Katerina Swanson
School buses are the safest way to transport children to and from school. However, diesel-powered school buses are a significant source of harmful emissions, contributing to air pollution and causing negative health effects in children. To address this issue, many school districts in the US are transitioning from diesel to biodiesel fuel, which offers a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative. Biodiesel is made from plant-based oils, recycled fats, and greases, and can be used in any diesel engine without modifications. This simple switch can lead to a significant reduction in emissions, improving air quality and children's health, while also lowering costs for school districts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of school buses in the US | 440,000-500,000 |
| Number of children transported by school buses in the US | 20,000,000-25,000,000 |
| Percentage of school buses that run on diesel | 90%-99% |
| States with the most school buses | Texas, New York, Illinois, Ohio |
| States that have replaced old diesel school buses with more energy-efficient buses | Oregon, Michigan, Arizona, Nebraska |
| Percentage of emissions reduction by biodiesel | 30% |
| Percentage of biodiesel blends accepted by bus manufacturers | 20% |
| Number of school buses in the Chicagoland area | 2,000 |
| Number of diesel buses in the Edmonds School District | 116 |
| Percentage of emissions reduction by Diesel Oxidation Catalyst | 20%-30% |
| Cost of Diesel Oxidation Catalyst | $5,000-$10,000 |
| Percentage of emissions reduction by Particulate Matter Filter | 60%-90% |
| Cost of Particulate Matter Filter | $5,000-$10,000 |
| Year when Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Air Program hosted a workshop on reducing diesel emissions | 2006 |
| Year when EPA launched the Clean School Bus USA fleet upgrade program | 2013 |
| Number of districts in Wisconsin awarded rebates from the EPA for electric school buses in 2022 | 15 |
| Number of electric school buses expected to go into operation in Wisconsin during the 2024 school year | 65 |
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What You'll Learn
Biodiesel blends can be used in existing diesel engines
Diesel is the predominant power source for school buses, with over 90% of half a million school buses in the US running on diesel fuel. Diesel engines are favoured due to their low-cost ownership and operation, durability, efficiency, reliability, and fuel safety. However, diesel-powered school buses have been linked to negative health effects in children, including impacts on mood, lung development, and increased risk of lung cancer.
As a result, many school districts have been transitioning to biodiesel blends to reduce emissions and decrease costs. Biodiesel blends can be used in existing diesel engines without the need for fuel system modifications or a fleet overhaul. Biodiesel works just like petroleum diesel, except that it is sourced from plant-based oils, recycled fats, and greases instead of fossil fuels. It can be blended with or fully replace petroleum diesel, resulting in lower emissions and a cleaner burn.
For example, a bus company in Illinois found that biodiesel reduced emissions by 30% with no modifications required to its buses. Similarly, the Edmonds School District in Washington state adopted a B20 blend of biodiesel and petroleum diesel to meet its emissions goals. In addition to environmental benefits, biodiesel can also offer economic advantages. Every 100 million gallons of biodiesel production supports jobs and provides economic opportunities for farmers, producers, and distributors.
Biodiesel blends have also been proven and accepted by bus manufacturers, with blends of up to 20% biodiesel and 80% conventional diesel fuel being approved for use in any diesel engine, old or new. This flexibility allows school districts to reduce emissions from their existing fleets without incurring additional costs for modifications or upgrades. As a result, the use of renewable bio-based diesel fuels is expected to increase significantly in the coming years.
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Biodiesel reduces harmful emissions
Biodiesel is an effective alternative to diesel that offers several benefits, including reduced harmful emissions. In the context of school buses, biodiesel is a viable option to reduce emissions and improve air quality for students and the wider community.
Biodiesel is sourced and made from plant-based oils, recycled fats, and greases instead of fossil fuels. It can be blended with or fully replace petroleum diesel, significantly reducing environmental impact. This is particularly relevant for school buses, as diesel engines are commonly used in this sector. By adopting biodiesel blends, school districts can lower emissions without the need for costly modifications or upgrades to their existing fleets.
The use of biodiesel has been shown to reduce emissions by up to 30%, with some studies indicating even higher reductions of up to 74% for 100% biodiesel usage. This reduction in emissions is primarily due to the lower levels of particulates, sulfur dioxide, and air toxics produced when compared to fossil fuel-derived diesel. Additionally, biodiesel has a higher cetane rating, resulting in easier engine starting and better lubricity, which can lead to reduced engine wear and a longer engine life.
While biodiesel offers significant emissions reduction benefits, it is important to acknowledge that the specific feedstock used can impact emission levels. For example, biodiesel blends made from Jatropha, algae, and palm oils have shown reduced CO, HC, CO2, and smoke emissions compared to diesel fuel. However, NOx emissions from biodiesel blends may be higher than those from diesel fuel. Overall, the choice of biodiesel blends and feedstock should consider the specific emission targets and local environmental priorities.
The adoption of biodiesel in school buses has gained traction, with several states, including Oregon, Michigan, Arizona, and Nebraska, taking initiatives to replace old diesel school buses with more energy-efficient alternatives. Biodiesel's environmental benefits, coupled with its compatibility with existing diesel engines and potential economic advantages, make it a compelling choice for school districts aiming to reduce their environmental footprint without incurring high modification costs.
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Biodiesel is cost-effective
Secondly, biodiesel is derived from plant-based oils, recycled fats, and greases, which can be sourced locally, supporting local economies and creating jobs. According to the Clean Fuels Alliance America, every 100 million gallons of biodiesel and renewable diesel production supports 3,200 jobs and $1.09 billion in economic opportunities for farm workers, producers, and distributors. This local production and supply chain can help reduce transportation and import costs associated with fossil fuels.
