Operators of diesel-powered fleets looking to help the environment and maybe their own best interests need to know about a one-day workshop explaining the ins and outs of using Biodiesel in Toronto's Royal York Hotel on Tuesday, May 24.Essentially, Biodiesel ''is a renewable fuel that can be made from Soybean oil, Canola oil, recycled cooking oils or animal fat. When Biodiesel is used in either it's pure form or blended with petroleum diesel fuel, it will reduce the harmful exhaust emissions that contribute to the production of smog.''That is an explanation of the system by Ken Dack of Fleet Challenge Canada, the group that's running the all-day (from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) seminar, which costs $160.50 (the $150,00 fee plus the GST). For diesel operators wondering what they have to do to use Biodiesel fuel, Dack says: ''Basically all one needs to do is take the cap off the fuel tank and fill up with Biodiesel. No modifications or adjustments are required to either the engine, the fuel system components or the fuel storage and distribution system.''While Biodiesel can be a little more expensive per-litre than regular diesel when purchased in small quantities (it runs to $1 per litre for the soy-based mix, 89 cents for canola-based, or 79 cents for recycled oil), Dack says it also provides lots of plusses for businesses and groups.He points out that using Biodiesel gives them the opportunity to:
- get involved in improving air quality
- help slow down the rate of global warming
- demonstrate social responsibility
- aid in improving the health of Canadian Citizens, and
- be less dependent on petroleum, which is a limited resource