64,000green jobs
supported by biodiesel
New York is a world leader in biodiesel adoption
and recently partnered with the City of London
to share the benefits of its experiences.
hosts an annual fleet and equipment
event to showcase the alternative fuels
and technologies it uses.
While Parks and Recreation was the
early leader, “we have now seen that
initiative move to all city agencies,”
Kerman explained. As more departments
came on board, the City began specifying
biodiesel blends in its fuel contracts. By
2007, the City was already dispensing
B20 in at some of its fueling stations and
specifying B20 in fuel contracts.
Kerman appreciates the ease and
economy of biodiesel. There is no
need to change out vehicles or fueling
infrastructure. More than 150 types of
vehicles and equipment use biodiesel
blends in the New York City fleet, including
garbage trucks, mowers, beach-cleaning
equipment, tractors, light towers and
generators.
Even with application in 11,000 vehicles,
the City has experienced virtually no fuel
related problems, according to Kerman.
“Biodiesel has been environmentally
positive, service-positive, and lately it has
also been cost-positive,” Kerman said.
“There has been no reason not to do it.”
The current mandate allows emergency
departments to use straight petroleum
diesel, but some are voluntarily adopting
biodiesel, such as the Police Department,
which has opted for B10. It is critical
that ambulance and police cars have no
fuel related problems, and DCAS works
with emergency fleet managers to help
them gain comfort with biodiesel blends.
“In every case the agencies started
with B5 and as they have become more
comfortable moved ahead,” Kerman said.
“We spend the time to make sure we get
it right.”
New York is a world leader in biodiesel
adoption and recently partnered with the
City of London to share the benefits of its
experiences. “We’re looking to expand
that,” Kerman explained.
“We’ve been in discussion
with a number of cities
around the world to create a
large fleet partnership.”
New Yorkers care about
the environment, he
noted. “They have elected
mayors who promoted
environmental stewardship,
and the administration has
worked with the City Council
to enact environmental
laws with near unanimity,”
he said. “There has been
a lot of support, and on
the Bioheat® side, it’s not
just city government that’s
affected; all buildings are
using Bioheat®.”
Biodiesel Success Stories 29