Colorado State University's diesel vehicles going green
A front-end loader clears snow from the CSU Art Building parking lot.
Colorado State University is now using biodiesel fuel in all of its diesel-powered vehicles, including snowplows, to improve air quality and decrease dependence on foreign oil.
The Transportation Services Department uses about 35,000 gallons of biodiesel fuel each year to run the university's vehicles, buses, mowers and heavy equipment.
Biodiesel is a fuel manufactured from vegetable oils, primarily soybean oil. The most common forms of biodiesel are B100, which is pure biodiesel, and B20, which is a blend of 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent petroleum.
Colorado State vehicles run on B20 during cold weather; the vehicles are switched to B100 for the summer.
Biodiesel fuel used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Biodiesel fuel has emerged as an alternative to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, the use of biodiesel over regular diesel fuel has been shown to increase fuel economy and engine efficiency.
Colorado State's Facilities Management Department is committed to reducing the university's impact on the environment, particularly through projects that conserve water and energy to create a healthier and more sustainable campus and community.
Among the projects are energy-saving vending machines and wind power for students living in residence halls. For more information on sustainability projects at Colorado State, visit http://www.fm.colostate.edu/sustain.
Contact: Emily Wilmsen
Email: Emily.Wilmsen@colostate.edu
Phone Number: (970) 491-2336