Thirdly, biodiesel offers a simple and cost-effective solution for school districts to reduce emissions and improve air quality without having to wait for external funding or invest in new, expensive electric buses. School bus fleets can immediately adopt biodiesel blends, such as B20, which is a blend of 20% recycled biodiesel and 80% petroleum diesel, to reduce emissions by up to 30% without any modifications to their existing buses. This allows school districts to meet environmental goals and comply with emissions regulations without incurring high upfront costs for new vehicles or technologies.
Additionally, biodiesel can provide long-term cost savings by extending the useful life of existing diesel engines. As emissions regulations become more stringent, school districts may face challenges in operating older diesel buses. By switching to biodiesel, they can not only reduce emissions but also extend the usable life of their current fleets, postponing the need for costly vehicle replacements.
Lastly, biodiesel can help reduce fuel costs for school bus fleets. While the price of biodiesel may vary depending on market conditions and policies, it offers a renewable and environmentally friendly alternative to diesel. With the growing demand for biodiesel and supportive policies, the production and adoption of biodiesel are expected to increase, leading to potential cost savings and price stability in the long run.
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Biodiesel is better for children's health
Biodiesel is a better option for children's health for several reasons. Firstly, it reduces harmful emissions, which have been linked to adverse health effects in children, such as respiratory issues and an enhanced risk of lung cancer. Biodiesel blends have been shown to reduce emissions by up to 85%, with one study finding a 30% reduction in emissions when using biodiesel. This can lead to improved air quality and potentially reduce the prevalence of respiratory symptoms in children with asthma.
Secondly, biodiesel is safer to handle, store, and transport than petroleum diesel due to its higher flashpoint, making it less combustible. This reduces the risk of fires and explosions, which is crucial for school buses transporting children. Additionally, biodiesel has better lubricity, resulting in less wear and potentially longer engine life. This means that school districts can reduce costs and simplify fueling without the need for fuel system modifications or a fleet overhaul.
Furthermore, biodiesel is produced from plant-based oils, recycled fats, and greases, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels. This has a positive energy balance, with soybean biodiesel yielding more energy than the fossil energy consumed in its production. By using renewable resources, biodiesel helps to address the scarcity of fossil fuels and strengthens national energy security.
While there are some potential indirect effects on human health, such as increased nitrate concentrations in water, the overall benefits of biodiesel for children's health are significant. Biodiesel reduces harmful emissions, improves air quality, and lowers the risk of exposure to toxic compounds. Therefore, biodiesel is a preferable option to traditional diesel fuel when considering the health and safety of children utilizing school bus transportation.
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$197
Biodiesel is made from plant-based oils and recycled fats
Biodiesel is a renewable fuel that can be used in place of, or blended with, petroleum diesel. It is made from plant-based oils and recycled fats and greases, rather than fossil fuels. Vegetable oils, including soybean, rapeseed, sunflower, and palm oil, are the main feedstocks for biodiesel production. In the US, soybean oil is the most commonly used oil. Other countries also use rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, and palm oil. Waste vegetable oil is also used to produce biodiesel, although the available supply is much less than the amount of petroleum-based fuel burned for transport and home heating.
Animal fats are another important source of biodiesel. These fats are a by-product of meat production and cooking. While it would not be efficient to raise animals solely for their fat, using the by-product adds value to the livestock industry. Chicken fat, for example, is used to produce biodiesel. In one instance, a plant in the US is being built with the intention of producing 11.4 million litres of biodiesel from the estimated 1 billion kg of chicken fat produced annually at a local poultry plant.
There are other, less conventional sources of biodiesel. Fats, oils, and grease recovered from sewage can be turned into biodiesel. In 2008, a group at the Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow isolated large amounts of lipids from single-celled fungi and turned them into biodiesel. Algae are also a potential source of biodiesel due to their high oil yields.
Biodiesel has numerous benefits for school buses. It can be used in any traditional diesel engine without modifications, meaning existing fleets can take advantage of the emissions benefits of biodiesel. Biodiesel has a higher cetane rating than petroleum diesel, making it easier to start and turn over the engine, and it has better lubricity, resulting in less wear and a potentially longer engine life. Biodiesel also reduces the risks of harmful emissions while decreasing costs and simplifying fueling.
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Frequently asked questions
Biodiesel is a type of fuel that is sourced and made from plant-based oils, recycled fats, and greases, instead of fossil fuels.
Biodiesel is better for the environment and students' health. Diesel is one of the largest sources of fine particle pollution, which can cause 15,000 premature deaths each year. Diesel-fueled engines emit nitrogen oxides that form ground-level ozone (smog). Biodiesel can be used in any traditional diesel equipment, and no modifications or upgrades are necessary for fleets to take advantage of the emissions benefits of biodiesel.
Yes, many school districts have been switching to biodiesel blends to reap the health and environmental benefits of this alternative fuel. In 2018, Oregon announced that it would use biodiesel in school buses, and many states have followed suit, including Michigan, Arizona, and Nebraska.
Biodiesel reduces the risks of harmful emissions while decreasing costs and simplifying fueling for school bus fleets. Biodiesel has a higher cetane rating than petroleum diesel, making it easier to start and turn over the engine, and better lubricity, resulting in less wear and a potentially longer engine life.
