Biodiesel Fuel Testing and Conversion Project is a Success
Middlebury College has switched the fuel used in furnaces around campus to B20 bio fuel - a mixture of #2 fuel oil and 20% vegetable oil. Previously, the college was using a B5 blend (5% vegetable oil).
Biodiesel has a less harmful impact on human health and reduces greenhouse gas and particulate emissions. A test burning of the B20 fuels in 21 buildings around campus was conducted as part of a research project with the Vermont Biofuels Association, the Vermont Fuel Dealers Association,The National Oilheat Resource Alliance (NORA), the Vermont Bioheat Program, the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund and Champlain Valley Heating and Plumbing. We found that the B20 fuel works well with a variety of heating equipment, which gave us the confidence to make the switch for all the furnaces on campus for buildings not connected to the central heating system.
Mike Moser, Assistant Director of Facilities Management, coordinated the project for the College and is enthusiastic about the use of biodiesel."We see this program as a great opportunity to protect the health of the Middlebury community, help the environment, and support local businesses," Moser said.
The College is also using B20 in several of its maintenance vehicles with diesel engines. It burned 175,000 gallons of B20 in 2005-06.