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How to Implement a Campus Biodiesel Program
November 19, 2009
Wynn Calder
Rationale Independent schools can benefit in several ways from implementing a biodiesel program as part of their overall commitment to sustainability. A biodiesel program, when implemented on a small scale, can serve as a demonstration project and learning tool for staff, faculty, and students. When implemented on a larger scale, it can serve as a legitimate approach to saving energy and reusing vegetable oil that would otherwise go to landfill. More specifically, there are at least three potential benefits to creating a biodiesel program on campus: - Education - Designing, building, and managing a campus biodiesel program offers an experiential education opportunity for staff, faculty, and students about alternative forms of energy and the chemistry and methodology of biodiesel production and use. It offers direct opportunities for alternative fuels research and lab activities in the science curriculum. And it requires building relationships with dining service staff and restaurants on and off campus.
- Environment - Providing safe, clean energy is one of our major global challenges. Biodiesel usage, when produced on a larger scare, improves campus sustainability. A successful biodiesel program can save energy and divert used vegetable oil from the waste stream by converting it to a usable fuel for campus transportation or heating needs. Mixing biodiesel with petro-diesel (or using biodiesel exclusively) reduces greenhouse gas emissions from campus vehicles. Research has shown that biodiesel is better than compressed natural gas, electric, ethanol, or any other commercially available alternative for lowering particulates, SO2, NOx, and CO. Biodiesel reduces net CO2 emissions by 70 percent compared to regular diesel fuel.
- Public Relations - A successful small- or large-scale biodiesel program can serve as an example to local businesses and other institutions, highlighting the importance of thinking about sustainability issues, experimenting with new technologies, and embracing new opportunities.
The action steps below attempt to provide a simple guide to building and running a successful biodiesel program on a small or large scale. "Success" in this case is not necessarily defined as saving money on energy costs, though this could be a result. It is more likely that such a program will break even financially. We recommend it primarily for its educational value on campus and outreach to the local community. Action Steps - 1. Designate a coordinator for the biodiesel (BioD) program, preferably a two-person team including one from facilities and one other staff or faculty member. Organize a small BioD team, preferably involving staff, faculty, and students. Students with an interest in a BioD program will tend to be self-selecting, often part of an environmental club and well informed. Faculty too will be self-selecting. The coordinator should invite the participation of a science teacher who might be interested in connecting the BioD program with course work.
- 2. Do the research on state and local laws concerning environmental compliance regarding biodiesel programs. Based on relevant compliance requirements, design a reasonable program that meets your basic expectations. Note the following illustration: Unless one is running a commercial BioD operation in the state of New Jersey, brewing more than 50 gallons of the fuel is illegal because of regulations concerning off-gassing from the chemical process. A school could buy a permit allowing it to exceed the 50-gallon limit, but permits are typically expensive.
- 3. Decide how the initial BioD program will be structured within the school and who will be involved. If the program involves students, it is recommended that they be included in the planning process.
- 4. Decide on one of two options for producing BioD, or choose both. Option one is to purchase a processor (prices start at about $1,000 dollars) that converts used vegetable oil (UVO) into biodiesel fuel to power your campus vehicles. The other option is to purchase a pump and tanks to filter UVO into straight vegetable oil (SVO) and then convert your campus vehicles so that they can run on SVO. Some school programs use both options. Start up costs that include both options can be as low as $2,500 for all equipment, processor, tank alterations, chemicals, and additional parts. This does not include the staff time involved in research, education, and program coordination. Note: Once installed, a processor can be operated by students with staff supervision.
- 5. Establish a vegetable oil collection program. This includes the collection of all UVO from on-campus dining services and can include collection from local business establishments. Local restaurants are often happy to comply and students will eagerly establish these relationships.
- 6. Establish safety proceedures. All students involved in the processing of biodiesel should be trained in the necessary procedures and safety precautions. For example, proper safety equipment (coveralls, goggles, and rubber gloves) should be worn at all times when handling dangerous chemicals or working near the processor.
- 7. Process the UVO into certifiable biodiesel. Once the UVO is being collected on a regular basis, the mechanics of the conversion process can begin.
- 8. Use the BioD product for campus transportation (including lawnmowers), and if possible, heating needs. Your options may be limited initially, depending on levels of production.
- 9. Connect the BioD program with your curriculum as well as local businesses and residents as appropriate. A successful BioD program offers various opportunities for instruction and lab work in environmental science and chemistry. The program can also serve as a demonstration project for local businesses and residents.
Resources and case examples Biodiesel Benz - Case study in converting a diesel auto to run on vegetable oil. Discusses pros and cons and provides step-by-step instructions for engine conversion.
www.noendpress.com/caleb/biodiesel/index.php National Biodiesel Board - Extensive information on biodiesel, including performance, emissions, commonly asked questions, and curriculum materials.
www.biodiesel.org/resources/fuelfactsheets/ UConn Biofuel Consortium - Team of students and professors of chemistry, chemical engineering, plant science, marine science, economics, and business whose mission is to advance UConn's biodiesel research initiative for the greater good of the environment, and to help our nation gain energy independence. Extensive information can be found here.
http://biodiesel.engr.uconn.edu/ Furman University (Greenville, SC) - Has a biodiesel project where waste oil from dining services is converted to fuel for use in the diesel trucks and landscaping vehicles on campus. Students are involved.
http://biodiesel.environmentalactiongroup.org/FUbiodiesel.html
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