ISA and American Lung Association to launch B20 Club

In Illinois, US, the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) and the American Lung Association have launched the B20 Club to help recognise those local fleets running on blends of 20% biodiesel.

'B20 offers economic and environmental benefits to the fleets that use it, so we wanted to bring these leading fleets together and recognise them for taking the initiative to move up to B20,' says Rebecca Richardson, ISA biodiesel lead. 'We'll also provide resources for our B20 Club members, and others in the state, who have questions about how to use biodiesel in their fleets.'

B20 is used in more than 2,700 vehicles managed by six inaugural B20 Club members, totalling more than 2.2 million gallons. This translates into an estimated annual reduction in CO2 emissions of more than 253 tonnes.

The club members include: The Fleet Services Division of Public Works Department in the City of Evanston, Illinois; Cook-Illinois; Peoria CityLink; S.K. Davison; and G&D Integrated. According to John DeRosa, director of environmental programmes, American Lung Association, more members will be welcomed to the group in August this year.

'Biodiesel use offers proven emission and health benefits such as reduced particulate matter, hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide, and plays a role in carbon dioxide reduction,' DeRosa says. 'When you consider the significant impact of switching to a cleaner burning fuel, it really does make sense.'