Biodiesel: An organically produced, renewable resource, such as vegetable oils or recycled animal fat greases, that can be chemically transformed into clean-burning fuel.

The idea of using biodiesel for powering equipment such as vehicles and machines has been around for a handful of years. The product is renewable, so we can produce more to replace what we use. It’s one of the safest fuels to store and handle. It’s biodegradable. It has a net positive energy balance of 3.24 : 1, meaning that for every unit of energy input, 3.24 units of energy are produced. This is more efficient than petroleum fuels. Biodiesel is one of the most thoroughly tested alternative fuels on the market, and 100-percent biodiesel can result in an 86 percent reduction in greenhouse gases compared to fossil diesel.

Biodiesel can be used in pure form (B100) or blended with petroleum at any concentration in most injection pump diesel applications. These blends of biodiesel and conventional hydrocarbon-based diesel are the most typical types of usage distributed in the U.S. Blends of less than 20 percent biodiesel (B20) can be used in diesel equipment with only minor modifications. However, extremely cold temperatures can cause the mixture of chemicals in biodiesel to freeze. In the past, ski resorts have tried B10 and B20 mixtures for snow removal equipment and snowcats, but trials were often unsuccessful. In extreme cold, the high-bio-content mixtures were susceptible to freezing.

Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort in California has found B5 (5% biodiesel, 95% petrodiesel) to be a winning combination. In the 2010-11 season, Sierra-at-Tahoe made the switch to operate its snow removal equipment and snowcats on the B5 blend, with equipment up to 25 years old. The B5 alternative is not only good for the environment, since B5 reduces the pollution from CO2 slightly, but because it minimizes the risk of any damage to the fuel systems of the older equipment. The lower biodiesel content, compared to a B10 or B20 mixture, also reduces the risk of cold weather fuel gelling. From the newest snowcats to the oldest snow removal equipment, the new fuel has been a huge success.

One of the major keys to that success was making sure the fuel is handled and stored in the best manner. The resort works directly with its fuel supplier, Bently Bio Fuels, to ensure the transition was smooth and continues to operate efficiently.

In a further attempt to be responsible environmental stewards, Sierra-at-Tahoe recycles the cooking oil straight from their kitchens to Bently Bio Fuels and, in return, gets biodiesel back.

There is a slight price penalty to pay for this approach to renewable energy, but it is partially offset by the reduction in cost for disposing of cooking oils. The full circle effect helps the resort maximize the use of its resources while reducing their overall carbon footprint.