G&D Integrated is a good case study on how there are many reasons today’s most progressive fleets are embracing environmental sustainability. On the one hand, the for-hire carrier believes doing what it can to protect the environment is the right thing to do. On the other hand, it’s found that it’s also good for business.
“Many of our customers analyze their entire supply chain for environmental impact, and some have even gone as far as to incorporate sustainability into their purchasing departments,” says Vince Buonassi, group manager of transportation programs at G&D Integrated, which is based in central Illinois.
One of the company’s key sustainability efforts is running its fleet of more than 400 diesel vehicles on a blend of 20% biodiesel and 80% petroleum diesel, which is known as B20. Biodiesel has lower hydrocarbon, particulate matter and carbon monoxide emissions than other fuels.
“We’ve noticed that there are more and more customers asking us to participate in their sustainability efforts,” Buonassi says. “We’ve actually been awarded freight based on our biodiesel usage.”
Fleets of all stripes—commercial, private and public—are jumping on the sustainability trend. In some cases, it’s not just about organizational philosophy and customer demand. It’s also a matter of meeting regulations.
Low carbon policies are in place in California, Oregon and the Canadian province of British Columbia. Fleets outside these areas cannot afford to ignore these measures. Shelby Neal, director of state governmental affairs at the National Biodiesel Board, reports that “there is a distinct growth trend with respect to low carbon policies.”
The California Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) serves as a good case study on the role biodiesel is playing in carbon cutting policies. The LCFS aims to reduce the carbon intensity of transportation fuels by 10% by 2020. Obligated parties and fleets are turning to biodiesel as a solution.
Biodiesel volumes in California increased 1,196% over the past six years, and the average biodiesel blend level in the state recently experienced a 65.7% year-over-year increase.
This article was contributed by Jon Scharingson, executive director of sales and marketing for Renewable Energy Group, Inc. You can read more about the LCFS, including why fleets across North America are paying attention to what’s happening in California, in the new white paper from REG, “Lower Carbon Intensity Solution—How Biodiesel Has Become the Answer to Emission-Cutting Initiatives.” Download it here.
