Most companies don’t realize they can make a real, significant, positive environmental impact in their business operations with no infrastructure or equipment changes. Choosing biodiesel heating oil and biodiesel fuel for their fleet can do just that. 100% Biodiesel is a clean-burning, domestically produced, environmentally-friendly renewable fuel. It is derived from vegetable oils or animal fats. Common vegetable oils used in the production of biodiesel fuel include soy, canola, and sunflower seed. Since biodiesel can be made from so many renewable sources, it is the most diverse fuel on the planet.
Biodiesel can be blended with petroleum diesel fuel and used in compression-ignition, diesel engines or regular heating system equipment – everywhere diesel fuel is used. The blended fuel is often also referred to as biodiesel and is typically referenced by the blend ratio of 100% biodiesel to the petroleum fuel; so, a blend with 5% biodiesel and 95% petroleum diesel is called “B5 biodiesel”.
Biodiesel blends are used in heating oil and are mandated in some areas including New York City, a leader in the use of biodiesel fuels. Some states also mandate the use of biodiesel for transportation diesel fuel in commercial fleets and vehicles.
Clean and Green
A B2 blend of biodiesel (or more) and Ultra-low sulfur heating oil (ULSHO) are lower in 20-year atmospheric life Greenhouse Gas emissions than natural gas, making it the clean energy choice. So, using biodiesel improves public health and the environment. And, 100% Biodiesel in non-toxic and biodegradable.
The use of Biodiesel can also be a patriotic choice. Using domestically produced biodiesel increases energy security by reducing the need to import foreign oil and benefits the U.S. economy with job creation – keeping energy dollars at home. It uses existing energy infrastructure and improves equipment performance, helping equipment run cleaner, more efficiently and longer.
Biodiesel is also different from ethanol. Ethanol is an alcohol fuel made from sugar-based plant material such as corn, sugar cane or grasses. It undergoes a different process and it can be used in gasoline engines.
When you know the facts about biodiesel, the biggest question should be, “Why isn’t everybody using it?”
For an introduction to Biodiesel check out these infographics:
http://www.amerigreen.com/biofuels/biodiesel/biodiesel-infographic-101/
http://www.amerigreen.com/biofuels/biodiesel/biodiesel-infographic-102/
http://www.amerigreen.com/biofuels/biodiesel/biodiesel-infographic-103/
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Author Bio:
Doug May
Energy Marketing & Communications Creative Designer
AMERIgreen, a GBB Member
