Carbon Footprint Reduction
How Fleet Managers Can Lower Emissions Using Renewable Fuels
Fleet managers are always looking for ways to lower costs and help the environment, especially living in the Portland area. One of the biggest goals in the Pacific Northwest is to lower carbon emissions. The laws are getting stricter and companies set higher sustainability goals, like the Portland Renewable Fuel Standard, and it’s important to find good ways to reduce a fleet’s footprint. Renewable fuels are a great option for them to cut emissions without losing performance.
What Are Renewable Fuels?
Renewable fuels, or biofuels, are made from natural sources like plants, animal waste, and other materials that can break down easily. They’re different from fossil fuels, like gasoline and diesel, because they come from things that can grow back or be replaced, making them better for the environment. Here are some common types:
Biodiesel
Biodiesel is a type of fuel made from natural oils like vegetable oils or animal fats. These oils go through a process that turns them into fuel that can be used in diesel engines. The great thing about biodiesel is that it can be mixed with regular diesel fuel, so there’s no need to make major changes to diesel engines. This helps reduce harmful emissions that contribute to air pollution. For example, trucks or buses that run on diesel can use biodiesel blends to be a bit more environmentally friendly.
Renewable Diesel
Renewable diesel is similar to biodiesel, but it’s made using a different process. The result is a fuel that’s chemically the same as regular diesel, which means it works in any engine that runs on diesel. What makes renewable diesel better is that it has a much smaller carbon footprint, which means it produces less pollution. Because of this, it’s considered a “greener” option for companies that rely on diesel engines.
Ethanol
Ethanol is a renewable fuel made from plants like corn, sugarcane, or other crops. It’s often blended with gasoline and used in regular cars. When ethanol is mixed with gasoline, it helps reduce the harmful gases that come from burning fuel. For example, you might see a fuel at the gas station labeled E10 or E15, which means it’s 10% or 15% ethanol mixed with gasoline. Ethanol is a common way to make car fuel a little more eco-friendly without needing to change anything about the cars themselves.
Renewable Natural Gas (RNG)
Renewable Natural Gas, or RNG, is made from organic waste, such as food scraps, animal manure, or the gases that come from landfills. This waste naturally releases methane, which is a powerful greenhouse gas. RNG captures this methane and turns it into a cleaner version of natural gas. This means that RNG can be used to power things like homes, vehicles, or industries that rely on natural gas, but with less environmental harm. It’s a smart way to take waste that would otherwise pollute the air and turn it into useful energy.
The Environmental Benefits of Using Renewable Fuels
The biggest reason to switch to renewable fuels is that they are better for the environment. When you burn fossil fuels like gasoline or diesel, they release a lot of greenhouse gasses (GHGs), which trap heat in the atmosphere and cause climate change. Renewable fuels, on the other hand, produce much lower levels of these harmful gasses.
For example, using biodiesel can cut down greenhouse gas emissions by about 86% compared to regular diesel. Renewable diesel can reduce emissions by around 75%. This makes a huge difference in lowering the overall carbon footprint, which is the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses released into the air.
But it’s not just about GHGs. Renewable fuels also produce less harmful pollution, like soot and sulfur dioxide, which are common with traditional diesel fuels. These pollutants can lower air quality and cause health problems, especially for people with asthma or other respiratory issues. By using renewable fuels, we can improve the air we breathe and reduce health risks linked to diesel exhaust. In the long run, this could mean fewer cases of lung disease and other health issues caused by pollution.
How Fleet Managers Can Use Renewable Fuels
Check Current Fuel Use and Emissions
The first step is to understand how much fuel your fleet uses and how many emissions it produces. An emissions audit can help you see which vehicles or equipment create the most emissions so you can target them for renewable fuel use.
Consider Renewable Diesel and Biodiesel
Renewable diesel and biodiesel are great options for fleet managers. Both types of fuel work with existing diesel engines, so you won’t need to spend money on new vehicles. Start by slowly adding renewable diesel or biodiesel blends to your fueling plan and watch the results.
Work With Renewable Fuel Suppliers
Teaming up with a reliable supplier like Star Oilco is key to getting a steady supply of quality renewable fuels. Star Oilco offers options like biodiesel and renewable diesel that fit various industries. Working with experts helps you find the best fuels for your fleet.
Include Renewable Fuels in Your Sustainability Goals
Set clear goals for reducing emissions using renewable fuels as part of your overall sustainability plan. Fleet managers can track their progress and share these results in corporate sustainability reports. Customers and stakeholders care more about companies with strong environmental practices.
Take Advantage of Incentives
Many states and local governments provide incentives and rebates for using renewable fuels. Fleet managers should look into these programs to help lower the costs of switching to renewable fuels. These programs not only make it cheaper but also help speed up the shift to cleaner transportation.
Why Fleet Managers Should Act Now
The transportation industry is one of the biggest contributors to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and that’s why fleet managers have an important role in building a more sustainable future. By switching their fleets to renewable fuels, they can significantly reduce their carbon footprint, comply with strict environmental laws, and improve their company’s image as an eco-friendly business.
As renewable fuel technology continues to improve, it’s becoming easier and more beneficial to make the switch. Using renewable fuels not only helps lower emissions, but it also gives businesses a competitive advantage. More and more customers and clients prefer to support companies that are committed to protecting the environment, and using renewable fuels is a strong way to show that commitment.
In addition to cutting emissions, renewable fuels help keep fleet operations running smoothly and efficiently. Fleet managers can make a real difference by reducing their fleet’s impact on the environment, which is a major step toward sustainability. Plus, as renewable fuels become more widely available, they’re a practical choice for meeting both business and environmental goals.
For more information about how renewable fuels can benefit your fleet, it’s worth exploring how they can help you stay ahead in the industry while doing your part for the planet.
