City's use of biodiesel eliminates 4,000 tonnes of emissions annually

Summary: Starting May 1st, 50 public transit buses will be fuelled with biodiesel as part of the City's ongoing efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) and to reduce dependence on non-renewable fossil fuels.

Starting May 1st, 50 public transit buses will be fuelled with biodiesel as part of the City's ongoing efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) and to reduce dependence on non-renewable fossil fuels. The City will use a biodiesel blend
of 5% soy and 95% petroleum diesel. This product reduces emissions of hydrocarbons,
carbon monoxide and particulate matter.

"In October 2007, another 189 buses will be powered with this renewable and
environmentally friendly fuel," said Councillor Peggy Feltmate, Vice-Chair of the
City's Planning and Environment Committee, at Ottawa's annual Eco-Stewardship Fair.
"By September 2008, our entire bus fleet will run on biodiesel and reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions by 4,000 tonnes a year."

As of May 1st, the City will be using 3.5 million litres of biodiesel per year. The reduction in GHGs for these 50 buses alone is the equivalent of taking 90 cars off the road annually. It is all part of the City's commitment to using clean, green technology to improve our environment.

"When the entire fleet of buses is powered by biodiesel, it will be equivalent to taking over 1,000 cars off the road annually, " added Councillor Feltmate. "This
means our air will be cleaner and we will all breathe a little easier."

The City's Fleet Services Branch has been studying the use of biodiesel for two years as part of the City's Council-approved Fleet Emissions Reduction Strategy and will continue to work towards using even higher blend ratios. With this ongoing commitment the City will further reduce GHGs emissions from the transit fleet by at least 9%, or over 9,000 tonnes a year, which will help achieve the target of a 20% GHGs reduction set in the City's 20/20 Official Plan.

Since 2002, the City has been actively implementing the Fleet Emission Reduction Strategy. The City is committed to reducing emissions and saving money on fuel costs through a variety of programs including using ethanol-blended gasoline and ultra-low sulphur diesel, implementing an Idling Policy for City vehicles, as well as purchasing new enviro-friendly vehicles like a Smart Car for By-Law and Regulatory Services.

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