BIOFUELS AT HARVARD
Harvard uses two types of biodiesel: B20 in diesel powered vehicles (such as shuttles and trucks) and straight vegetable oil in one of the recycling trucks.
B20 in Diesel Powered Vehicles
Biodiesel began fueling the 25 diesel vehicles in Harvard’s fleet during Spring 2004 as the University Operations Services constructed its very own biodiesel filling station. The 20% soybean oil, 80% diesel oil blend promises to reduce the emissions of particulates and greenhouse gases. The University saves an estimated 15 cents per gallon with biodiesel over the cost of diesel fuel at retail pumps.
Work first began on this project in Summer 2001 when HGCI researched various alternative fuel vehicles. The team determined that biodiesel out-performed conventional gasoline, diesel fuel, compressed natural gas and electric vehicles in relation to net environmental impact and cost.
University Operations Services' Transportation Services was so impressed with by this research that they became seriously committed to bringing biodiesel to Harvard University. Over an 18 month period, a trial was undertaken, an assessment of fuel access and storage options was conducted, all necessary approvals were gained, and an onsite facility established. For more information, visit the UOS Transportation Services website.
More Information:
Goodbye Black Smoke, Hello Green Transit, Harvard Gazette
Soybean Fuel Powers Harvard Shuttles, Harvard Crimson
Bye Bye Diesel, Hello Soybeans, Cambridge Chronicle
Harvard University: Biodiesel & Sustainability, Dave Harris powerpoint
Straight Vegetable Oil in Recycling Truck
In September 2006, one of Harvard's recycling trucks was converted to run on waste vegetable oil from Annenberg Dining Hall. The project, first proposed by two students, was implemented by Harvard Recycling, HGCI, and the Harvard Transportation Services. The truck runs as well on straight vegetable oil (SVO) as it did on diesel and the exhaust smells much better. 
More Information:
Dining Hall Drippings Power Garbage Truck, Harvard Crimson
French Fries, Other Vegetable Oil Products, Help Fuel Recycling Effort, Harvard Gazette
Benefits of Biofuels
- Biodiesel is non-toxic and biodegradable.
- B20 reduces total hydrocarbon emissions, NOx, sulfur, carbon monoxide, smoke, and particulate matter.
- Net CO2 emissions are reduced by 15.66% (B100 reduces net CO2 by 78%) due to carbon recycling by the soy plants.
- Environmental benefits increase as greater percentages of biodiesel are used.
- Biodiesel that is purchased in Massachusetts is grown and processed in the United States.
Map of renewable energy projects at Harvard
More Information