment. This impressive eco initiative is helping accelerate advancement toward climate sustainability and neutrality.

The signatories are committed to making their carbon footprints as neutral as possible. More important, using bio diesel is a huge incentive for these institutions, because every gallon of bio diesel used instead of traditional diesel reduces dangerously carcinogenic carbon monoxide emissions by up to 90% (http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels).

In this time of financial difficulties, when budgets are being slashed and energy prices are rising, a small-scale bio diesel project like this is an effective funding source for a learning institution. Cooking oil can be converted into bio diesel for less than a dollar per gallon. Previously, cooking oil was removed from campus at a fee.

Sustainability curriculums are now being implemented at many academic institutions. Students are taking positive steps to address the need for climate change. Bio diesel is proving to be a valuable and viable factor in this process.